Educational Values in Surah Al-Fatihah: A Thematic Exegesis Analysis and Its Relevance to Contemporary Islamic Education

Abstract

This study is motivated by the importance of reconstructing Islamic educational values based on the Qur’an in response to the challenges of globalization and the moral degradation of the younger generation. Surah Al-Fatihah, as the “Mother of the Book” (Umm al-Kitab), not only functions as an obligatory recitation in worship but also contains fundamental, universal, and applicable educational principles for human life. This research aims to explore in depth the educational values contained in Surah Al-Fatihah, which include the education of aqidah (faith), sharia (Islamic law), worship (ibadah), morals (akhlaq), exemplary guidance (stories/role models), and health, as well as their relevance to the formation of insan kamil (the perfect human being) within the perspective of Islamic education. Using a qualitative approach based on library research, this study examines classical and contemporary Qur’anic exegesis, Islamic educational theories, and relevant academic literature to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the meanings contained in Surah Al-Fatihah. The analysis shows that each verse in Surah Al-Fatihah contains systematically structured educational messages, beginning with the recognition of Allah as the source of education, the cultivation of monotheistic awareness (tawhid), the strengthening of spirituality through worship, the formation of moral character, and guidance for humans to follow the path of the righteous and avoid deviation. Thus, Surah Al-Fatihah can serve as a philosophical, theological, and pedagogical foundation in designing a holistic and revelation-based Islamic education curriculum and methodology. This study is expected to contribute to the development of Islamic education concepts that are not only oriented toward cognitive aspects but also toward spiritual, moral, and social dimensions.