Character building through Islamic education: A theological and Qur'anic values-based approach to Tarbiyah for strengthening social values

Abstract

limiting students’ opportunities to internalize religious teachings as social values reflected in
everyday behavior. This study aims to analyze the implementation of a theological and Qur’anic values
based tarbiyah approach in strengthening students’ social values at SD Muhammadiyah Malawili. A
qualitative case study design was employed, with data collected through participatory observation, in-depth
interviews with school stakeholders, and document analysis. Data were analyzed through data reduction,
data display, and conclusion drawing, while data credibility was strengthened through source and technique
triangulation. The findings reveal that character building is implemented through three interconnected
stages: character-oriented learning planning, contextual implementation of Islamic Religious Education,
and assessment encompassing cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains. The theological and
Qur’anic orientation extends religious learning beyond conceptual knowledge by integrating moral
responsibility, social interaction, cooperation, and concern for others into the learning process. Its
implementation is supported by teachers’ mastery of subject matter and students’ learning interest, while
limited perceptions of Islamic Religious Education, inadequate character assessment, and insufficient
instructional supervision remain significant constraints. The study demonstrates that integrating theological
foundations, Qur’anic values, and contextual learning provides a holistic framework for transforming
Islamic Religious Education from knowledge-oriented instruction into a process of social character
formation.