At-Ta'dib

Constructing the Body of Knowledge of Pesantren Education: A Philosophical, Historical, and Curricular Inquiry

Agus Budiman — 2025-07-03

Purpose - Pesantren education, as Indonesia’s oldest Islamic educational institution, holds a rich tradition of nurturing intellectually and spiritually grounded individuals. However, despite its significant historical and cultural role, pesantren education has lacked a formalized Body of Knowledge (BoK) that could support its academic development within higher education. This study aims to construct and map the BoK of pesantren education to provide a structured epistemological foundation for pesantren-based academic programs. Methods - This research adopts a qualitative library research methodology with analytical and interpretive approaches. Data were collected from classical Islamic texts and contemporary studies on pesantren and Islamic education, and were analyzed using inductive-comparative techniques grounded in Islamic epistemology and educational theory. Findings – The findings indicate that pesantren education is underpinned by an integrative epistemology that combines revelation (naqli), reason (‘aqli), and spiritual insight (‘irfani), and operates through a holistic and adaptive curriculum. The study identifies six key domains forming the BoK: Philosophy of Pesantren Education, Curriculum and Methodology, Leadership and Management, Socio-Anthropology, Innovation, and Classical Islamic Text Studies. Research implications / limitations - This study’s main limitation lies in its conceptual nature, suggesting a need for empirical validation. Its originality lies in the systematic formulation of a pesantren education BoK an academic framework that had not been explicitly mapped before thus offering significant value for curriculum design and academic development in Islamic higher education.

The Role of Pesantren Cultural Values in Enhancing Teacher Professional Identity and Commitment

Rasyidin Rasyidin — 2025-07-03

Purpose -Teacher commitment is a central pillar in improving the quality of education, particularly within the unique ecosystem of Islamic boarding schools (pesantren), where educators play multifaceted roles. this study aims to examine the optimization of permanent instructors' job commitments by focusing on three major aspects: caring, responsibility, and self-discipline. Method -The research method is qualitative, using a phenomenological approach. Data collecting methods include observation, interviews, and documentation studies. The data management process involves data reduction, data display, data analysis, and concluding. The informants included the Pesantren Leader, the Director of Teaching, and two teachers. Findings -The study findings demonstrate that the commitment of pesantren instructors may be established through the hierarchy of strengthening pesantren's cultural values. Pesantren culture is manifested through the five spirits of the pesantren, the most basic of which is the spirit of truthfulness, which forms the pupils' character. Another factor that influences a teacher's dedication is the loyalty that has developed while becoming a student. Pesantren's life cycle involves the regeneration of leadership and instruction. Finally, flexibility in a positive peer environment and a sense of duty for professionalism lead to teacher commitment. Implications - Socially, the findings have consequences for Pesantren's work culture paradigm. The study has societal implications for enhancing the pesantren system through pesantren culture. Originality - this study lies in its cultural perspective on commitment, offering a unique model of educator development based on pesantren values rather than conventional corporate paradigms.

Professional Islamic Education Teacher in Pesantren on Imam Al-Murtadla Az-Zabidi's Perspective (An Analysis of Ithafu As-Sa'adah Al-Muttaqin)

Muhammad Arfan Mu'ammar — 2025-07-03

Purpose -Teachers in Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) play a central role not only in transferring knowledge but also in shaping students’ character and spiritual growth. This study explores the concept of a professional Islamic education teacher from the perspective of Imam al-Murtadla az-Zabidi in his seminal work Ithaf al-Sadah al-Muttaqin, with the aim of assessing its relevance to the professional standards of modern educators. Methods - Utilizing a qualitative library research method, the study conducts a critical textual analysis of Imam al-Zabidi's views and compares them with both classical and contemporary perspectives on teacher professionalism. Findings - indicate that a professional Islamic education teacher, according to Imam al-Zabidi, must embody four key competencies professional, pedagogical, personal, and social while internalizing their dual role: serving as both a devotional servant of Allah and a khalifah on Earth. Imam al-Zabidi emphasizes the teacher's responsibilities to act as a parental figure, a prophetic successor, a moral guide, and a consistent role model who practices what they teach. The teacher must tailor instruction to students’ capacities, guide against moral decay with wisdom, and maintain ethical humility rooted in the pursuit of divine truth. Implications - of this study suggest that classical Islamic educational thought especially as framed by Imam al-Zabidi offers a rich normative framework for addressing today’s educational challenges, particularly in the moral and spiritual domains. However, the research is limited in scope to the pesantren context and classical text interpretation, warranting further empirical validation in diverse educational environments. Originality/value lies in the study’s contribution to bridging classical Islamic scholarship and contemporary educational theory, offering an integrative model of professional teacher identity grounded in Islamic ethics and character-based pedagogy.

