Indonesian Journal of Research in Islamic Studies
Vol. 2 No. 3 (2025): Indonesian Journal of Research in Islamic Studies, 2(3), 2025

The Role of the Scientific Method in Enhancing Student Faith in Aqidah Studies: A Review of Imam Al-Ghazali's Thought

Amelia Khoirunisa (Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Ampel, Surabaya)
Fachril Achmad Aziz (Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Ampel Surabaya)
Moh. Faizin (Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Ampel, Surabaya)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background: Aqidah learning in higher education plays a vital role in shaping students' faith. However, many students still struggle to apply the aqidah theory to their daily lives. Therefore, the application of scientific methods in aqidah learning is urgently needed to enhance students' understanding and deepen their faith. Objective: This study aims to elucidate the importance of scientific methods in aqidah learning from the perspective of Imam Al-Ghazali. Method: This study employs a literature review, analyzing the works of Imam Al-Ghazali and related literature. Result: The scientific method, which involves a rational and critical approach, enables students to understand faith more deeply and practically. Imam Al-Ghazali emphasizes the importance of integrating faith and morals, which can be strengthened through a scientific approach. Conclusion: The application of scientific methods in the study of aqidah significantly contributes to strengthening students' faith, enhancing the quality of teaching, and fostering a more rational and systematic understanding of religious teachings. Originality/Value: This review article bridges an epistemological gap in the field of Islamic educational philosophy and aqidah pedagogy in higher education by synthesizing the literature on the relevance of rational-critical scientific inquiry within Imam Al-Ghazali’s thought to deepen religious conviction (faith), an area that has thus far received limited applied pedagogical scrutiny. By mapping existing theoretical and methodological gaps, this study serves as a strategic reference and contributes to the development of a conceptual framework for reason-grounded theology curricula and outlines future research agendas on harmonizing scientific methods with Islamic theology in universities.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijris

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities

Description

Indonesian Journal of Research in Islamic Studies (IJRIS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access academic journal dedicated to advancing and disseminating state-of-the-art knowledge in the field of Islamic studies. The journal aims to serve as a platform for scientific publications, promoting high-quality ...