Ahlussunnah: Journal of Islamic Education

Reconceiving Learning in Madrasah Ibtidaiyah under the Merdeka Curriculum

Dina Istiqomah — 2026-08-12

Madrasah Ibtidaiyah plays an important role in establishing the cognitive, affective, psychomotor, and digital foundations of students within an Islamic educational context. This study aims to analyze the characteristics of learning and relevant instructional strategies in Madrasah Ibtidaiyah within the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum. The study employed a qualitative research design using content analysis of academic literature and educational policy documents published between 2019 and 2025. The data were analyzed through data familiarization, coding, categorization, and thematic interpretation to identify recurring patterns related to learning focus, instructional strategies, assessment, and teacher roles. The findings indicate that learning in Madrasah Ibtidaiyah should integrate four interrelated domains: cognitive, affective, psychomotor, and digital development. The analysis further identifies three complementary strategies: Islamic project-based learning, differentiated instruction, and continuous formative assessment. These strategies support contextual and student-centered learning while providing opportunities to integrate Islamic values across subject areas. The findings also indicate that teachers need to function not only as learning facilitators but also as murabbi who guide students’ moral and spiritual development through habituation, exemplary behavior, and classroom interaction. The study concludes that implementing the Merdeka Curriculum in Madrasah Ibtidaiyah requires an integrated learning ecosystem that connects academic development, Islamic values, student diversity, continuous assessment, and teacher professional capacity.

The Role of Islamic Education Teachers in Strengthening Islamic Education in Muslim Communities

Makhdalena Makhdalena — 2026-08-16

This study aims to describe and analyze the role of Islamic Religious Education teachers in fostering Islamic education within the Minangkabau Muslim community. Islamic Religious Education teachers serve not only as educators in the formal school setting but also as religious leaders and moral mentors within the community. This study employs a qualitative approach using descriptive methods, through observation, interviews, and documentation. The results show that Islamic Religious Education teachers play a strategic role in instilling Islamic values in students and the community. This role is evident in teaching activities, moral guidance, involvement in community religious activities, and serving as role models in social life. Supporting factors that strengthen the role of Islamic Religious Education teachers include: high teacher dedication, support from parents and community leaders, a religious social environment, the availability of facilities for worship and religious education, and the existence of programs from the government and religious institutions such as the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Muhammadiyah, and Nahdlatul Ulama. Meanwhile, the obstacles faced include limited facilities, a lack of participation by some members of the community, and the challenges of globalization that affect religious values. This study concludes that Islamic Religious Education teachers play a central role in developing a holistic Islamic education system within the Minangkabau community. Therefore, synergy among teachers, the community, and religious institutions must continue to be strengthened to reinforce Islamic education amid the dynamics of modern society.

Quranic Perspectives on Character Education: A Lughawiyyah Analysis of Surah Luqman Verses 13–15

Ali Nasuha — 2026-08-17

This study analyzes the construction of children’s character education in Quranic Surah Luqman verses 13–15 through a lughawiyyah or linguistic approach, with particular attention to the values of tawhid and birr al walidayn. The study employs a qualitative interpretive design based on textual analysis of Surah Luqman verses 13–15 and its linguistic interpretation in Al Kashshaf an Haqaiq Ghawamid al Tanzil by Mahmud al Zamakhshari. The analysis focuses on lexical choices, grammatical structures, semantic relations, and their functions in conveying educational values. The findings indicate that character education in these verses is constructed through two interrelated foundations: the internalization of tawhid and the cultivation of birr al walidayn. Linguistically, the prohibition expressed through la tushrik billah conveys a preventive orientation in developing monotheistic character by rejecting the association of partners with Allah. Meanwhile, the expression wa wassayna al insana biwalidayhi emphasizes moral responsibility toward parents and establishes filial conduct as an essential dimension of character formation. The analysis further demonstrates that the verses position tawhid as the theological foundation of character education, while birr al walidayn represents its ethical expression within the parent child relationship. These findings suggest that Quranic character education integrates theological commitment and interpersonal ethics as complementary dimensions in the formation of Muslim character.

Educator Competence in Fostering Students’ Moral Development in Islamic Secondary Schools

Popi Astuti — 2026-08-17

Moral development is an important component of Islamic education, requiring educators to demonstrate competence not only in delivering knowledge but also in shaping students’ attitudes and behavior. This study aims to analyze the implementation of moral development, the role of educators, and educator competence in supporting students’ moral development at the Islamic secondary school level. The study employed a qualitative method with a case study approach. Data were collected through observations, interviews, and document analysis involving Islamic Education teachers, students, and school personnel. The data were analyzed thematically. The findings show that moral development is implemented through classroom learning, role modeling, habituation, and school-based educational programs. Educators serve as instructors, role models, mentors, and guides in shaping students’ behavior. Educator competence contributes to the integration of moral values into the learning process and educational activities. The effectiveness of moral development is supported by instructional media and school programs, while student motivation and limited environmental support constitute inhibiting factors. These findings highlight the importance of integrating educator competence with role modeling, habituation, and environmental support to foster students’ moral development.