The Vision of Internationalization at Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor: A Transnational Theory Perspective

Ahmad Zakky Mubarok — 2025-07-03

Purpose - Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor (PMDG) is one of Indonesia’s most influential Islamic educational institutions, with alumni actively engaged at both national and international levels. This study explores the vision of internationalization at PMDG through the lens of transnational theory. Specifically, it applies both classical (high-politics) and contemporary (low-politics) models of transnationalism to analyze Gontor’s global orientation. Methods - Employing a qualitative content analysis based on literature and official documents, this study identifies key teachings of the kyai (religious leaders) that articulate international ideals. Findings – The findings reveal that PMDG adopts a new-style transnational approach, where education, ethical values, and cultural ideas become the core instruments of global engagement. These ideals are diffused internally through kyai-student interactions and mobilized externally by alumni across various countries and sectors. The study also finds that Gontor’s educational model is influenced by a synthesis of four international institutions: Al-Azhar, Syanggit, Santiniketan, and Aligarh. These form the epistemological foundation for its vision of Islamic global citizenship. Research Implications/ Limitations - include the need for further studies on Islamic educational institutions as soft power agents in international relations. the study lie in its reliance on textual sources, which may not fully capture the lived experiences of santri and alumni. Originality/value of this research lies in its application of transnational theory to analyze a pesantren’s educational vision, a subject rarely explored in prior scholarship.

Charismatic Leadership and Organizational Commitment Mediated by Job Satisfaction Among Pesantren

Busthomi Ibrohim — 2025-07-03

Purpose - Charismatic leadership is often regarded as a central leadership model in Islamic boarding schools (pesantren), especially due to the strong influence of the kyai as both religious and institutional leaders. However, the sustainability of teachers' organizational commitment in such institutions remains a challenge. This study aims to examine the direct influence of charismatic leadership on organizational commitment, as well as the mediating role of job satisfaction in this relationship. Methods - This research employed a quantitative survey method involving 566 educators from Pesantren Darunnajah Indonesia. Data were collected using validated instruments measuring charismatic leadership, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. The data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis and the Baron and Kenny mediation test, supported by SPSS software. Findings - indicate that charismatic leadership significantly influences both job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Additionally, job satisfaction is found to mediate the relationship between charismatic leadership and organizational commitment. The level of charismatic leadership, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment among respondents was generally high. Implications/limitations: The findings provide empirical support for leadership development programs in pesantren that emphasize charismatic attributes such as vision, empathy, and personal influence. Originality/value: This study contributes to highlights the strategic role of the kyai not only as a religious figure but also as a professional leader within organizational frameworks.

Development of an E-Book on Madrasah Principal Leadership Based on Pesantren Culture To Train Students' Digital Literacy

Nur Khoiri — 2025-07-03

Purpose - In the era of rapid digital transformation, madrasah principals are required not only to possess strong leadership skills but also to demonstrate digital literacy in managing schools and guiding the educational community. This study aims to develop a digital e-book on madrasah principal leadership rooted in the cultural values of pesantren, intended to foster digital literacy among students and school stakeholders. Methods - Employing a research and development (R&D) approach with the ADDIE model, the e-book was validated by material experts, media experts, and practitioners. Findings – The validation results revealed high feasibility scores: 90.1% from material experts, 89.2% from media experts, and 91.5% from practitioners, with an overall average of 90.26%, categorized as "very feasible." In terms of practicality, student users rated the e-book at 81.48%, indicating a "very practical" category, particularly in aspects such as ease of use, cognitive content, and information presentation. The e-book integrates pesantren values such as sincerity, discipline, and community-based leadership into digital learning, providing a culturally grounded yet technologically relevant tool. Research implications / limitations - This research offers practical implications for the development of educational media that aligns with Islamic educational culture, though further studies are needed to assess long-term impacts on leadership behavior and digital competence in diverse school contexts. Originality/Value - This study presents an innovative blend of pesantren-based leadership education and digital literacy training through an interactive e-book, addressing a gap in culturally contextualized digital resources for Islamic educational institutions.

Character Education Through Arabic Textbooks at Modern Pesantren in Cirebon (Case Study at Al-Muqoddas Modern Pesantren)

