TINJAUAN KEFAHAMAN PELAJAR FAKULTI PENGAJIAN ISLAM KOLEJ UNIVERSITI ISLAM PERLIS TENTANG AKIDAH AHLI SUNNAH WAL JAMAAH

A SURVEY OF STUDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF THE FACULTY OF ISLAMIC STUDIES OF PERLIS ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY COLLEGE ON THE AQIDAH OF AHLI SUNNAH WAL JAMAAH

Abstract

This study aims to identify the extent to which the students of the Bachelor of Islamic Studies program, Faculty of Islamic Studies, Kolej Universiti Islam Perlis, understand the creed of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah. Based on Abdul Shukor Husin’s research, it was found that the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah’s appreciation of the Ashairah and Maturidiah sects that are traditionally passed down from generation to generation in Malaysia has limited the true understanding of Ahli Sunnah among the general public. In their point of view, only Ashairah and Maturidiah are synonymous with Ahli Sunnah while other schools such as Salaf and Wahabiah are not considered part of Ahli Sunnah. In connection with that, a study should be conducted to assess the level of understanding of students of higher education in religious institutions about the beliefs of Ahli Sunnah and matters related to it. This qualitative study uses the interview method for the process of collecting and recording data. Some final year students of the Bachelor of Islamic Studies program, Faculty of Islamic Studies KUIPs were randomly selected to review their understanding of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah. Based on the interviews that have been conducted, it was found that the students’ understanding of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah is at a good level but still needs improvement. The results of the study also show that most of them are able to distinguish the principles and practices of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah and are mature in dealing with issues that arise. Nevertheless, some improvement efforts need to be continued to guarantee the quality of the students in appreciating the beliefs of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah. Therefore, this study suggests that several efforts can be implemented in order to improve students’ understanding of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah as a preparation for them to face society.