Test Anxiety Among Special Education Students at the University of Dohuk, Iraq: Prevalence, Predictors, and Intervention Implications

Test anxiety remains a persistent and alarming phenomenon among university students, particularly in high-stakes academic environments. This study investigates the prevalence and determinants of test anxiety among special education students at the University of Dohuk, Iraq—a population often overlooked in regional educational research. Employing a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were gathered from 60 stratified participants using the Al-Ghadi Exam Anxiety Scale, covering cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and physiological dimensions. Results revealed significantly above-average levels of test anxiety (mean = 91.85), with no statistically significant differences based on gender or academic year. These findings challenge commonly held assumptions about demographic variation in anxiety and underscore the systemic, non-discriminatory nature of the issue. Contributing to both theory and practice, this study highlights that test anxiety in this context stems not only from personal psychological factors but also from structural rigidities in assessment and lack of institutional support. The study calls for culturally sensitive, curriculum-integrated interventions that address students' emotional well-being holistically. By identifying anxiety as a widespread and consistent educational barrier, especially in underrepresented regions like Kurdistan, this research advocates for evidence-based reforms to foster resilience, equity, and academic success in special education programs

From Pulpit to Platform: Digital Literacy and the Reconfiguration of Religious Authority among State Counselors in West Sumatra

This study examines the transformation of Islamic preaching from traditional spaces to digital platforms, focusing on the experiences of state religious counselors in West Sumatra. The unit of analysis is the group of penyuluh agama (religious counselors) under Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs who are adapting their da'wah practices to the algorithmic dynamics of social media. The study aims to explore their level of digital literacy, the challenges they encounter in online preaching, and how these affect their religious authority in a digitally mediated society. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) involving 19 counselors across several districts, and analyzed using the Miles and Huberman interactive model. The findings reveal that most counselors possess low digital literacy and rely on informal learning, resulting in limited online engagement and visibility. Challenges include a lack of technical training, inadequate institutional support, and fear of online misinterpretation. However, participants recognize the potential of digital media to expand da'wah outreach if supported by structured literacy programs and creative content strategies. This study contributes to understanding how state religious authority is being reconfigured in the digital age and provides policy insights for strengthening digital competence within Islamic counseling institutions

Prophetic Ethics of Inclusion and Conflict Resolution: A Neo-Traditionalist Interpretation of the Sirah

In an era marked by escalating religious intolerance and social fragmentation, the ethical legacy of the Prophet Muhammad (Sirah) offers a compelling yet underexplored framework for promoting peaceful coexistence. Despite its rich content, contemporary discourse often marginalises the inclusive and reconciliatory dimensions of the Prophet’s life. This study aims to examine how neo-traditionalist Muslim scholars—particularly from the West and the Indian subcontinent—interpret the Sirah to address issues of social inclusiveness and conflict resolution. Employing a qualitative descriptive method, this research integrates content analysis, thematic exploration, and comparative interpretation. It focuses on key historical events such as Hilf al-Fudul, the Constitution of Medina, the migration to Abyssinia, the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, and the Conquest of Makkah. The findings show that neo-traditionalist scholars present a contextual and ethical reading of the Sirah that aligns classical Islamic values with modern challenges. This study contributes to the growing field of peace studies in Islam by reviving the Prophet’s ethical model as a viable framework for interfaith harmony, minority rights, and conflict transformation in pluralistic societies

Tariq Ramadan's Concept of Tolerance and the Muslim Identity Crisis: An Islamic Psychological Perspective

