Challenges Facing Integration of Academic Subjects into Islamic Religious Curriculum at Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah Nairobi Campus

This study examined the integration of academic subjects into the Islamic religious curriculum at Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah Nairobi Campus and its influence on students’ holistic development. Guided by the Holistic Education Theory, the study was guided by the following research question; what challenges face the integration of academic subjects into the Islamic religious curriculum at Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah Nairobi Campus? mixed methods approach that applied a convergent parallel design was adopted. The target population comprised 1,013 students, 93 teachers, 32 administrative staff members, 30 representatives from the Parents’ Association, and 12 members of the Board of Management. A sample of 802 respondents participated, including 709 students, 65 lecturers, 9 administrators, 22 representatives from the Parents’ Association, and 9 Board members. Primary data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires alongside interview guides for administrators and Board members. Secondary data were gathered through document analysis. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as means, percentages, frequencies, and standard deviations, and inferential analysis was conducted using multiple regression techniques via SPSS Version 27.0. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically, and findings were presented through tables, charts, and narrative summaries. Ethics was considered throughout the study. The study revealed a substantial integration of academic subjects into the Islamic religious curriculum at Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah Nairobi Campus. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.62, p = 0.001) was found between the integration and students’ holistic development. The integration of academic subjects into the Islamic religious curriculum significantly enhances students’ holistic development. The findings provide valuable insights for educators, curriculum developers, policymakers, and researchers regarding the integration of academic and religious curricula and its contribution to the holistic development of students. Key words: Challenges, integration, academic subjects, religious, curriculum