The Role of Religious Curricula in Technical Education in Preserving Students' Islamic Identity: Higher Technical Institutes' Curriculum as a Model

Abstract

The need to teach Islamic identity components in educational institutions, specifically the Higher Technical Institutes under the Ministry of Technical and Vocational Education, is becoming increasingly urgent. The significance of studying these components lies in preparing a generation that preserves its religious identity, adheres to its values, and remains vigilant against ideological conspiracies and attempts to erase Islamic identity. This objective can only be achieved by developing curricula with content that reinforces and preserves this identity. While teaching Arabic and Islamic studies in these institutes is a positive step, this content needs further supplementation and should be extended across multiple semesters rather than being limited to the first semester. Furthermore, it is essential to link newly emerging methods aimed at undermining the religious identity of youth with curricula that provide Islamic arguments and evidence to counter such challenges and dispel doubts.