JOURNAL OF INTEGRATED SCIENCES https://jis.iou.edu.gm/index.php/JIS International Open University en-US JOURNAL OF INTEGRATED SCIENCES 2806-4801 A STUDY ON THE FATWA OF THE INDONESIAN ULEMA COUNCIL (MUI) REGARDING CRYPTOCURRENCY AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN INDONESIA https://jis.iou.edu.gm/index.php/JIS/article/view/199 <p><em>This study analyzes the Indonesian Ulema Council's (MUI) fatwa on cryptocurrency and its implementation in Indonesia. Using a qualitative approach with content analysis, we examined official documents, articles, and research reports, and conducted interviews with experts in Islamic economics and information technology. We also collected quantitative data on cryptocurrency users and transactions from reliable sources. Our findings show that MUI has prohibited cryptocurrency due to its uncertainty and potential harm, as per the 2021 fatwa. However, despite this prohibition, many Indonesians continue to use cryptocurrency, with 60% of survey respondents reporting ownership or investment experience.</em></p> <p><strong>Keywords: </strong><em>Fatwa, Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Cryptocurrency, Islamic Perspective, Digital Assets.</em></p> AA Hubur Chih Yun-Wu Nirdukita Ratnawati ##submission.copyrightStatement## 2025-08-25 2025-08-25 MISCONCEPTIONS REGARDING JINN POSSESSION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ILLNESSES AMONG THE HAUSA COMMUNITY IN JOS https://jis.iou.edu.gm/index.php/JIS/article/view/200 <p><em>Mental health literacy and beliefs about the causes of psychological illnesses have significant implications for help-seeking behavior and well-being. In many Muslim communities, jinn possession is believed to explain mental disorders. However, research on the relationship between these explanatory models and mental healthcare is limited, especially in African settings. This study explored misconceptions regarding jinn possession and psychological illnesses in the Hausa community in Jos North, Nigeria. A qualitative research design utilizing semi-structured interviews was employed, with a purposively sampled group of 100 community members. A thematic analysis of the interview transcripts revealed that supernatural beliefs largely influenced illness conceptions within this cultural context. The findings showed that jinn possession is widely believed to underlie conditions ranging from depression to psychosis. Traditional healers were typically the first point of care that sought to propagate these misconceptions. Participants described their experiences of misdiagnosis, mistreatment, and stigma impacting wellness and life outcomes. Barriers to formal care include a lack of mental health literacy and perceived religious obligations. This study provides insights into explanatory models of distress and their influence on help-seeking. Recommendations focus on developing culturally sensitive awareness campaigns and strengthening the collaboration between Islamic scholars and mental health services. Addressing misconceptions could help improve access to appropriate care and reduce the burden of psychosocial suffering in this population.</em></p> <p><strong>Keywords: </strong><em>Misconception, Jinn Possession, Psychological Illnesses, Exorcism, Traditional Healers</em>.</p> Aminu Umar ##submission.copyrightStatement## 2025-08-25 2025-08-25 ROLE OF SATANIC INFLUENCE IN HUMAN EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCE https://jis.iou.edu.gm/index.php/JIS/article/view/201 <p><em>This study is about the role of satanic influence in human emotional disturbance. The purpose of this study</em><em> is</em><em> to explore the role of Satan in influencing emotional </em><em>aspect </em><em>of human beings. </em><em>Satan is a spirit being who belongs to the class of jinn and was created from fire, but cannot be seen by the ordinary senses and his job is to captivate the hearts of humans so that they always obey him.</em> <em>Satan promises to mislead and have a bad influence on Adam's children and grandchildren until the end of the world</em><em>.</em> <em>In exploring the topic data, this study used the library research with relevant sources of the topic including verses of Qurʾān and Ḥadīth. From this study it can be concluded that Satan infiltrates through blood stream to influence human both physically and psychologically as mentioned in one of Prophet Ḥadīth. In the psychological realm, in emotional aspect, Satan provokes the feelings such as anger, arrogance, anxiety and sadness. These excessive feelings can lead to emotional disturbances which affect negative state of</em><em> human</em><em> soul </em><em>that can influence physical changes, cognition and actions.</em></p> <p><strong>Keywords</strong>: <em>Satan, psychological effect, emotional disturbance.