MENARA : Journal of Islamic and Contemporary Issues

The Desirable Model of Muslim Politicians in the Thai Context

Haris Maruesa, Ahamakosee Kasor, Abduasis Kalupea — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This research aims to study the desirable model of Muslim politicians within the Thai context. Employing a mixed methodology of qualitative research, this study examines academic journals, books, publications, related activities, research papers, academic articles, as well as concepts and theories regarding social, economic, and political development. Primary data were gathered from 25 key informants, including relatives, close friends, fellow party members, and members of the general public. The findings reveal that Thai society is inherently diverse in terms of ethnicity, religion, and cultural practices, yet heavily embraces this diversity, as every iteration of the Thai Constitution guarantees the freedom to practice varied religious beliefs. Consequently, a good politician must possess religious devotion, morality, ethics, and both social and political etiquette, firmly adhering to robust religious teachings. Furthermore, this study proposes a desirable model for Muslim politicians in the Thai context, characterized by strict adherence to the Islamic way of life. Under this model, a politician is defined as a leader imbued with responsibility, Amanah (trustworthiness), transparency, morality, and ethics. They must possess vision, experience, knowledge, capability, and efficiency, coupled with a deep understanding of politics, dedication, and self-sacrifice for social benefit. Essential traits also include active listening to resolve public issues, steadfast adherence to religious principles, clear political stances, and commitment to good governance. Ultimately, such politicians must prioritize the collective interest over personal gain, work toward reducing social inequality, and strive to seek common ground while preserving differences. They must lead society toward righteousness, demonstrate the feasibility of guiding individuals and communities toward the right path, and willingly sacrifice personal resources or entitlements for the benefit of others. Finally, they must courageously stand for justice, maintain a far-reaching vision, and actively foster social harmony through peaceful means.

Marriage Customs of the Champa People in Kampong Cham Province – Cambodia

Asnawi Abdulrashid, Abdurrohman Japakiya — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This research aims to study the provisions of marriage in Islamic Sharia, and to study the marriage customs of the people of Champa, in Kampong Cham Province, the Kingdom of Cambodia. It also aims to study the comparison between the provisions of marriage in Islamic Sharia and its application in the marriage customs of the people of Champa in Kampong Cham Province, the Kingdom of Cambodia. In this study, the researcher followed the inductive approach by collecting and extrapolating information about the topic. He also followed the descriptive analytical approach by studying the phenomena or problems, describing them, and analyzing them in a scientific manner. The research reached several results, the most important of which are: 1) The people of Champa hold their wedding parties for two days, announcing their wedding with songs morning and evening. They consider this a necessary matter, and they feel inferior and ashamed if they do not hold these parties, and the responsibility for holding them usually falls on the bride. 2) Champa women adorn themselves with blushing, bleaching, and the like at the wedding party by attaching the bride’s wigs, plucking eyebrows, installing and coloring artificial nails, and false eyelashes. They seat the newlyweds on a special seat for them, called the bride’s platform, for photography and display to those attending that party, and their friends bring gifts and other things. 3) A number of the bride's companions come to her house on the wedding night, prepare food and invite people to eat it while preparing the bride and groom's room. They stay all night until the morning. 4) One of their customs on the wedding night is that widows do not participate in the ceremony because they believe that the bride will be like them one day. 5) It is also among their customs on the wedding night that the bride’s relatives come and sit in front of the bride and groom’s room to hear the conversation that took place between them, for fear of not wanting each other.

The Role of Waqf in Developing the Local Economy in the Kingdom of Thailand (The Three Southern Provinces as an Example)

Elbachir askouri — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This research aims to achieve the following objectives: to explain the economic role of Waqf and its impact on community development, focusing on the three southern provinces of Thailand; to assess the extent of the Thai community's Waqf contributions to the economic field; and to shed light on the relationship between Waqf and the economy. Focusing on the timeframe from 1997 to the present, this study combines a descriptive-analytical approach with field studies of charitable endowment institutions within the geographical scope, alongside interviews with prominent figures in the field. The findings reveal that endowment institutions in Thailand, despite facing various challenges, play a vital role in local community development, particularly in the economic sector. To address these challenges, the researcher recommends reconsidering endowment management methods and directing a portion of the funds toward investment to ensure growth and better serve their intended purposes.