Pradi Khusufi Syamsu — 2025-07-03

Purpose - This study investigates the implementation of character education in Arabic language instruction at Al-Muqoddas Modern Pesantren in Cirebon through the use of the al-Qira’ah ar-Rashidah textbook. Rooted in the growing discourse on the integration of moral values within language learning, this research aims to analyze how Arabic learning can serve as an effective medium for character building in Islamic boarding school contexts. Methods -Employing a qualitative approach, data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and analyzed using triangulation to ensure data validity and credibility. Findings –The findings reveal that the character values embedded in the al-Qira’ah ar-Rashidah textbook authored by Abdul Fatah Shabri and Ali Umar and published by Dar al-Ma'arif, Egypt not only align with but also exceed the character education standards established by Indonesia’s Ministry of National Education. The implementation of character education in Al-Muqoddas is integrated across various learning strategies, including expository, inquiry-based, contextual, and problem-based approaches. Furthermore, character internalization is reinforced through practical strategies such as modeling, habituation, experiential learning, direct advice, and disciplinary measures. Research implications suggest that Arabic language instruction, when enriched with cultural and moral content, offers a robust framework for instilling Islamic character values. However, this study is limited to one pesantren context and may not represent all Islamic educational settings. Originality/value of this research lies in its contextual exploration of how classical Arabic learning materials can effectively serve dual functions—linguistic proficiency and character development within a pesantren framework, reinforcing the inseparability of language and moral education in Islamic pedagogy.

The Role of Islamic Boarding Schools in Digital Literacy: Strategies to Shape a Critical and Productive Muslim Generation

Arizqi Ihsan Pratama Arizqi — 2025-07-03

Purpose -The digital era poses both challenges and opportunities for Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) in Indonesia. This study investigates the strategic role of pesantren in fostering digital literacy to shape a generation of Muslims who are both critical and productive. The research aims to analyze how digital literacy is integrated into pesantren education and the strategies employed to align technological use with Islamic ethical values. Methods -Adopting a qualitative library research method, the study draws from a wide range of primary and secondary sources, including academic literature and documented case studies. Findings –The findings reveal several key strategies: integration of digital subjects into curricula, training and workshops for students and teachers, policy reinforcement on technology use, ethical digital education, and collaboration with external institutions. Research implications / limitations -Case studies from pesantren such as Nurul Jadid, Darunnajah, and Al-Muayyad demonstrate successful implementations through e-learning platforms, digital preaching programs, and content creation training. Despite notable challenges such as limited infrastructure, cultural resistance, and a lack of digital competence among educators the study affirms the potential of pesantren to serve as centers of ethical digital literacy. Originality -The research contributes new insights by highlighting a rarely explored intersection between Islamic education and digital transformation, thus offering a valuable model for integrating religious values with technological advancement in education.

Unveiling the Role of English for Academic Purposes in Multilingual Pesantren Education: A Needs Analysis

Dinar Dipta — 2025-07-03

Purpose - Pesantren, as Indonesia’s longstanding Islamic boarding schools, have traditionally prioritized Arabic for religious instruction. However, in response to global academic demands, many pesantren are now adopting multilingual approaches, including the integration of English for Academic Purposes (EAP). This study aims to analyze the specific linguistic needs of pesantren students to inform the design of EAP curricula tailored to multilingual Islamic education contexts. Methods - Employing a descriptive qualitative ethnographic method, the research collected data through semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and observations involving 30 randomly selected university students and institutional stakeholders in an East Java pesantren. Findings – The findings reveal that multilingualism in pesantren fosters cognitive flexibility, intercultural competence, and religious-literacy development, but it also presents substantial challenges for acquiring academic English proficiency. Research implications / limitations -This study highlights the importance of conducting rigorous needs analysis for EAP course design in pesantren and offers practical insights for improving curriculum design, language policy, and teacher preparation. Limitations include the contextual focus on a single pesantren university and the absence of a comparative multilingual education model.Originality - The study’s originality lies in its integration of EAP with Islamic multilingual education, a combination underexplored in current literature. It provides a framework for enhancing pesantren students' academic readiness in both local and global contexts.

Pragmatic Analysis Between Santri Gestures and Kiai`s Teachings in a Film Entitled: "Sang Kiai"

Muhammad Amiruddin — 2025-07-03

Abstract

Purpose -This study explores the intersection between pragmatics and non-verbal communication in Islamic educational contexts by analyzing santri gestures and their alignment with the teachings of the kiai as depicted in the Indonesian film Sang Kiai. The objective of this research is to identify types of gestures used by santri and interpret their meaning within the socio-religious framework of pesantren tradition. Methods - Using a qualitative descriptive method with a pragmatic-semiotic approach, the study analyzes selected scenes and gestures from the film and contextualizes them through ethnographic literature on pesantren culture and Islamic education. Findings – The findings reveal that santri gestures such as bowing, walking behind the kiai, avoiding direct eye contact, and sitting humbly are pragmatic expressions of submission, reverence, and learning ethics, deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and local pedagogical norms. These gestures function as non-verbal reinforcement of verbal teachings and play a crucial role in shaping the character of santri. Implications / limitations -This research contributes to the underexplored area of non-verbal language in Islamic educational settings and suggests that gestures in pesantren are an embodied form of religious discipline and moral education. Originality -Still, the study offers a valuable lens for educators, linguists, and cultural researchers interested in the pragmatics of Islamic pedagogy and the role of body language in religious instruction.