Darul Quran MAIK’s Transition to Higher Education: A Qualitative Analysis of Institutional Challenges
Darul Quran MAIK’s Transition to Higher Education: A Qualitative Analysis of Institutional Challenges

Summary/Abstract: The transformation of Darul Quran, managed by the Council of Islamic Religion and Malay Customs of Kelantan (MAIK), from a traditional tahfiz institution into a recognized higher education provider marks a pivotal moment in Malaysia’s Islamic educational reform. This study critically explores the lived experiences of lecturers navigating the institution’s academic transition, highlighting the multifaceted challenges and untapped opportunities inherent in this evolution. By centering lecturers lived experiences, an understudied perspective in Islamic higher education reform literature, this research provides grounded qualitative evidence on how governance constraints, research expectations, and digital readiness intersect during a tahfiz institution’s transition into Malaysia’s formal higher education system. Employing a qualitative methodology through Focus Group Discussions with 20 lecturers, the findings reveal systemic limitations, most notably restricted institutional autonomy, an underdeveloped research culture, and digital infrastructure gaps that hinder academic progression. Simultaneously, strategic assets such as strong public trust, access to zakat-based funding, and the moral legitimacy of the institution offer fertile ground for transformation. The findings underscore the urgent need for holistic strategies that blend traditional Islamic values with contemporary academic expectations. Addressing generational gaps in digital literacy, reforming seniority-based leadership structures, and cultivating a performance-oriented research ecosystem emerge as critical priorities. This study argues that institutional resilience and innovation must be intentionally designed if Darul Quran MAIK is to thrive within Malaysia’s competitive higher education landscape. The proposed recommendations align with national development goals and the Sustainable Development Goals, positioning Darul Quran MAIK as a forward-looking Islamic higher education model.

• Details
• Contents