The Paradigms of Administrative Leadership: A Comparative Study Between Western Theories and Islamic Principles

Arsiyah Karima, Cheloh Khaekphong, Anis Pattanaprechawong, Muhammad Umudee — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This research article is part of a broader study on the role of administrative leadership grounded in Islamic principles in developing the competencies of educational personnel in private Islamic schools. The objective is to compare the conceptual foundations and core components of administrative leadership as articulated in Western leadership theories and in Islamic principles. The study employed a documentary research design. Data were collected from relevant sources, including the Qur’an, the Sunnah, books, research articles, academic papers, and theses. The selection of those documents followed Scott’s (1990); (2006) criteria: (1) authenticity, (2) credibility, (3) representativeness, and (4) meaning (clarity). Data analysis was conducted using content analysis and inductive analysis as the main methods, with comparative analysis employed to identify similarities and differences between the two conceptual approaches. The research findings are presented through descriptive analysis. The findings indicate that administrative leadership as conceived in Western theories and in Islamic principles shares important commonalities yet exhibits significant differences in conceptual foundations, ultimate aims, and fundamental components. Western leadership theories, being human-constructed, reject divine guidance and aim primarily at worldly success. In contrast, leadership based on Islamic principles is God-centric, integrating religious and administrative dimensions, and views every individual as a leader within the scope of their responsibilities. Consequently, its core components encompass both spiritual and behavioral dimensions. Western theories, on the other hand, emphasize skills, efficiency, and empirical outcomes. While both perspectives share certain leadership traits such as honesty and intelligence, their underlying philosophies and ultimate purposes are distinctly different.

Educational Management According to Islamic Ethics: A Case Study of a Private Islamic School Nonthaburi Province

Thanabodee Tawantharong , Abdulhakam Hengpiya, Niloh Wae-u-seng — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This research was a qualitative study aimed at examining the educational management practices based on Islamic ethical principles in an Islamic private school in Nonthaburi Province. Data were collected through in-depth interviews from 20 key informants, including 1 school director, 1 manager, 6 administrators, 6 teachers, 3 students, and 3 parents from the community. The findings revealed that the school applied six principles of Islamic ethics in its educational management. These included Ikhlas (sincerity), which emphasized the development of an integrated curriculum and transparent administration; Itqan (excellence and precision), which focused on strategic planning and diverse curriculum development; Adalah (justice), which promoted equality in teaching and personnel management; Shura (consultation), which encouraged participation and shared opinions among all stakeholders; Amanah (responsibility and trustworthiness), which established clear monitoring and supervision systems; and Muhasabah (accountability), which emphasized strict evaluation processes and transparent budget management. These principles were implemented across academic affairs, personnel administration, general administration, and budget management. In addition, the school integrated information technology and encouraged community participation. As a result, the school’s management became more effective, transparent, and continuously trusted by the community.

Preparation of Muwallad for the Market Places in Accordance to New Economic Thai-Saudi Cooperation

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The research aimed at 1) studying the knowledge on Muwallad and the situation of Muwallad. 2) Studing Muwallad's readiness on labor demand both in Thailand and Saudi Arabia. 3) Providing policy recommendations to relevant agencies. The research was mainly qualitative research with in-depth interviews and focus group interviews with Muwallad, stakeholders from both the government and private sectors, such as the Ministry of Labor Ministry of Tourism and Sports ministry of foreign affairs, and Specialists in Middle Eastern Studies, etc. The research also found academic papers and related research. In addition, this research will use a quantitative research method as a support. To support the analysis of data related to the Muwallad self-assessment, the Google Forms questionnaire will be distributed to Muwallad youths aged 17-25 who are studying at the high school and university levels from 153 samplings. The study found as the following; 1) Muwallad is a person who was born and lives in a state other than his domicile. Here are meant to people originally from the southern border provinces of Thailand who have traveled to Saudi Arabia since the generation of their grandfathers or fathers. In the children's or grandchildren's generations, they have no idea or do not think that someday they will have to return to their original homeland. Since 2015, Muwallad is required travel back to the homeland for reasons of the announcement of the Saudi Vision 2030 which requires both direct and indirect foreigners to return to their original homeland. 2) Concerning to the Muwallad's readiness in terms of knowledge, skills and characteristics, the study was conducted in two forms: an interview and answering questionnaires The two data are consistent. In detail, there may be some aspects that are moderated still in trending to a higher level of readiness in 3 specific professionals, namely hospitality, tourism and hotel, was therefore found to be consistent with qualitative data. 3) As for policy recommendations to relevant government and private agencies, it is proposed that 1) government agencies should create a Muwallad database; Requirements to work in Saudi Arabia Promotion and skill development for the Muwallad Group according to their needs. Including facilitating the delivery of Muwallad to work in Saudi Arabia. 2) educational institutions Organizing a short training course on Thai language and culture for Muwallad so that Muwallad can adapt to Thai society Accelerating measures for Muwallad youths who have passed the education system abroad to be able to transfer their qualifications and be able to continue studying in the Thai education system 3)Private organizations such as private hospitals where accept patients from different Arab countries. Muwallad's Arabic proficiency can be used to serve very well to these customers

