Integration of Islamic Concept in Teaching Biology in the University

Abstract

This research entitled “Integration of Islamic Concept in Teaching Biology in the University”. Biological science that is taught in most learning institutions has been secular in nature. Almost all of the biological processes, theories and principles are taught without referring to Islamic concept. The teaching of Qur'an is separated from the teaching of Biological science. Thus, many Muslim students and teachers have kept on patronizing secular curriculum of the west. Hence, this research work spelled out the relevant and applicable Qur’anic verses to Biology, assessed why Biological teachings of Islam should be a part of the curriculum in the university, and determined the perception and level of awareness of the students and teachers on the relevance of certain Biological concept and Islamic context. This study was conducted at the Mindanao State University - Sulu. This research was both qualitative and quantitative since the findings were based on theories, Qur’anic verses, interviews and percentage computation. Based on the findings, there were many Qur-anic verses dealing with Biological sciences, and these verses were relevant and applicable to Biology. Specifically on sex determination which deals with the sex of organism. The verse is “He bestows female upon whom He wills, and bestows male upon He wills (Qur’an, 42:49), also, has He taken daughters out of what He has created, and He has selected for your son? (Qur’an, 43:16). And made of him two sexes, male and female (Qur’an, 75:39). Another, We have created you in pairs, male and female (Qur’an, 78:8). This verse is also relevant to the function of gene which determines the two contrasting traits. On order, a characteristic of life which refers to the organization and precise arrangement of structure of organism is related to this verse, Allah shaped and fashioned him in due proportion (Qur’an, 75:38). On adaptation in which the organism must undergo changes to survive. Verily! Allah will not change the good condition of organisms as long as they do not change themselves (Qur’an, 13:11).  Regarding perceptions and awareness, almost all the participants were aware and agreed on the relevance of Biological science to Islam. The results revealed that some of the Biological theories, principles and process are relevant and applicable to Qur’anic verses. However, the researcher recommended that there is a need for the Biological teaching of Islam to be part of the curriculum in the university in order to avoid confusion on Biological concept and Islamic context.  The Holy Qur-an contain verses relevant and applicable to Biological concept. Most of the respondents have agreed and believed on both Biological and Islamic concepts as reflected on the findings above. Therefore, integration of Islamic concept in teaching Biology is necessary.