Islamic Religious Education (PAI) does not only teach Islamic values to students but also guides them in developing critical thinking skills to address problems encountered in daily life. The objective of this study is to examine how the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model is implemented in PAI instruction and how it impacts the development of students’ critical thinking skills. This research employs a qualitative approach. Various scientific literature, journals, books, and relevant policy documents were analyzed. To ensure the validity of the results, data were analyzed using content analysis through the stages of reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing. Additionally, source triangulation was employed. The study indicates that PBL can enhance students’ abilities to analyze information, evaluate arguments, draw rational conclusions, and make informed decisions. PBL also improves students’ engagement, motivation, and learning autonomy. These findings confirm that the use of PBL in PAI not only enhances students’ theoretical understanding of Islamic values but also teaches critical thinking skills that are relevant for practical application in daily life. This research provides a conceptual foundation for PAI teachers to develop more active, collaborative, and creative teaching strategies.
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