PEMIKIRAN DAN PERAN MAHMUD YUNUS DALAM MODERNISASI PENDIDIKAN ISLAM DI INDONESIA

Abstract

This study examines the educational journey and career of Mahmud Yunus and his contributions to the modernization of Islamic education in Indonesia. The research uses a qualitative method with a literature review approach, drawing from books, journals, and related documents. The findings reveal that Mahmud Yunus played a significant role in reforming Islamic education, beginning with his Qur’anic studies, traditional madrasah education, academic experience in Cairo, Egypt, and his service as an educator, official at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and rector of an Islamic higher education institution. His modernization ideas included reforming educational goals, integrating religious and general sciences in the curriculum, adopting active teaching methods, and improving institutional management. One prominent outcome of his ideas was the establishment of Normal Islam in Padang, which implemented a classical system, science laboratories, foreign language proficiency, and an integrated curriculum. These innovations produced graduates proficient in religion, science, and language, highlighting Mahmud Yunus’s crucial role in advancing modern Islamic education.