[AR] Tatawwur Ta'lim al-Lughah al-'Arabiyyah fi Maliziya: Dirasah Tarikhiyyah Tahliliyyah

The Evolution of Arabic Education in Malaysia: A Historical Analysis

Abstract

This study aims to trace the historical development of Arabic language education in Malaysia and to analyze the religious, cultural, and political factors that influenced its spread and evolution. Since the arrival of Islam to the Malay Archipelago through Arab traders and preachers, the Arabic language has become an essential component of the religious and cultural identity of Muslims in the region. Arabic instruction was initially tied to the learning of the Qur’an and Islamic teachings, beginning with mosque study circles and traditional Quranic schools known locally as pondok. Over time, Arabic education evolved into more structured religious schools supported by sultans and scholars. However, during the British colonial period, Arabic lost its status in favor of European and Asian languages, creating an educational and linguistic gap across generations. The 20th century witnessed a revival, marked by the establishment of national Islamic secondary schools (SMKA) and, later, the launch of the J-QAF program in 2005, which reintroduced Arabic into the national primary school curriculum. This research adopts a historical-analytical methodology and is based on educational records and socio-cultural contexts. It presents the Malaysian experience as a model for understanding the role of Arabic in shaping Islamic identity in non-Arab societies and highlights opportunities for its further development.