STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF ISLAMIC VALUES INTEGRATION IN THE MEDICAL CURRICULUM: DO THEY EXPERIENCE MEANINGFUL IMPACTS?

Abstract

As medical education increasingly prioritizes professionalism, ethical reasoning, and cultural competence, integrating Islamic values into the curriculum represents a strategic approach to developing morally grounded and socially responsive physicians. This integration promotes a holistic understanding of patients, encompassing social, psychological, material, and spiritual dimensions rather than focusing solely on diseases or organ systems. This study aimed to explore students’ perceptions of integrating Islamic medicine into the medical curriculum. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using data collected at a single time point through a 10-item online questionnaire. The study population included second- to sixth-year medical students. A total of 100 students were selected through simple random sampling. Results: More than one-quarter of respondents were in their third to fifth years, while sixth-year students comprised 3% and second-year students 14% of the sample. Overall, students reported positive impacts of integrating Islamic values on their academic and professional development. Although some participants indicated that integration increased their academic workload, they considered the benefits to outweigh the challenges. Among the ten perception domains assessed, integration of Islamic education received the lowest mean score (4.06), primarily due to its occasional influence on students’ time management. Conclusion: Integrating Islamic values within the medical curriculum contributes positively to students’ professional identity formation, ethical awareness, spiritual well-being, and clinical preparedness. A holistic educational framework linking Islamic principles with medical knowledge, reflective practice, mentorship, and clinical exposure fosters not only technical competence but also compassion, accountability, and moral integrity essential for quality patient care.