The Current State and Ways of Improving Islamic Education in the Republic of Kazakhstan

Abstract

The active development of modern information and digital society activates the issues of prospects and the search for ways of high-quality training of applicants for higher education in the speciality “Islamic Studies” in Kazakhstan and the creation of a modern system of methodological tools for such training as a guarantee of success and competitiveness of specialists in the field of Islamic studies in modern conditions on the labour market. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the need to improve the system of methodological tools used in the process of preparing applicants for higher education in Kazakhstan. In the course of a study conducted at the Egyptian University of Islamic Culture Nur Mubarak (Almaty) and the College of the Astana Madrassa, a methodological system for training applicants for technical and professional, post-secondary, and higher education in the speciality “Islamic Studies” is developed. In the course of the study, a survey is conducted among students and teachers to examine the level of Islamic education in the Republic of Kazakhstan for the following components of the survey: motivation for learning, development of professional competencies, use of innovative technologies and techniques, ways to improve Islamic education, problems of Islamic education, social interest of the population regarding Islamic education. Recommendations for improving the quality of Islamic education are formulated. This research identifies potential advancements in the methodology for educating candidates at technical, vocational, post-secondary, and tertiary levels, with a focus on incorporating aspects of preparedness for Islamic education. The study's practical contribution lies in its development of an enhanced methodological framework. This framework aims to elevate the education of candidates pursuing technical and professional, post-secondary, and higher education, particularly in shaping future experts during their academic journey in Kazakhstan's specialized higher education institutions.