Classical Islamic Texts as a Model for Arabic Learning in Pesantren

Abstract

This article develops a conceptual model of Arabic learning in Indonesian pesantren by positioning classical Islamic texts (kitab kuning) not merely as religious content, but as an integrated language-learning environment. Using an integrative literature review, the study synthesises research published between 2019 and July 2023 on kitab kuning pedagogy, sorogan, bandongan, halaqah, Arabic grammar instruction, Pegon annotation, and accelerated reading methods. The review identifies a text-centred learning model consisting of five interdependent processes: guided oral modelling, grammatical decoding, lexical-semantic mediation, individual performance with corrective feedback, and interpretive discussion. These processes demonstrate how traditional pesantren practices can function as a coherent pedagogical sequence for developing Arabic literacy, particularly reading comprehension, grammatical awareness, vocabulary acquisition, and interpretive competence. The proposed model is derived from published Indonesian studies and therefore requires empirical validation across different pesantren traditions, institutional types, learner levels, and instructional settings. The findings suggest that pesantren can preserve the authenticity of classical texts while organising Arabic instruction through a clearer progression from teacher modelling to independent interpretation. This article therefore reframes kitab kuning as a structured pedagogical system for Arabic learning, rather than solely as a religious curriculum, and offers a conceptual basis for future research and systematic instructional development.