Integrating Sufi Ethics into Higher Education in South Asia: A Curriculum Analysis

Abstract

This research critically examines the Islamic Studies curricula at universities in the Indian Subcontinent, with a particular focus on India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, concentrating on Islamic spirituality and ethics. The study identifies a significant gap in the representation of Islamic subjects in higher education, despite the large Muslim population of approximately 600 million in the Indian subcontinent. Political and secular influences have contributed to the underdevelopment of Islamic Studies programs, particularly in comparison to regions such as the Middle East, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Turkey, where Islamic Studies faculties are more prevalent. Islamic Studies are typically part of broader academic disciplines in the subcontinent, with an evident shift from traditional, classical syllabi to more secular, modern courses. As a result, key areas such as Islamic ethics, spirituality, and the purification of the soul (Tazkiyat-un-Nafs) are underrepresented in university curricula. Madrassas, however, continue to emphasise these areas, highlighting a disparity between formal university education and religious institutions. The methodology of this study involved a qualitative analysis of the existing Islamic Studies syllabi from universities across the region. A comprehensive content analysis was conducted to identify key themes, gaps, and curricular shifts. This research addresses the lack of academic inquiry and provides a detailed reference for developing more inclusive and comprehensive Islamic Studies frameworks. The study recommends integrating spiritual and ethical courses into higher education curricula, advocating for a balanced approach that nurtures intellectual and moral development. This research contributes to advancing Islamic Studies in the subcontinent and offers insights for shaping educational frameworks that promote holistic academic and spiritual growth, with specific implications for universities in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Keywords

• Sufism
• Indian Subcontinent
• Higher Education
• Ethics
• Curriculum Development

Güney Asya’da Yükseköğretime Sufi Etiğin Entegrasyonu: Bir Müfredat Analizi

Abstract

Bu araştırma, Hint Alt Kıtası’ndaki üniversitelerdeki İslami Çalışmalar müfredatlarını, özellikle Hindistan, Pakistan ve Bangladeş’teki kurumları, İslami maneviyat ve etik üzerine odaklanarak ele almaktadır. Çalışma, Hint Alt Kıtası’ndaki yaklaşık 600 milyonluk büyük bir Müslüman nüfusuna rağmen, yükseköğretimde İslami konuların temsili konusunda önemli bir boşluk olduğunu tespit etmektedir. Politik ve seküler etkiler, İslami Çalışmalar programlarının gelişmemiş olmasına katkıda bulunmuş; özellikle Orta Doğu, Malezya, Endonezya ve Türkiye gibi bölgelerde İslami Çalışmalar fakültelerinin yaygın olduğu bir karşılaştırma yapılmıştır. Hint Alt Kıtası’ndaki İslami Çalışmalar genellikle daha geniş akademik disiplinlerin bir parçası olarak yer almakta ve geleneksel, klasik müfredatlardan daha seküler, modern kurslara doğru belirgin bir kayma yaşanmaktadır. Bu durum, İslami etik, maneviyat ve nefs tezkiyesi gibi temel alanların üniversite müfredatlarında yeterince yer bulmamasına yol açmaktadır. Ancak, medreseler bu alanlara hâlâ önem vererek, resmi üniversite eğitimi ile dini kurumlar arasında bir uyumsuzluk ortaya koymaktadır. Bu çalışmanın metodolojisi, bölgedeki üniversitelerdeki mevcut İslami Çalışmalar müfredatlarının nitel bir analizini içermektedir. Anahtar temalar, boşluklar ve müfredat değişikliklerini belirlemek amacıyla kapsamlı bir içerik analizi yapılmıştır. Araştırma, bu alandaki akademik incelemelerin eksikliğini gidermeyi amaçlamakta ve daha kapsayıcı ve bütünsel İslami Çalışmalar çerçevelerinin geliştirilmesine yönelik detaylı bir referans sunmaktadır. Çalışma, yükseköğretim müfredatlarına manevi ve etik derslerin entegrasyonunu önererek, hem entelektüel hem de ahlaki gelişimi teşvik eden dengeli bir yaklaşımı savunmaktadır. Bu araştırma, Hint Alt Kıtası’ndaki İslami Çalışmaların ilerlemesine katkıda bulunmakta ve Hindistan, Pakistan ve Bangladeş’teki üniversiteler için bütünsel akademik ve manevi büyümeyi teşvik eden eğitimsel çerçevelerin şekillendirilmesine yönelik önemli içgörüler sunmaktadır.

Keywords

• Tasavvuf
• Hint Alt Kıtası
• Yükseköğretim
• Etik
• Müfredat Geliştirme

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