The Influence of Islamic Values on English Pragmatic Competence among Muslim EFL Learners

Abstract

This article examines the influence of Islamic values on English pragmatic competence among Muslim English as a Foreign Language learners. Pragmatic competence is an important area of English linguistics because it focuses on how learners use language appropriately in different social and cultural contexts. Although grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation are often emphasized in English language teaching, many learners still experience difficulty in using English politely, respectfully, and effectively in real communication. For Muslim EFL learners, Islamic values such as respect, modesty, honesty, humility, kindness, patience, and responsibility may shape the way they perform speech acts, including greetings, requests, apologies, refusals, compliments, and classroom interactions. Using a conceptual and library-based approach, this article explores how these values influence learners’ pragmatic choices and communicative behavior in English. It also discusses the relationship between Islamic identity and English language use, particularly in educational settings where learners are expected to develop both linguistic competence and appropriate social communication skills. The article argues that integrating Islamic values into English language teaching can support pragmatic development by making language learning more meaningful, culturally relevant, and ethically grounded. It further highlights the need for teachers to teach pragmatic features explicitly through role-play, dialogue practice, speech act analysis, and culturally sensitive classroom activities. The study concludes that Islamic values can positively contribute to the development of English pragmatic competence when they are integrated carefully and academically into English language teaching.