IMPLEMENTASI BUDAYA RELIGIUS DALAM PEMBENTUKAN KARAKTER ISLAMI MAHASISWA DI UNIVERSITAS MERDEKA MALANG

Abstract

This research is motivated by the urgency of developing Islamic character among university students as a response to the moral crisis and degradation of religiosity in the modern era. Public universities, such as Merdeka University, Malang, face unique challenges in instilling spiritual values because they are not based in Islamic boarding schools (pesantren). Therefore, implementing a religious culture is a crucial strategy for developing students with faith, morals, and integrity within an academic environment. This research used a qualitative case study approach, conducted at Merdeka University, Malang. The subjects consisted of lecturers supervising religious activities, student affairs staff, and active students involved in religious programs. Data collection techniques included non-participatory observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation of campus activities. Data analysis was conducted using the Miles & Huberman model, which encompasses data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results show that religious culture is consistently implemented through activities such as Subuh Berkah (Blessing of Dawn), Duha Berkah (Blessing of Duha), Friday Lectures, Asr Berkah (Blessing of Asr), and monthly mental development (Bintal). This activity impacted the development of students' Islamic character through three stages: moral knowing, moral loving, and moral doing. Despite challenges such as a lack of socialization and monotonous delivery methods, the implementation of religious culture continued with the support of campus policies and the exemplary behavior of lecturers. This research provides an important contribution to the development of a campus-culture-based Islamic character education model. Furthermore, the results can serve as a reference for non-religious higher education institutions in developing students' religious character in an integrative and sustainable manner.