</em></p> Ivon Sagita ##submission.copyrightStatement## 2025-08-25 2025-08-25 EMOTION-AWARE AND CONVERSATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR EASING MATH ANXIETY IN CLASSROOMS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW https://jis.iou.edu.gm/index.php/JIS/article/view/202 <p><em>Math anxiety serves to hinder academic progress. From primary to high school level, cognitive issues and fears, related to mathematics learning, continue to hamper student to comprehend foundational concepts, and apply them successfully during standardized tests and to real-life circumstances. Over the past decade, digital tools have been increasingly utilized to support inclusive Mathematics. However, their efficacy in addressing cognitive and emotional barriers to complex issues - like math anxiety – remains largely underexplored. This systematic review investigates the role of conversational and emotionally responsive digital tools—such as AI tutors, digital chatbots, and interactive dialogue simulations—in mitigating the effects to math anxiety, for optimal learning. Utilizing the results of peer-reviewed studies from the past decade, the review highlights key digital interventions that promote math confidence through strong emotion – cognitive techniques, such as personalized feedback, peer-simulated dialogue, and affect-sensitive engagement. The findings reveal that while most tools focus on procedural fluency, tools that address emotional and cognitive dissonance, associated with math anxiety, are few. To address this existing limitation, this paper suggests a Digital Dialogue for Anxiety Reduction (DDAR) framework that helps educators integrate affect-aware resources to help students with anxiety to harness inclusive learning environments. This study can further contribute to the design of emotionally intelligent math instruction by utilizing the power of digital resources</em><em>.</em></p> <p><strong>Keywords:</strong> <em>Math anxiety, performance in mathematics, digital tools, emotionally responsive.</em></p> Sara T. Sheikh ##submission.copyrightStatement## 2025-08-25 2025-08-25 THE IMPACT OF RELIGIOSITY ON LIFE SATISFACTION AND HAPPINESS AMONGST MUSLIM STUDENTS https://jis.iou.edu.gm/index.php/JIS/article/view/203 <p><em>This study investigates the impact of religiosity on life satisfaction and happiness amongst Muslim students aged 17 to 39 studying at the International Open University (IOU). A convenience sampling technique was employed, resulting in a diverse sample of 75 participants. The Religiosity of Islam Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Subjective Happiness Scale were utilized to explore the relationship between Islamic religiosity, life satisfaction, and subjective happiness using a quantitative and correlational research design. Data analysis revealed a diverse demographic. On correlational analysis, religiosity exhibited a weak and non-significant positive association with subjective happiness (r = 0.047, p &gt; 0.05) and life satisfaction (r = 0.073, p &gt; 0.05). However, a moderate and statistically significant positive correlation emerged between subjective happiness and life satisfaction (r = 0.416, p &lt; 0.01). Religiosity levels, based on beliefs and behavioral practices, indicated that over 98% of participants demonstrated a high level of religiosity. Contrary to expectations, the study found that religiosity had no significant impact on the participants' overall life satisfaction and happiness. These findings provide insights into the complex relationship between religiosity and subjective well-being amongst Muslim students, and they also emphasize the need for further research to understand these dynamic constructs.</em></p> <p><strong>Keywords:</strong> <em>Religiosity, happiness, life satisfaction, subjective well-being</em><em>.</em></p> Taiwo Nurullah Giwa ##submission.copyrightStatement## 2025-08-25 2025-08-25 PERCEIVED BARRIERS TO EDUCATION: THE ROLE OF HIJAB IN THE EXPERIENCES OF MUSLIM GIRLS IN NON-MUSLIM COUNTRIES, AN ISLAMIC AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT https://jis.iou.edu.gm/index.php/JIS/article/view/204 <p><em>This study explores the perceived barriers to education faced by Muslim girls wearing the Hijab in non-Muslim-majority countries, integrating Islamic perspectives and psychological assessments. The Hijab, a symbol of modesty and religious identity in Islam, holds significant spiritual and cultural value. This study examines the relationship between the Hijab and its impact on the educational experiences of Muslim girls. Drawing from Quranic teachings, Ḥadīth, and psychological frameworks, the study emphasizes the Hijab's role in fostering spiritual empowerment and self-respect. However, Hijab-wearing Muslim girls often encounter challenges such as discrimination, social exclusion, and cultural misunderstandings, which can hinder their academic performance, self-esteem, and social integration. Using a qualitative review of existing literature and data collected through a questionnaire-based survey, this study highlights the dual role of the Hijab as both a source of empowerment and a potential barrier to educational access. Recommendations are provided for educational institutions to address these challenges, including the implementation of awareness programs, inclusive policies, and supportive networks. By fostering an environment of understanding and inclusivity, this research suggests that Muslim girls can overcome these barriers and succeed in their educational journeys while maintaining their religious and cultural identity.</em></p> <p><strong>Keywords:</strong> <em>Perceived Barriers, Education, Hijab, Muslim Girls, Non-Muslim Countries, Islamic, Psychological Assessment</em>.