A Neuroscience-Based Approach to Islamic Religious Education: Optimizing Intellect and Heart in Early Childhood

This study examined the integration of neuroscience-informed approaches into early childhood Islamic Religious Education (PAI) to optimize the functions of intellect (‘aql) and heart (qalb). A qualitative descriptive literature review was conducted using scholarly publications primarily published between 2021 and 2026. The literature was examined through content analysis and thematic synthesis, focusing on brain development, executive functions, emotion regulation, habit formation, and Islamic education. The findings indicated that neuroscience-informed approaches could support PAI through concrete experiences, play-based activities, social interaction, repetition, and emotionally supportive learning environments. The development of ‘aql emphasized attention, memory, basic reasoning, and problem-solving, while qalb development involved moral exemplification, habituation of Islamic values, empathy, honesty, and responsibility. Integrating these dimensions provided a conceptual framework connecting cognitive understanding, emotional experiences, value internalization, and religious behavior. The study concluded that neuroscience should complement rather than replace the philosophical and spiritual foundations of Islamic education. These findings offered a conceptual foundation for developing holistic, developmentally appropriate PAI learning approaches in early childhood.