Prophetic Pedagogy in English Language Teaching in Pakistani Universities

Abstract

This study explores the integration of spiritual and language education through prophetic pedagogy in English Language Teaching (ELT) in Pakistani universities. Prophetic pedagogy emphasizes a holistic approach to education, incorporating moral and spiritual principles derived from Islamic teachings into academic teaching. The objective of this research is to investigate how English language education can balance language proficiency with moral and spiritual development, promoting a comprehensive learning experience. Employing a qualitative methodology, the study collects data through semi-structured interviews from ten undergraduate students and five teachers from two public universities in Pakistan. The findings show that English language teaching in Pakistan goes beyond just building language skills as it also promotes core Islamic values like compassion, honesty, and accountability. Teachers utilize instructional strategies that integrate Islamic teachings into classroom activities, including the use of texts on Islamic figures, prayers, and contextually relevant examples. This integration promotes a transformative learning environment where students develop a deeper connection to their faith while achieving academic excellence. Although this approach is valuable, the study points out several challenges in putting it into practice. These include limited teacher training, difficulty aligning spiritual concepts with language materials, and different levels of student comprehension and background. However, the findings suggest that this model of education cultivates morally high individuals capable of facing the complexities of a globalized world without compromising their religious identity. The study concludes that the combination of spiritual and language education through prophetic teaching can strongly increase students’ personal and professional growth in higher education.