Mapping Outcome-Based Education Principles to Qur’anic Guidance for Islamic Higher Education

Abstract

This study evaluates Outcome-Based Education (OBE) through a Qur’anic lens by mapping six principles: clarity of focus, backward design, high expectations for all, expanded opportunity, constructive alignment, and continuous improvement, to relevant Qur’anic concepts and verses, corroborated by classical tafsīr sources. Using a thematic tafsīr method combined with the OBE literature, the analysis distils principle statements and specifies nonoverlapping implementation artefacts at programme and course levels. Findings indicate strong convergence between OBE logics and Qur’anic emphases on purposive ends, clarified criteria, equitable facilitation, curricular coherence, and evidence-guided review. The article proposes a synthesis that affirms theological compatibility and translates it into practical tools, including threshold tables, assessment blueprints, proficiency rubrics with feedback policy, equivalency matrices, programme alignment maps, and assurance-of-learning (AoL) cycles. The contribution is intended to support policy acceptance and implementation quality in Islamic higher education. Future work should pilot these instruments and evaluate impacts on attainment and quality assurance.