THE ROLE OF ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IN SHAPING STUDENTS’ SOCIAL-RELIGIOUS CHARACTER: A QUALITATIVE STUDY AT STIT AL-KHAIRIYAH CILEGON

Abstrak

This study aims to explore the role of Islamic Religious Education (IRE) in shaping students’ social-religious character in higher education. Using a qualitative approach grounded in an interpretive paradigm, the research was conducted at STIT Al-Khairiyah Cilegon. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis involving lecturers and students engaged in IRE learning. The findings reveal that Islamic Religious Education is implemented through contextual and value-oriented learning processes that integrate cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions. Lecturers play a crucial role as facilitators and role models, while students actively participate in reflective and interactive learning activities. The internalization of Islamic values contributes to the development of students’ social-religious character, including empathy, responsibility, cooperation, and respect for others. In addition, students demonstrate improved emotional regulation and positive social interaction, although continuous guidance is still required to ensure consistency. This study highlights that Islamic Religious Education serves as a strategic component in higher education for character formation through meaningful and contextual learning. The findings suggest the importance of strengthening student-centered and value-based learning approaches to enhance sustainable social-religious character development