Islamic Tri-Intelligence Framework (Iq–Eq–Sq) For Developing the Character of Gifted and Talented Muslim Students

Abstract

This conceptual paper develops the Islamic Tri-Intelligence Framework (IQ–EQ–SQ) as a holistic model for strengthening the character development of Muslim gifted and talented students. Existing Western gifted education models remain predominantly cognitive-oriented and often neglect emotional and spiritual dimensions, creating a significant gap between intellectual excellence and students’ psychological well-being. By synthesising contemporary psychological research and Islamic epistemology, this study explains the integrative interaction between three core domains: intellectual intelligence (‘aql), emotional intelligence (nafs), and spiritual intelligence (qalb). The theoretical analysis reveals that SQ serves as the central regulating component that guides both EQ and IQ, ensuring value alignment, emotional stability, and moral integrity among gifted learners. The proposed framework offers a comprehensive foundation for curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment reforms in Islamic gifted education. It also provides avenues for future empirical research on Islamic intelligence measurement tools and education interventions grounded in spiritual–emotional–cognitive integration.