Unismuh Makassar Islamic Studies Students Strengthen Islamic History Education in Thailand

UNISMUH.AC.ID, Narathiwat, Southern Thailand — Students from the Islamic Religious Education (PAI) Department of the Faculty of Islamic Studies at Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar (Unismuh Makassar) conducted an Islamic history lesson for 2nd-grade SMP students at Mattayom Sungai Padi School, Narathiwat, Southern Thailand, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. The activity was part of the 2nd Batch of International Community Service (KKN) program organized by the Unismuh Makassar's Lembaga Pengembangan, Penelitian, dan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat (LP3M).

The program was part of the International Community Service scheme, placing students in various regions of Southern Thailand, including Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala. The aim was to introduce Islamic civilization and instill values in students through cross-cultural learning.

PAI students Aina Mardhiyah and Nur Ain Syafika presented Islamic history, covering the teachings of Prophet Muhammad SAW, the period of the Rashidun Caliphs, and the development of Islamic civilization in fields such as science, education, and culture. The material was presented in simple language to ensure understanding by the students.

The teaching method was interactive, including group discussions, inspiring stories, question-and-answer sessions, and value reflection. This approach made the classroom environment more engaging and encouraged student participation in understanding Islamic history.

Aina Mardhiyah emphasized that the Islamic history lesson focused not only on knowledge but also on character development. She stated, "Islamic history contains valuable lessons about struggle, honesty, responsibility, and the pursuit of knowledge. Through this lesson, we hope students can draw inspiration from Islamic figures and apply them in their daily lives."

Nur Ain Syafika argued that understanding Islamic history is important for building awareness of identity and heritage. She said, "We want students to understand that Islamic civilization has made a significant contribution to the development of science and the progress of the world. By understanding history, they can better appreciate Islamic intellectual heritage and be motivated to become successful and morally upright individuals."

During the activity, the students of Mattayom Sungai Padi School showed high enthusiasm. They actively answered questions, participated in discussions, and shared their views on the values that can be derived from Islamic history. This positive response indicates a high level of interest in the material being presented.

The school expressed its appreciation for the implementation of the International KKN program. According to Mattayom Sungai Padi School, the interactive teaching method used by Unismuh Makassar students improved students' understanding and enriched their learning experience. This also strengthened cross-country educational relationships.

The Head of the Islamic Religious Education Department at Unismuh Makassar, Dr. Abdul Fattah, S.Th.I., M.Th.I., praised the students' creativity in teaching. He stated, "PAI students are not only required to master Islamic knowledge but also to convey it through creative and effective teaching methods. This activity demonstrates the students' ability to integrate Islamic history knowledge with an educational approach that can build students' character."

The Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies at Unismuh Makassar, Dr. Amirah Mawardi, S.Ag., M.Si., considered the activity as a concrete contribution by students at the international level. She explained that the students' involvement in the program was an effort to introduce moderate and progressive Islamic values to the global community, as well as to strengthen Unismuh Makassar's role on the international stage.

The 2nd Batch of International KKN program managed by Unismuh Makassar's LP3M involved 30 students from various faculties. Eight of them came from the Faculty of Islamic Studies, consisting of five PAI students, two students from the Islamic Communication and Broadcasting (KPI) Department, and one student from the Arabic Language Education (PBA) Department. The program served as a platform for cross-cultural learning and community service.

Through the Islamic history lesson in Southern Thailand, the PAI students of Unismuh Makassar emphasized the role of education as a means of transferring knowledge and shaping character. The activity is expected to strengthen the understanding of Islamic values among young people and create opportunities for sustainable international educational collaboration.