Holistic Management of Islamic Education in the 21st Century: A Strategic Framework for Malaysia

The strategic management of Islamic education is essential for nurturing a balanced, future-ready generation that excels intellectually, ethically, and spiritually in accordance with Islamic values. In the face of globalization and rapid technological change, Islamic education in Malaysia must be dynamically and systematically managed to remain relevant and impactful. One of the primary challenges lies in overcoming the dualism between religious and secular knowledge, alongside the increasing demands of 21st-century learning environments. This paper proposes that effective educational leadership, integrated curriculum management, and continuous professional development are key strategies to address these challenges. It highlights the importance of aligning technological innovation with Tawhidic principles, ensuring that digital tools serve not only pedagogical efficiency but also the moral and spiritual development of learners. Grounded in the framework of 21st Century Learning, this conceptual paper outlines holistic management approaches to advance Islamic education in Malaysia, preserving its identity while enhancing its sustainability, competitiveness, and alignment with global educational aspirations. It contributes a comprehensive Tawhidic-oriented strategic management model that integrates educational leadership, curriculum innovation, technological application, and teacher development, and offers practical and policy-relevant insights to guide the transformation of Islamic education in the 21st century.â€