&nbsp;</p> Dr. Syeda Baseera Iqbal Dr. Tajuddeen Sa’ad ##submission.copyrightStatement## 2025-08-25 2025-08-25 AN INVESTIGATION INTO AL-BALKHI'S CONCEPTUALIZATION OF MENTAL HEALTH IN THE BOOK ‘SUSTENANCE OF THE SOUL’ https://jis.iou.edu.gm/index.php/JIS/article/view/205 <p><em>Mental health is an important issue today because it can affect a person's daily life as an individual and their contribution to the community. The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) as the main source of diagnosing mental disorders today is from the American Psychiatric Association which came from the research of American students and animals as subjects of the research. It is culture-bound since it cannot be applied to all nations. As a Muslim, the Qurʾān and Ḥadīth (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (</em><strong><em>ﷺ</em></strong><em>)) influenced the Muslims’ personality and traits. It also had special values that may be contrary to American culture. Therefore, the need to explore Islamic Psychology as a solution for Muslim mental health nowadays is significant. This study explores the concept of mental health as recorded by al-Balkhi in his book 'Sustenance of the Soul'. In this book, al-Balkhi explained the strategy for maintaining mental health. The concept of mental health based on the book 'Sustenance of the Soul' is a treatise based on scientifically proven practices and with an Islamic perspective. Al-Balkhi also classified mental disorders into four main categories. He explained the symptoms for each category and the treatments. Al-Balkhi's concept of mental health can be a great tool to develop Islamic Psychology since it is derived from the early Muslim scholars.</em></p> <p><strong>Keywords:</strong> <em>Mental Health, Al-Balkhi, Sustenance of the Soul.</em></p> Nimas Puspapandari Tajuddeen Sa’ad (Ph.D) ##submission.copyrightStatement## 2025-08-25 2025-08-25 PORNOGRAPHY ON ONLYFANS: ANALYZING ITS IMPACT AND PERSPECTIVE IN POSITIVE LAW AND ISLAMIC LAW https://jis.iou.edu.gm/index.php/JIS/article/view/206 <p><em>Pornography is writing, drawing, television, or any other form of communication that depicts people in erotic and sexually arousing poses. Pornography is a behavior that is not commendable and is considered a crime; therefore, religion prohibits it. Set in light of the OnlyFans website as evidence of technological development and its ease of access, pornography in this study will be explained based on positive law and Islamic law. This research uses a qualitative method with a case study to examine the natural conditions of the object, with the researcher as the key instrument, and is conducted through interviews and observations. The research informants are community groups that are connoisseurs of pornographic content on the OnlyFans site, especially LGBT and incest, and a psychologist who is an expert in the field. The purpose of this research is to analyze the impact of pornography consumption on several aspects and analyze the perspective of positive law and Islamic law on the phenomenon of pornography. The results of the study show that the pornography phenomenon on the OnlyFans site has many negative impacts on addicts. From the perspective of positive law and Islamic law, pornography is forbidden and ḥarām</em><em>.</em></p> <p><strong>Keywords: </strong><em>Pornography, OnlyFans, positive law, Islamic law</em>.</p> Salma Nuha Ghufron Siti Nazla Raihana ##submission.copyrightStatement## 2025-08-25 2025-08-25 WAS ISRAELI SECURITY CONSTRUCTED THROUGH GENOCIDE PROPAGANDA FOLLOWING THE OCTOBER 7TH ATTACKS? https://jis.iou.edu.gm/index.php/JIS/article/view/207 <p><em>The October 7<sup>th</sup> attacks on Israel represented several challenges for Israeli security. Maintaining order and leadership within the country and mobilizing a response to recover its reputation as ‘invincible’ military presence are a few of Israel’s concerns. Securing gains in its expansionist colonial ambitions and protecting the land already colonized required navigation of indigenous resistance, greater military threats from neighbour states, and fending off global criticism for Israeli apartheid and war crimes. This critical discourse analysis of public communications in the immediate aftermath of the attacks examines how Israel achieved its military goals and led its nation to a brutal war through a series of genocidal speech acts. The analysis found that, besides identifying Jews as a valued object of security ‘threatened’ by all Palestinians and Arabs, Israeli discourse consistently weaponized islamophobia and the fear of being labelled with antisemitism to gain support for its policies. Further themes include emphasizing Israel’s existence as a nation-state, and its claim to moral war practice despite evidence to the contrary. The findings also revealed a dichotomy of contradictory narratives centred on international law and moral rhetoric communicated to the international community contrasted with more overtly genocidal rhetoric directed domestically in Israel.</em></p> <p><strong>Keywords:</strong> <em>Israel, Palestine, Securitization, Propaganda, Genocide</em><em>.