This article examines the concept of tolerance in Tariq Ramadan's thought as a solution to the identity crisis faced by contemporary Muslims, making Ramadan's tolerance the primary unit of analysis. This research aims to examine how the construction of tolerance offered by Ramadan—which is rooted in Islamic spirituality, dialogue ethics, and psychological awareness—can serve as a framework for restoring the Muslim identity amidst the dynamics of globalization, plurality, and modern cultural pressures. Utilizing library research methods with a qualitative, descriptive, and analytical approach, as well as content analysis, this study examines primary works by Ramadan, along with relevant secondary literature on tolerance, Muslim identity, and Islamic psychology. The study's findings reveal that Ramadan rejects the model of passive tolerance based on power relations and proposes an alternative model of active tolerance, grounded in tawhid, the recognition of God's will in diversity, and the integration of qalb, reason, and social ethics. An analysis of Islamic psychology reveals that tolerance within the framework of Ramadan has a spiritual dimension that can help overcome the crises of meaning, alienation, and identity polarization. The contribution of this research lies in presenting a conceptual model of tolerance with Islamic psychological nuances that can serve as the basis for strengthening Muslim identity, as well as the development of educational, counseling, and intergroup dialogue practices in multicultural societies

Strategic Organisational Communication and Leadership in a Sufi Institution: A Case Study of the Naqshabandiyyah Centre in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

This study addresses the crucial issue of communication inefficiencies within religious organisations, which often lead to leadership fragmentation, operational confusion, and public misperception. Focusing on the Naqshabandiyyah Sufi Practice Centre (NSPC) in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, the research explores how strategic organisational communication enhances management decision-making in a spiritually structured institution. The objective is to analyse the roles of vertical and horizontal communication in ensuring administrative fluidity, leadership continuity, and public trust in the tarekat’s leadership. Employing a qualitative, descriptive-exploratory approach, the study utilizes document and content analysis to examine internal communications and management practices. The findings reveal that vertical communication supports the clear delegation of authority, vision alignment, and structured leadership formation, while horizontal communication facilitates collaboration, social outreach, and inter-agency coordination. The study also highlights how communication practices rooted in spiritual wisdom contribute to institutional legitimacy and organisational effectiveness. Ultimately, this article contributes to the field of Islamic management and communication by proposing a two-way, value-based communication model suited to the complexities of contemporary spiritual institutions operating within modern governance frameworks

God in Modern Alienation: Theological Reflections on Tawheed and the Trinity in a Secular Context

This study examines the phenomenon of God's alienation in modern secular societies through a comparative theological analysis of Tawheed in Islam and the Trinity in Christianity, using these concepts as its primary units of analysis. The research aims to examine how these two fundamental doctrines respond to the challenges of secularism, individualism, and materialism in shaping modern religious consciousness. Using a literature-based comparative theological approach combined with hermeneutic-analytical methods, this study integrates classical and contemporary sources, along with sociological data from global surveys, such as those conducted by the Pew Research Center and the World Values Survey. The findings reveal three key factors contributing to spiritual alienation: the crisis of transcendence, the individualization of belief, and the dominance of materialistic culture. Despite doctrinal differences, both Tawheed and the Trinity face similar struggles in maintaining theological relevance among younger and urban populations that are increasingly skeptical of religious authority. The study contributes to comparative theology by proposing a contextual model for reinterpreting the concept of divinity that balances transcendence with human experience. It also highlights the need to strengthen interfaith dialogue, digital engagement, and contextual theology to ensure that the concept of God remains a transformative moral and spiritual force in the twenty-first century

Kant's Legacy: Exploring Borders, Races, and Gender in His Philosophy

Immanuel Kant's philosophy, celebrated for its universalist ethics, harbors a shocking paradox: his groundbreaking ideas on autonomy and cosmopolitanism coexist with deeply Eurocentric, racist, and patriarchal views. This tension raises urgent questions about the applicability of Kantian principles in contemporary debates on borders, race, and gender. This study critically examines Kant's legacy, interrogating how his moral and political frameworks, while foundational, reinforce hierarchies that marginalize non-Europeans, women, and migrants. The research objectives are threefold: (1) to analyze Kant's contradictions between universalism and exclusionary practices, (2) to assess the implications of his racial and gendered hierarchies for modern social justice movements, and (3) to explore pathways for reclaiming Kantian ethics inclusively. Using a systematic literature review of peer-reviewed works (1990–2024), the study synthesizes critiques from critical race theory, feminist philosophy, and postcolonial studies. Key findings reveal that Kant's racial theories justified colonial oppression, his gender binaries perpetuated patriarchal norms, and his cosmopolitanism neglected border violence. However, his emphasis on human dignity offers a redeemable framework for rethinking global justice. The study contributes by bridging Kantian scholarship with intersectional critiques, proposing a revised ethics that confronts historical biases while retaining universalist aspirations. By exposing these contradictions, the paper urges philosophers to reckon with Kant's legacy—not to discard it, but to transform it into a tool for equity

