INTERNALISASI NILAI-NILAI RELIGIUS DALAM MEMBENTUK AKHLAKUL KARIMAH: STUDI KASUS DI SMP MUSLIM CENDEKIA KOTA BATU

Abstract

Religious character development has become an important issue in education as schools are expected to cultivate students' moral values alongside academic achievement. Previous studies have primarily examined religious character formation through specific religious programs, while limited attention has been given to the comprehensive internalization of religious values embedded in school culture. This study aims to describe students' religious character, analyze the process of internalizing religious character values in fostering students' akhlakul karimah, and identify the supporting and inhibiting factors at SMP Muslim Cendekia Kota Batu. This research employed a qualitative approach using an ethnographic design. Data were collected through participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation, then analyzed using the interactive model of Miles and Huberman. The findings reveal that students' religious character is reflected in the implementation of the 5S culture, congregational worship, discipline, respect for teachers, and social responsibility. The internalization process is strengthened through habituation, teachers' role modeling, religious school culture, and the semi-boarding school program, while collaboration between schools and families supports its sustainability. These findings contribute to understanding how an integrated religious school culture shapes students' moral character through continuous value internalization.