This issue showcases a diverse array of scholarly contributions that intersect the fields of Islamic thought, law, education, governance, language development, and social practices across various Muslim-majority contexts. The research articles and book review collectively explore pressing doctrinal, pedagogical, legal, and technological developments in contemporary Islamic societies.

Several papers critically examine the influence of non-mainstream religious movements and practices on Muslim communities. Tawaliu Adeoye’s investigation into the doctrinal deviations of the Ahlus-Sunnah Wal-Jamā‘ah (ASWAJ) movement in Iseyin, Nigeria, and Adeyemi and Alabi’s ethnographic study of Islamic therapy versus sorcerous herbal practices in Ilorin Emirate, both provide essential insights into the challenges posed by syncretism and religious manipulation within local Islamic contexts. These studies underscore the need for theological clarity and institutional regulation to preserve the integrity of Islamic practices.

Contributions from Southeast Asia address the evolving role of digital systems and educational strategies. Nurhazirah Naqibah and Liza Mariah examine the usability and impact of Brunei’s 'Sistem Sumber Manusia' (SSM), highlighting the intersection between governance, employee satisfaction, and digital transformation. Similarly, Himatul Istiqomah offers a pedagogical framework for enhancing Arabic language learning in early childhood through playful and engaging strategies, contributing to effective language acquisition methodologies grounded in child-centered learning.

Legal and economic discourses are also well represented. Wanda Rahma et al. explore directors’ liability in wage payment misconduct through the lens of Indonesia’s ultra vires doctrine, contributing to improved corporate governance and labor rights protection. Meanwhile, Nazifi Dahiru Abdullahi and Abubakar Isyaku evaluate the financial performance of Islamic banks in Nigeria, demonstrating how Shari‘ah-compliant products like Murabahah and Sukuk contribute positively to institutional profitability and ethical finance.

Intellectual heritage and Islamic educational reform are reflected in two final contributions. Anis Malik Thoha reviews Yūnus Muḥsin’s work on university-level Sharī‘ah curricula, offering critical reflections on the need for curriculum renewal while maintaining epistemological authenticity. Complementing this, Mohamed Abdelaty Abbas provides a comparative and critical philosophical analysis of the human soul through the perspectives of Ibn Sina and Fakhr al-Din al-Razi, revealing how Ash‘arite theology increasingly engaged with philosophical reasoning.

Altogether, this issue illustrates a rich scholarly engagement with contemporary Islamic challenges and transformations—spanning doctrinal integrity, educational renewal, technological advancement, legal accountability, and socio-religious reform. It offers timely and interdisciplinary perspectives for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers working to navigate the complexities of Islamic societies in the 21st century.