Perkembangan Bahasa Arab dan Sumbangannya Terhadap Pendidikan Islam di Selatan Thailand pada Abad ke-19 dan ke-20

Arabic is both a religious and science language, a means to understand Islamic teachings (Shari'ah), the reason why Islamic educational institutions are established throughout South of Thailand in order to teach this language and to spread it. The present research aims at studying the spread of Arabic language and its contributions to the Islamic education in Southern Thailand. In this regard, this study concentrates on the current situation of the Islamic education, its relationship to the Arabic language, the objectives of the Arabic teaching, its methods and contributions. Based on the above, this research noted the existence of various types of the Islamic educational institutions in Southern Thailand region in which Arabic language subject is a focal point. Also, it found among the most causes of the spread of Arabic language is Islam, teaching and learning process, sending students to Arab countries, Arabic and religious literature and writings. The common objectives among various institutions (i.e. Pondoks, Islamic private schools, Tadika and Higher educational institutions), are to understand Islamic teachings with some variations in term of language skills. As for the curriculum and methodology of teaching they are subjected to educational purposes. Additionally, the study found that the spread of Arabic language in 19th and 20th centuries has contributed much to the development of the Islamic education in various spheres. The findings of this study are, indeed, beneficial to the whole Islamic community, Islamic educational institutions in general, and to the scholars in particular. Therefore, scholars and educators are urged to adopt these findings and bring out comprehensive plans that ensure the spread of Arabic language and the development of the Islamic education.