STRENGTHENING STUDENTS’ RELIGIOUS CHARACTER THROUGH RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES AT MI SIRAJUL ULUM REAK CENTRAL LOMBOKMBOK

Abstract

Religious character is an important component of students’ character development in Islamic educational institutions and can be strengthened through consistent religious habituation. This study aimed to describe the strengthening of students’ religious character through Juz Amma memorization, Qur’anic Qiro’ah, and congregational Dhuha prayer at MI Sirajul Ulum Reak, Central Lombok, and to identify the obstacles encountered by teachers and the strategies used to address them. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation involving teachers and students and were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model, consisting of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that religious character strengthening was implemented through three main activities. Juz Amma memorization was conducted before lessons through repeated recitation and the talqin method. Qur’anic Qiro’ah was implemented to develop students’ ability to read the Qur’an correctly according to tajwid and proper articulation. Congregational Dhuha prayer was conducted regularly to develop discipline, obedience, and responsibility in worship. The main obstacles included students’ limited concentration, difficulties in recognizing hijaiyyah letters and applying tajwid, late arrival, and disruptive behavior during prayer. Teachers addressed these challenges through continuous guidance, motivation, habituation, modeling, and encouragement to practice religious activities at home. Overall, the findings suggest that consistent religious habituation supported by teacher guidance and modeling can strengthen students’ religious character within the madrasah context.