Afkaruna: Indonesian Interdisciplinary Journal of Islamic Studies
Vol. 21 No. 2: December 2025

Non-Muslim Students' Response to the Implementation of Multicultural Islamic Education in Higher Education: A Study on Inclusive Academic Environment

Mappayompa (Unknown)
Ati Sukmawati (Unknown)
Sahwan (Unknown)
Shabibah Binti Shaufit Affandi (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
26 Dec 2025

Abstract

The implementation of multicultural Islamic Education in Islamic-based universities often creates its own dynamics, especially for non-Muslim students who are part of an inclusive academic environment. This study aims to describe the response of non-Muslim students to learning Islamic Education in a multicultural context at Muhammadiyah Mataram University. This Islamic campus is open to diversity. Using a descriptive qualitative approach with a field research design, this study involved 75 non-Muslim students from seven study programs through a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participatory observation in class and campus social spaces, and documentation of curriculum and academic policies. Data validity was maintained with a method triangulation strategy. Data analysis was conducted using Miles and Huberman's model, which involves the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results showed that the responses of non-Muslim students were mixed: some showed appreciation for the inclusive approach and universal values in Islamic Education, while others felt less engaged because the materials were considered too normative and exclusive. Factors such as the lecturer's pedagogical approach, the relevance of the material, and the social dynamics in a multicultural classroom greatly influenced their perceptions. This research recommendation encourages higher education policymakers to strengthen curricula and teaching methods that are dialogical, adaptive, and inclusive, thereby increasing tolerance and fostering peaceful coexistence in multicultural campus environments.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

afkaruna

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

Jurnal Afkaruna is an Indonesian bilingual journal published by the Faculty of Islamic Studies, Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta. The journal publishes empirically grounded and multidisciplinary work on Islam and its related issues, spanning the history, Quranic studies, Exegesis, tradition, ...