Peranan Syeikh Abbas Bakar Rafiee dalam Pembaharuan Sistem Pendidikan Islam di Madrasah Al-Mashoor Al-Islamiah Pulau Pinang, 1922–1957

This study examines the development of the Islamic Educational system in Malaya, especially in Pulau Pinang between 1922 and 1957. This period is significant because the institutionalisation of the reform of the educational system based on the rapid development of both English and vernacular educational institutions in Malaya which rivalled the Islamic Educational institutions. This study focuses on the role of the third Headmaster of Madrasah al-Mashoor al-Islamiah, Syeikh Abbas Bakar Rafiee in bringing and implementing the idea of reform in the field of Islamic Education which was previously pioneered by Syed Syeikh al-Hadi. This study uses qualitative research methods based on primary and secondary sources using historical and thematic approaches. The results of the study show that Syeikh Abbas play a very important role in implementing this various madrasah reforms in terms of administrative and curriculum systems, introducing co-curricular activities and sending the students to further their studies in West Asia. In addition, Syeikh Abbas also played a significant role in establishing the madrasah girls’ section, the Madrasah al-Mashoor’s branch in Balik Pulau and in cooperating to establish a madrasah in Sabak Bernam modelled upon the Madrasah al-Mashoor. In addition, the headmaster also produced influential human capital that has brought changes in social awareness in society and played an important role in shaping the country’s history.