Religious Challenges and Guidance for Dayak Muslim Converts in the Indonesia–Malaysia Border Region

Religious conversion in border areas often triggers complex identity negotiations and social tension, particularly for indigenous communities like the Dayak people. In Jagoi Village, located at the Indonesia–Malaysia border, many Dayak individuals who convert to Islam face cultural, social, and spiritual challenges due to their minority status and the persistence of traditional customs. This study aims to identify the religious issues encountered by Dayak Muslim converts and evaluate the strategies of religious guidance based on religious moderation. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations involving religious counselors and local converts. The findings reveal four major problems: limited Islamic knowledge, minimal religious mentoring, poor access to digital Islamic resources, and a lack of understanding of religious moderation. This research contributes to the discourse on minority religious identity and offers policy recommendations for inclusive, culturally sensitive religious mentoring. It also supports the design of empowerment models for Muslim converts in border areas, which can serve as a reference for interreligious engagement and social integration efforts in Southeast Asia's plural societies

Harmful Socio-Cultural Practices and Gendered Oppression in Northern Nigeria: A Phenomenological Study

In Northern Nigeria, deeply embedded socio-cultural and religious norms continue to marginalize girls and young women through systemic practices such as child marriage, sexual violence, limited access to reproductive health education, and economic dependency. Despite increasing awareness of gender inequality in the region, there remains a limited understanding of the lived experiences of affected individuals. This study explores how patriarchal values and harmful traditions shape the daily realities of girls and women in northeastern and northwestern Nigeria. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, data were collected through in-depth oral interviews with 30 purposively selected participants aged 12–73. Thematic analysis using the Colaizzi method revealed four major themes: widespread sexual abuse, unsafe abortion practices, limited health literacy, and deepening economic dependence. These findings highlight how silence—driven by cultural taboos and institutional neglect—perpetuates gender-based harm. The study contributes to global gender discourse by foregrounding the voices of marginalized Muslim girls and women, offering culturally contextualized evidence to inform gender-sensitive policy and advocacy by governments, NGOs, and faith-based organizations

Sentiment Analysis on Social Media and Stakeholders about Negative Issues Among Islamic Boarding School Community In Indonesia

This study examines public sentiment towards Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) in Indonesia using Twitter data and interviews with pesantren stakeholders, including administrators (asatidz), students (santri), and the surrounding community. Sentiment analysis of Twitter data, collected using the hashtag #pondokpesantren in 2023, revealed that public sentiment is predominantly neutral, with fewer positive and negative opinions. The analysis, conducted using the K-Nearest Neighbors (k-NN) model, achieved 90% accuracy and an F1-Score of 89.9%, indicating reliable performance in classifying sentiment. On the other hand, interviews with pesantren stakeholders highlighted more nuanced issues, such as security concerns, educational autonomy, and disciplinary practices, which were not widely discussed on social media. The findings reveal a gap between public perceptions on Twitter, which tend to generalize pesantren issues, and stakeholders’ detailed, experience-based insights. This discrepancy underscores the need for open communication between pesantren and the public to address emerging concerns and improve pesantren’s education and security systems. By combining sentiment analysis and phenomenological interviews, this study provides a deeper understanding of public perceptions and the internal challenges faced by pesantren in Indonesia, offering valuable insights for future improvements in pesantren management and public engagement