Training and education based on Islamic values are very important to help members of the Malaysian Armed

Forces have the correct understanding and can practice Islamic teachings in their daily lives. Excellent

personalities, such as faith, trust, and integrity, are the effects that arise from balanced spiritual and physical

education. This study aims to examine the empowerment initiatives that have been and are being carried out to

strengthen training modules, educational curricula, and teaching approaches that are more dynamic and

relevant to current needs. This initial focus focuses on the training and education management structure at

ILMI and the training and education concepts implemented. This study uses qualitative methods, namely

Training and Education are two elements that are highly emphasized in the process of developing human

capital, especially in the military context, which demands that its members' competence is always at a

maximum level and in line with the existence of strong self-esteem. Islam refers to matters related to training

and education as a process of spiritual and physical guidance that complies with the Sharia and is disseminated

in the form of experience and technical skills, as well as fulfilling the demands of the caliph's duties entrusted

by Allah through devotion and appreciation of obedience to the commands of Allah (Abdul Rahim 2023).

Allah says:

Meaning: “I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.”

(Al-Quran, Az-Zariyat 51:56)

The Institute of Malaysian Armed Forces Islamic Training and Understanding (ILMI) is a training center that

plays a major role in strengthening the spiritual aspects and understanding of Islam among members of the

Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM). With the current dynamic developments and challenges of globalization, the

strengthen the management structure, trainer competencies, and the integration of Islamic values in the

teaching and learning process.

This study is an initial focus on the strengthening of training and education at ILMI ATM, aiming to examine

the main aspects that influence the effectiveness of the implementation of training and education programs at

this institution. Apart from highlighting the goals of the establishment of ILMI, the study also focuses on the

role played by ILMI as a training institute that implements various initiatives in training and educating

Malaysian Armed Forces personnel, course management procedures, curriculum structure, infrastructure

facilities, and the use of technology in training. In addition, this initial focus also identifies challenges and

opportunities for improvement in efforts to ensure that ILMI continues to play its role as a competitive military

training institution and is relevant to the current needs of the ATM.

documents.

The library analysis conducted includes books, theses, academic journals, and scholarly writings by military

officers and academics directly involved with ILMI ATM. In addition, digital materials such as the official

website of the Ministry of Defense and the Malaysian Army portal that discuss the implementation of ATM

religious policies and programs are also used as references. All of these materials are obtained and reviewed

through the Ibnu Khaldun ILMI ATM Library Archives, which is the Centre for collecting official references

related to training, education, and the history of the establishment of ILMI.

Document analysis was carried out by referring to official sources issued by the Armed Forces Religious Corps

analysis is a method of collecting data obtained from clear and explicit sources such as printed documents,

pictures, and visuals. It aims to obtain objective and systematic explanations.

The researcher conducted observations at the Malaysian Armed Forces Islamic Training and Understanding

Institute (ILMI), Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, for three months, from June to August 2025. The focus of the

observation was to examine how the training and education process was implemented, especially in the aspects

of teaching and learning in the classroom, field training, and administrative coordination. The researcher also

observed the interaction between trainers and trainees, the implementation of spiritual and physical training

recorded in writing and visually to capture patterns, behaviors, and identify contextual factors related to

The data collected was analyzed using a qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis approach. Each

document and field note was read repeatedly to identify ideas, terms, and themes related to ILMI's

empowerment initiatives. The process of classifying data into main theme categories, such as spiritual

Sua Betong, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan. ILMI is the first military training centre oriented towards spiritual

education established in the Malaysian Armed Forces. The inauguration of ILMI was carried out on 27 July

2003 by the late Tun Abdullah bin Ahmad Badawi, who was the Deputy Prime Minister at that time (KAGAT

2005).

KAGAT (2021), through the book Sistem Pengurusan Strategik KAGAT 2021-2025, has explained that the

organizational structure of the Institute of Malaysian Armed Forces Islamic Training and Understanding

(ILMI) is formed hierarchically under the Armed Forces Religious Corps Headquarters (KAGAT) and subject

to the rule of the Malaysian Armed Forces Headquarters. The organizational structure of ILMI is led by a

Commandant. Internally, ILMI includes several main parts that complement each other, namely the

administration section, training management section, academic section, and logistics support section. Each

governance, clear division of responsibilities, and effective coordination between management, trainers, and

trainees. This structure reflects the function of ILMI as the main driving force for the spiritual and intellectual

development of ATM personnel, where each layer of management plays its own role in ensuring the continuity

of Islamic policies in the country's military training system.

ILMI is responsible for implementing the Order of the Armed Forces Council Number 9 of 1991 (PMAT 9/91)

for every Muslim ATM member throughout their service in the ATM. All programs and activities contained in

this document are implemented through courses implemented at ILMI. Based on the document KOD AT No. 1

(2023), generally, the courses implemented at ILMI can be divided into three categories, namely KAGAT

Career Course, KAGAT Functional Course, and Three Service Course.

KAGAT functional courses are more synonymous with the term KAGAT side courses among military

personnel. The functional courses organized are additional opportunities provided to KAGAT members to

increase their level of expertise in the field of da'wah, especially in providing religious education and services

to ATM personnel. Among the ancillary courses implemented at ILMI are the teaching and learning of the

Book of Turath, the Qawaidul Fiqhiyyah Course, and the Fiqhul Awlawiyyat Course.

The Three Service Courses mean courses involving non-KAGAT officers and members from the three military

services, namely the Army, Navy, and Air Force. It aims to generate knowledge, skills, and attitudes among

ATM personnel based on Islamic values in an effort to build superior personalities who to face the challenges

and global changes faced by the ATM. Among the courses provided in this category are the Tahsin al-Quran

Course, the Purification of Aqidah Course, and the Arabic Language Course for Communication.

The implementation of these courses must be reported to the KAGAT superiors every term to be recorded,

evaluated, and analyzed for their results and effectiveness. Compliance with these policies and instructions is

personnel so that they remain intact on the foundation of true faith (Malaysian Armed Forces 1991).

and organized management. If these three characteristics are not well coordinated, training and education will

face the risk of failure and difficulty in achieving the objectives that have been outlined. The ILMI training

concept can be understood through the training philosophy and training objectives outlined (KAGAT 2005).

mission for the well-being of this world and the hereafter. The goal is to form military personnel who are

faithful and pious through the implementation of the Islamic Mental and Spiritual Development Policy

Undeniably, the ATM has successfully trained its members to become a strong and professional military force

through a certain formula. According to Burhanuddin Jalal et. al (2022), its effectiveness can be seen in

training aspects such as discipline, high morale and spirit as well as proficiency in handling weapons.

Rashidi Bujai and Azmil (2015) revealed through their study that, despite strict prohibitions, there are still

appreciation of spiritual values of military personnel.

Since the start of ILMI operations in 2003, the Armed Forces have experienced many changes, especially in

members, family management and the Armed Forces organization (Meniti Kecemerlangan 2010). This article