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The Impact of Educational Facilities on Academic Performance of Muslim Students in Public Secondary Schools in Kanifing, The Gambia
(International Open University (IOU), 2026) Sankoh, Abass
This study examined the impact of educational facilities on the academic performance of secondary school Muslim students in The Gambia. A quantitative, non-experimental correlational research design was adopted to determine the relationship between educational facilities and academic performance. The population of the study comprised Muslim students enrolled in twelve senior secondary schools in Kanifing, The Gambia. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, a total sample of 400 students was selected. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with established reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha ≥ 0.70) and content validity, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and simple linear regression.
The findings revealed that basic facilities such as classrooms and sanitation were perceived as moderately adequate, while specialized academic facilities, particularly science laboratories and ICT laboratories, were rated as very poor. Library facilities were also perceived as inadequate. A significant positive relationship was found between overall educational facility quality and students’ academic performance. Among the facility domains, science laboratories and library resources showed the strongest associations with academic achievement. Educational facilities were further found to significantly predict students’ academic performance, accounting for approximately 50.4% of the variation in students’ outcomes.
It was recommended that investment in science laboratories, ICT facilities, and library resources be prioritized, alongside improved maintenance of existing educational facilities.
Using AI for Islamic Jurisprudence Questions: Comparative Analysis of Domain Specific Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) vs. Generic LLM
(International Open University (IOU), 2026) Shahzad, Khurram; Ashraf, Adnan; Salama, Muhammad
The rapid growth of large language models such as ChatGPT, Claude and Llama have unlocked a range of opportunities in the text generation. However, these models are trained on vast unfiltered data from Internet which is useful in many generic applications and can cause fabricated or distorted information on a complex query in a specific domain. In a highly regulated and sensitive domain of Islamic Jurisprudence this deficiency can have serious consequences. To address this issue, this research explored the application of AI on Islamic jurisprudence text using domain-specific AI capabilities which surpasses the capabilities general-purpose Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. A POC experiment has been conducted to show how a domain specific AI can outperform generic Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT. The results of the experiment demonstrated that a retrieval‑augmented generation (RAG) system, fine‑tuned on a curated corpus of Islamic jurisprudence, consistently outperformed and provided accurate answers compared to generic ChatGPT. The superior performance is due to data access from verified texts and its ability to retrieve contextual passages for indexing and querying; thereby reducing hallucinations. In addition, future research should also focus on developing and training AI models for various schools of Islamic Jurisprudence which can enable a collaborative “multi‑school AI council” that can address the challenges of the contemporary and future jurisprudential issues. Educational institutions must embed AI literacy into their curricula so that emerging scholars understand both the capabilities and the limitations of these systems and can anticipate the societal impacts of their deployment.
Applying Integrated Islamic Non-Punitive and Punitive Approaches to Curb Unethical AI Practices in Muslim Academia
(International Open University (IOU), 2026-06) Durojaye, DhoonNoorayn
Modern web-based AI chatbots are powerful tools for teaching, learning, assessment, and research. However, their unethical use threatens academic integrity. This position paper argues for the efficacy of Islamic Crime Prevention Framework (ICPF)—a newly introduced Islamized sociological framework—in addressing AI-assisted academic misconduct, particularly in Muslim academia. Using a normative approach, the study establishes that AI-assisted academic misconduct is a novel form of misconduct. It recommends updating academic policies in line with the ICPF to curb unethical AI use. A proposed reference model is suggested for Muslim educational institutions, especially in open distance and e-learning (ODeL), to uphold academic integrity and ensure positive societal contributions.
STUDI ANALISIS PROGRAM TAPERA DALAM PERSPEKTIF MAQAṢID SYARIAT
(2025-08-21) Mahmody , Hafiz
The objective of this study is to analyze the Tapera (Public Housing Savings) policy and examine the implications of its implementation from the perspective of Maqaṣid Shariah. This research also aims to assess the element of public benefit (maslahah ‘ammah) contained within the Tapera policy and evaluate the extent to which its implementation aligns with the values of maqaṣid. Furthermore, the study seeks to identify an appropriate model of Tapera policy implementation that corresponds to maqaṣid shariah principles and to provide alternative policy recommendations that are fair and compliant with Islamic law, so that the program can truly guarantee the fulfillment of society’s basic needs in a just and beneficial manner. The method used in this thesis is qualitative, with a descriptive-analytical approach. This approach is chosen to thoroughly describe and analyze the wage deduction mechanism in the Tapera program through the lens of Maqaṣid Shariah, particularly in terms of benefit and social justice. Relevant data and theories are compiled and analyzed normatively to evaluate the conformity of the policy with the foundational principles of Islamic law.The findings indicate that although the Tapera policy is normatively founded on noble objectives and strong legal grounds for fulfilling the right to adequate housing, its implementation raises several issues when viewed through the perspective of Maqaṣid Shariah. It is therefore recommended that the Tapera policy be reconstructed by considering justice and participants’ economic capacity, especially for low-income earners, to avoid undue burdens. Fund management must also be transparent and accountable as an application of the principle of trust and to prevent gharar. The integration of Shariah values serves as a strategic step to ensure the alignment of the program's implementation with the aims of maqaṣid shariah.
KONSEP REZEKI DALAM AL-QUR`AN: STUDI KOMPARATIF ANTARA TAFSIR AL-MUNIR DAN TAFSIR AL-AZHAR
(2025-08-18) Heru, Heru
This thesis examines the concept of rizq (sustenance) in the Qur`an through a comparative study of Wahbah Az-Zuhaili’s interpretation in Tafsir Al-Munir and Hamka’s in Tafsir Al-Azhar. The research addresses the academic problem of partial or misinterpretations of rizq, often narrowly viewed as material. Objectives include analyzing rizq explanations in both tafsir works, identifying similarities/differences, and assessing the understanding’s significance for Muslim religious and social life. The study uses a qualitative method with a comparative and analytical descriptive approach. Primary data sources are Tafsir Al-Munir and Tafsir Al-Azhar, focusing on 12 Qur`anic verses on rizq. Data was collected via literature review (documentation) and analyzed using content analysis. Findings show both mufassirs agree Allah is rizq’s sole, sovereign source, and rizq is a test encouraging infak (spending in charity) with a guarantee of replacement. Methodological distinctions exist. Az-Zuhaili focuses on comprehensive fiqih and atsar, while Hamka is analytical-thematic, sociological, psychological, and culturally relevant to the Nusantara context. This understanding significantly strengthens tauhid (monotheism) and tawakal (reliance on Allah), fosters gratitude, avoids baghyu (transgression), and promotes social solidarity through infak, rejecting narrow materialistic views. It is suggested that future comparative studies on rizq involve other contemporary tafsir works and interdisciplinary approaches with social sciences. Practically, it is important for Muslims to internalize rizq as a test and responsibility, and to strengthen a culture of infak that extends beyond material wealth.