Bridging Tradition and Modernity: Integrating Knowledge in Pesantren Education

Abstract

This article explores strategies for integrating knowledge within Islamic boarding school (pesantren) education as a means to bridge classical Islamic scholarship with the demands of modernity. Using a descriptive qualitative approach and case studies of innovative pesantren, the research reveals the dynamics of combining traditional diniyah curricula based on classical texts with competency-based national curricula. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, direct observation, and document analysis, then analyzed thematically and inductively. The findings indicate that integration efforts face challenges such as curriculum dualism, limited human and technological resources, and resistance to change. Strategic solutions proposed include teacher training, collaboration with universities, and policy support from government and religious organizations. This integration is not merely a compromise, but a pathway toward inclusive and globally competitive Islamic education.