The Development of Analytical Thinking Skills on al-Hadith Subject by Using 5W1H Technique Combined with Inquiry Learning for Secondary School Students, Year 3

Masafwan Roiti, Abdulramae Sulong — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The purpose of this research aimed to 1) develop critical thinking skills for secondary school students, year 3 through the implementation of 5W1H technique and inquiry-based learning, using the standard criterion of 70 percent, 2) compare the academic achievement in al-Hadith before and after instruction using the 5W1H technique combined with inquiry-based learning, and 3) study the students satisfaction of secondary school, year 3 in learning al-Hadith through the implementation of 5W1H technique and inquiry-based learning. The sample group for this research consisted of 31 secondary school students, year 3 from Ban Kolokakawe School, in the second semester of academic year 2023. The research instruments included: 1) an analytical thinking skills assessment form, 2) al-Hadith subject achievement test, and 3) satisfaction questionnaire regarding the learning management using the 5W1H teaching technique combined with inquiry-based learning. The statistical analysis used in this research included percentage, mean, standard deviation, and t-Test.The research findings revealed that:1. The result of developing analytical thinking skills was 84.26 percent, which was higher than the required criteria of 70 percent.2.The comparative results of academic achievement in al-Hadith subject showed that post-learning scores were higher than pre-learning scores statistically significant at 0.05.3.The students' satisfaction with learning by organizing learning using the 5W1H teaching technique together with inquiry-based learning had an average of 4.40, overall at a high level.

The Development of Learning Management of The Important Calips from Umayyah Dynasty by Jigsaw Technique for Intermediate Islamic Studies Stage Students, Year 2

Muhammad Hama, Abdulramae Sulong — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The objectives of this research were: 1) to develop and determine the efficiency of learning management plans for the at-Tarikh Subject on "The History of Major Caliphs in the Umayyad Dynasty" using the Jigsaw technique; 2) to compare students' academic achievement before and after implementing the Jigsaw learning management; and 3) to study students' satisfaction towards learning with the Jigsaw technique. The target group consisted of 30 second-year Islamic Studies (Middle Level) students at Nazree Wittaya School. The research instruments included: 1) seven Jigsaw-based learning management plans for the at-Tarikh Subject; 2) a 40-item multiple-choice academic achievement test with four options; and 3) a 10-item satisfaction questionnaire. Data were analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and dependent samples t-test. The research findings revealed that: 1) The efficiency of the Jigsaw-based learning management plans for the at-Tarikh Subject met the established criteria, with an overall efficiency of 82.33/83.25. 2) The academic achievement of students taught using the Jigsaw technique after the intervention was statistically significantly higher than before the intervention at the .01 level. 3) The students' satisfaction towards the cooperative learning management using the Jigsaw technique was at a high level.

An Analysis of the Biography of Tok Guru Haji Wan Ali bin Wan Ya'qub Al-Jambuwi and His Role in Advancing the Intellectual and Cultural Development of Islam in Pattani

