THURSINA IIBS — A HOLISTIC AND BALANCED EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
The rapid development of science and technology has changed world civilization, our social environment, and even our families and children. We cannot avoid these changes and challenges because they have become Sunnatullah (God's law) that we must face.
As parents and Muslims, it is our responsibility to educate and prepare our children to become Muslim men and women who obey Islamic teachings and are ready to face the changes and challenges of the times. As Allah says:
وَلْيَخْشَ الَّذِينَ لَوْ تَرَكُواْ مِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ ذُرِّيَّةً ضِعَافاً خَافُواْ عَلَيْهِم| فَلْيَتَّقُواّ اللَّهَ وَلْيَقُولُواْ قَوْلاً سَدِيداً
(QS. An-Nisa: 9)
“And let those [executors and guardians] fear [injustice] as if they left weak offspring behind them and feared for them. So let them fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice.”
One of the strategic efforts in building a strong generation is to provide good and correct education. Education is expected to provide a good molding (shibghah) by organizing programs that can form spiritual and emotional maturity, sharp thinking skills, practical talents, and praiseworthy integrity. However, not all educational institutions are able to provide enough preparation. As a result, the current generation still tends to be weak, lacks confidence, and has not been able to compete at national or global levels.
To answer this concern, Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS) is here as an educational institution that is expected to prepare children and the Islamic generation. We aim to help them stand firm and confident in facing the changes and challenges of the times through an educational program that is comprehensive (holistic), balanced, relevant to modern demands, and managed accountably and effectively (well-managed). The overview of the educational philosophy at Thursina can be seen in the following diagram.
Holistic Education
Holistic education is a multidimensional educational paradigm that forms the basis of the learning process at Thursina IIBS. According to human nature, Allah SWT has blessed children with pure monotheism (tawhid), high intellectual intelligence, strong skills, positive emotions, integrity, sensitivity, and a strong physical body. All of these potentials will develop according to the education they receive.
Ideal education must be able to facilitate the maximum and comprehensive development of this basic potential. However, current educational practices tend to be partial, creating a separation between fields of knowledge that can hinder the natural development of a child. In Western countries, education tends to be secular—capable of producing smart and creative generations but weak spiritually, making them materialistic and individualistic. Meanwhile, in many Muslim countries, education is still dogmatic and conservative, producing generations that are less competent, less creative, and lack confidence.
Education at Thursina IIBS tries to improve both paradigms by making Islamic teachings (the Qur'an and Hadith) the main foundation and the center of the entire educational process. In its implementation, students go through a comprehensive and balanced learning process (ta'lim), character/adab building (ta'dib), and purification of intention and self (tazkiyah) through the students' daily worship programs.
Balanced Education
The process and goals of education at Thursina IIBS are also carried out in a balanced way. Balance, or at-tawāzun, is one of the noble principles in Islamic teachings. In the context of education, this principle means providing a comprehensive and proportional curriculum that matches human nature, with the goal of achieving happiness in this world and the hereafter. As Allah SWT says:
وَابْتَغِ فِيمَا آتَاكَ اللَّهُ الدَّارَ الْآخِرَةَ وَلَا تَنْسَ نَصِيبَكَ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا وَأَحْسِنْ كَمَا أَحْسَنَ اللَّهُ إِلَيْكَ وَلَا تَبْغِ الْفَسَادَ فِي الْأَرْضِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُفْسِدِينَ
(QS. Al-Qashash: 77)
“But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has been good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corruptors.”
Even though we apply a diverse curriculum, the educational process at Thursina IIBS is run proportionally to maintain the psychological stability and physical health of the students. Students are given specific times for worship, study, socialization, communicating with family, recreation, and rest. A balanced education guides children to become outstanding and happy individuals in this world and the hereafter.
Relevant Curriculum and Teaching Methods
In addition to a balanced process and purpose, Thursina IIBS always adapts its curriculum content and teaching methods to stay relevant with the times. An irrelevant curriculum will disadvantage students, both in facing academic exams and real-life challenges. Therefore, the review of the curriculum content must be done continuously, covering the fields of the Qur'an, Diniyah (Islamic studies), national subjects, languages, student self-development, and the international curriculum.
Apart from a relevant curriculum, teaching methods at Thursina IIBS must also be constantly updated. Methods that match the environment, the physical and psychological development stages of the child, and their learning styles will make it easier for them to achieve success. Teachers and murabbis (mentors) are required to present interesting, meaningful, and effective lessons by integrating modern strategies and the classical salaf methods as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad SAW. They are also encouraged to continuously improve their competence through continuous development programs.
As the companion of the Prophet, Ali bin Abi Thalib, advised: "Teach your children according to their time." In educating, we are advised to adjust the material and methods to modern and future conditions and challenges.
Modern Campus and Management Control
To realize a holistic and quality educational program, supporting facilities and effective, accountable, and trusted management are required.
In terms of facilities, Thursina IIBS is committed to building a conducive learning environment by providing modern, complete, effective, and highly aesthetic facilities. The facilities are harmoniously designed by architects and educational managers to be safe, functional, and supportive of learning, social, and recreational activities.
To build modern, effective, and accountable management, planning is a very important aspect. Effective planning starts with a clear concept, monitored execution, and continuous evaluation. Allah SWT reminds us of the importance of planning in His word:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَلْتَنْظُرْ نَفْسٌ مَا قَدَّمَتْ لِغَدٍ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ
(QS. Al-Hasyr: 18)
“O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.”
This verse commands us to pay attention to every action and evaluate its impact on the future, including worldly affairs and the hereafter. This can be achieved through effective and continuous planning and evaluation. In the context of teaching, teachers and murabbis at Thursina need to design lessons carefully so that learning goals are achieved optimally.
In addition to being effective, management at Thursina must be accountable and transparent. Accountable means carrying out the trust with sincerity, honesty, and full responsibility. Transparent means being openly responsible to stakeholders (parents, students, teachers) and before Allah SWT. To achieve this, positive work regulations, a clear organizational structure, good standard operating procedures (SOP), and systematic and continuous quality control procedures are required.
By adhering to these principles, the entire community of Thursina IIBS is required to work with full sincerity, seriousness, and a high work ethic, because every activity will be evaluated and held accountable, both in this world and before Allah SWT.