Oleh: Ika Tri Susilowati, M.Pd.
In this digital and globalized era, da’wah and Islamic education are no longer confined by geographical boundaries. Islam is a religion of Rahmatan lil ‘Alamin—a mercy to all creation. In order for this noble mission to be effectively communicated on the international stage, there is a vital bridge of communication that we must master: English.
As students of Islamic Education (PAI), a question might naturally cross your mind: “Why do I need to learn English? Shouldn’t our primary focus be on Arabic and Indonesian literature?”
Undoubtedly, Arabic is the fundamental key to understanding the primary, authentic sources of Islam. However, English serves as the primary tool to project and convey that deep understanding to the wider world. Here are three compelling reasons why PAI students must become fluent in English:
- Spearheading Global Digital Da’wah
The Western world and Muslim minority communities across various parts of the globe are genuinely thirsty for authentic knowledge about Islam—an Islam that is peaceful, moderate, and inclusive. Through blog articles, YouTube videos, and international social media platforms, PAI students can directly counter various misconceptions about Islam (Islamophobia) on the global stage, offering clarity and enlightenment. - Accessing a Broader Spectrum of Academic References
A vast amount of contemporary Islamic studies, high-impact international journals (such as Scopus), and high-quality books on the sociology of religion are written in English. By mastering this language, PAI students do not merely become consumers of knowledge; they prepare themselves to be critical researchers and global thinkers who can actively contribute to scholarly discourses. - Unlocking Global Career Pathways and Overseas Scholarships
The horizon for PAI graduates is far broader than just teaching in local madrasahs. Numerous international schools, nature-based schools, and global Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are in constant search of Islamic educators who can communicate fluently in English. Furthermore, prestigious scholarship opportunities to top-tier universities worldwide are widely accessible for students possessing robust TOEFL or IELTS credentials. - By mastering English, we are effectively opening the map of the world to bring the peaceful, compassionate values of Islam wherever we set foot.
- Small Steps to Big Transformations
- Learning a language is not an innate talent; it is an enduring habit. Within our PAI department, we do not expect absolute grammatical perfection from day one. Instead, we highly value the courage to try and communicate. Let us utilize every English lecture not merely to fulfill a formality for grades, but as a long-term investment for the future of our da’wah and professional careers.
- Are you ready to inspire the world, future Islamic educators?