Education is a very strategic human investment to print future generations. A better education format is certainly a must as it is today. Society with high knowledge has become a necessity, not least in Islamic society. In historical record, Islamic civilization has actually shown how important a comprehensive and conducive education in order to promote and enhance human dignity. But over the past few centuries, Islamic civilization has been declining and even declining due to lack of educational education. Education in Islam is a series of processes of human empowerment towards taklif (maturity), both intellectually, mentally and morally, to carry out a humanitarian function which is assumed-as a servant (abd) before his Khaliq and as a "keeper" (khalifah) in the universe. Islamic education is not just a process of cultivating a moral value to fortify itself from the negative access of globalization or modernism. But the most important thing is how the moral value that has been invested in Islamic education is able to act as a liberator from the crush of ignorance and backwardness.
The educational phenomenon in Islam is actually very varied. In Indonesia for example, there are many forms and types of Islamic educational institutions. Call it Pondok Pesantren, Education Park Al-Qur'an (TPA), Madrasah, Islamic College and so forth. The dynamics of some once retrograde education is now beginning to show its existence. The phenomenon of Islamic education transformation is now more open, innovative and modern with its new dynamic faces. But that does not mean the potential problems and challenges of Islamic education in the future is not there and will not reappear.
The history of Islamic education in Indonesia has actually been going on for a long time from the pre-independence era until now. Therefore, in the development of policy structuring and empowerment of Islamic education must still pay attention to two strategic aspects. Namely, first, the aspect of continuity of objectives, substance and identity of Islamic education. Secondly, the aspect of innovation and transformation that enables Islamic education has a comparative and competitive advantage in the general education system in Indonesia.
In order to understand the position of Islamic education in the midst of the spirit of national education reform, it is necessary to see the meaning and role of Islamic education in the life of Indonesian society. Similarly, in order to find a new paradigm of Islamic education should start from the ex# headeristence of Islamic education in the history of the life of nation and state. Both in the past, the present and into the future. Therefore, in exploring the noble values that exist in Islamic education must be honest and precise in determining the position, function and role of Islamic education in Indonesian society today.