Ruman Salika , Waeyusof Sidae — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This qualitative research aimed to: 1) Examine the biography, roles, and contributions of Tok Guru Haji Wan Ali bin Wan Ya’qub al-Jambuwi, and 2) Analyze his Islamic da’wah strategies and their impacts on the development of Islamic intellectual and knowledge culture in Pattani, Southern Thailand. Employing a historical research approach and content analysis, data were collected from both primary and secondary documents, complemented by in-depth interviews with 30 key informants, including alumni, academics, and local religious leaders. The findings revealed the following: 1) Biography and Social Roles, Tok Guru Haji Wan Ali was a Pondok (traditional Islamic boarding school) scholar who inherited the intellectual legacy of Pattani’s golden age of ulama. He played a prominent role as a spiritual leader and an educator dedicated to nurturing youth through faith and knowledge. He utilized the Pondok and Tadika (Islamic kindergarten/elementary) systems as primary mechanisms to preserve the Malay-Islamic identity amidst socio-political transformations. 2) Da’wah Strategies and Cultural Advancement, he employed the "Talaqqi" teaching method, which emphasizes a close mentor-disciple relationship, and adopted an intellectual da’wah approach based on the principle of moderation (Wasatiyyah), engaging in rational discussions on jurisprudence (Fiqh) and creed (Aqidah). Notably, he adapted to the digital era by integrating modern media and creative activities to effectively reach the younger generation. 3) Contributions and Impacts, his contributions led to a holistic human capital development model that integrates knowledge with morality. The youth trained under his guidance demonstrated strong volunteer spirits and social responsibility, effectively succeeding as local religious leaders. Despite facing challenges such as shifting modern values and budgetary constraints, his philosophy remains a vital paradigm for the sustainable development of Islamic intellectual culture in Pattani and the ASEAN region.

Guidelines of Developing the Process of Moral School 4+6 Model in Educational Institutions under the Narathiwat Secondary Educational Service Area Office

Royare Mahama , Ahmad Yeesunsong — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This mixed-method research seeks to investigate, compare and study the guidelines for developing the moral school process 4+6 Model in schools within the Narathiwat Secondary Educational Service Area Office. The quantitative phase applies a survey design with 350 participants, gathering data through a rating-scale questionnaire. Instrument quality was assessed using Index of Item Objective Congruence (IOC) with a range of 0.67 to 1.00 and reliability coefficient of 0.92. Descriptive statistics in the form of frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, along with inferential statistics by employing one-way ANOVA, were employed for data analysis. In qualitative phase, focus group discussions were carried out, and content analysis using inductive approach was used to analyze data, and results were explained narratively. The results indicate that 1) The overall implementation level of the 4+6 Model Moral School Development Process in educational institutions under the Narathiwat Secondary Educational Service Area Office was found to be high. 2) A comparison of the implementation levels across different school sizes revealed statistically significant differences at the 0.05 level. Additionally, differences based on the duration of participation in the Moral School Development Project were statistically significant at the 0.01 level. 3) For the effective implementation of the 4+6 Model Moral School Process, school administrators and stakeholders must acknowledge its significance, encourage participation, and prioritize student-centered approaches. Ethical leadership among administrators is essential, as they serve as role models and catalysts for the development of Moral Schools. In an effort to ensure maximum effectiveness of the 4+6 Model Moral School Process, school administrators and stakeholders must recognize its importance, promote active participation, and prioritize student-centered approaches. Moreover, ethical administration is critical as administrators are role models and significant drivers of Moral School development.

Model for the Development of Muslim Communities toward Morality and Ethics by Mosque Organizations in Phuket Province

Sodri Islam, Waeyusof Sidek, Abduasis Kalupea — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This research aimed to examine the level of knowledge and understanding, as well as to investigate the development models for Muslim communities toward morality and ethics by mosque organizations in Phuket Province. A mixed-methods research design was employed, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The research instruments included questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and non-participant observation. The research procedure was conducted in two distinct phases: Phase 1 involved studying and collecting data on the administrative and management models of mosque organizations in Phuket Province; Phase 2 comprised fieldwork research utilizing in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with Islamic religious leaders—including Imams, Khateebs, and Bilal—mosque committee members, academics, and local administrative officials. For data analysis, the qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis and presented descriptively. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, based on a 5-point Likert rating scale. The findings revealed that mosque organizations in Phuket Province actively promoted knowledge, understanding, and harmonious relationships between Muslim and non-Muslim communities within the area. Mosques served as central hubs for providing Islamic education and ethical guidance to youth and the general public. Community development toward morality and ethics was facilitated through various religious activities, such as Khutbah (sermons), Quranic instruction, Ramadan iftar activities, seminars, Dhamma lectures, training sessions, educational funds for the underprivileged, and educational field trips. Furthermore, mosque organizations functioned as central pillars in empowering constructive economic and political development driven by morality and ethics. The results of this study serve as an essential database for Imams, Khateebs, Bilal, mosque committees, and relevant stakeholders to effectively apply systematic management practices to mosque administration and community development, thereby ensuring maximum efficiency and sustainability.