</em></p> Mohammed Mizanur Rahman MAIS ##submission.copyrightStatement## 2025-08-25 2025-08-25 MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION: A TOOL FOR EDUCATIONAL REFORM IN AFRICA https://jis.iou.edu.gm/index.php/JIS/article/view/208 <p><em>In Africa, multicultural education is a means of redressing historical injustices and fostering mutual understanding among various communities, where many ethnic groups live side by side. It teaches students to respect and value other people's cultures while also appreciating their own. Instead of favoring one group over another, this dual focus is crucial for creating a sense of national identity that embraces all citizens. </em><em>The study recognizes the role of multicultural education in promoting the social cohesiveness and inclusiveness of various ethnic groups. </em><em>The objective of the study </em><em>is to develop a framework for integrating multicultural education into teacher training programs across Africa. The research was carried out in the Republic of Niger and The Gambia, and utilized both qualitative and quantitative techniques, combining library and field studies. Relevant literature was reviewed, and "Triangulation" (multi-methods) was employed for information gathering (Janvier 2004). To get secondary information, the Internet was also utilized for the study's purpose. The research utilized semi-structured questionnaires, focus groups, oral interviews, and personal observations to gather data from school administrators, students, and community leaders. The study shows that </em><em>a comprehensive style of multicultural education has the potential to lead to improved academic success and development into homogeneous societies proud of their diversity rather than fear it. </em><em>The paper concludes with suggestions for how schools and legislators may support the advancement of multicultural education practices across the continent. The study recommends that governments should invest in teacher training programs for multicultural education, fostering collaboration between governmental bodies, NGOs, and the community for effective implementation.</em></p> <p><strong>Keywords: </strong><em>Multicultural, teacher, education, multicultural education, school, reform, students</em><em>.</em></p> Fatima Favour-Tamar Tanimu Omobolaji O Akanbi Ishaya Umaru Tanimu ##submission.copyrightStatement## 2025-08-25 2025-08-25 A CRITIQUE OF DIAGNOSED AND SUSPECTED CASES OF SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER WITHIN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN ISTANBUL, TÜRKIYE https://jis.iou.edu.gm/index.php/JIS/article/view/209 <p><em>Many problems were uncovered regarding Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) within international schools in Istanbul. The best method found for providing adequate support to SPD students was an integrative approach using Inclusive Pedagogy and Islamic Pedagogy, which extends beyond the classroom: A SEN framework reshuffle was argued to be essential in order to rectify disparity amongst students, requiring&nbsp; School Leadership Teams to work in systematic collaboration with Teachers, School Counselors, Occupational Therapists, Child Psychologists (where necessary) and parents in order to nurture the holistic development of each pupil. This study used an applied, exploratory research design. A self-designed, semi-structured interview was the instrument used for data collection. The population consisted of 6 respondents, whose collective experiences span across 11 out of the 36 International schools in Istanbul. The secured discussions and interviews provided personal accounts of their professional experiences with SPD students. Findings concluded that provisions for SPD students were sporadic and generally inadequate, with no recorded data on suspected or diagnosed students.</em></p> <p><strong>Keywords: </strong><em>Sensory Processing Disorder, SPD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Inclusive Education, Istanbul</em>.</p> Asiya Lina Gibson Prof. Raufu, M. Oyedapo (PhD) Prof. Muraina, K. Olanrewaju (PhD) ##submission.copyrightStatement## 2025-08-25 2025-08-25 COMMUNISM FROM AN ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE: A STUDY OF ITS IMPACT IN INDONESIA https://jis.iou.edu.gm/index.php/JIS/article/view/210 <p><em>Communism, as a protruding ideology, has spread its significant influence worldwide. Introduced by Karl Marx and Engels, the ideology has been developing as an opposition to capitalism, aiming to dismantle class divisions in society that led to disparities between the proletariat and bourgeoisie in Europe. Communists do not recognize religion and deny the existence of God. Furthermore, communism has been hostile towards religion, as a reaction of a trauma when religion was a tool for the ruling class to control the lower classes. This paper aims to analyze the dangers of communism from an Islamic perspective and its influence in Indonesia. The study employs literature reviews and interviews with several authoritative sources. The findings indicate that communist ideology contradicts Islamic values and has a negative impact on the mindset of the Indonesian people.</em></p> <p><strong>Keywords: </strong><em>Communism, Islam, Karl Marx, Negative Impact, Ideology</em>.</p> Gayuh Erlis Suminar ##submission.copyrightStatement## 2025-08-25 2025-08-25