INTERNALIZING THE VALUES OF RAHMATAN LIL ‘ALAMIN IN ISLAMIC EDUCATION: THE STRATEGIC ROLE OF ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS EDUCATION TEACHERS IN CHARACTER FORMATION

Abstract

This study aims to examine how the values of Rahmatan lil ‘Alamin are internalized in Islamic education and to analyze the strategic role of Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers in shaping students’ character. This study employs a qualitative case study approach conducted at Madrasah Tsanawiyah Al-Khoirot Malang. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis, and were subsequently analyzed using thematic coding techniques to identify patterns of value integration and pedagogical practices. The findings indicate that the values of compassion (rahmah), tolerance, justice, moderation (wasatiyyah), and non-violence are systematically integrated into Fiqh, Aqidah Akhlak, and Qur’an-Hadith subjects through contextual interpretations of relevant Qur’anic verses and discussions of contemporary social issues. The institutional culture also reinforces the process of value internalization through pesantren traditions such as ta‘dzim, musyawarah, ukhuwah, and various socio-religious activities. In this context, PAI teachers serve as interpreters of values, moral role models, affective mediators, and builders of social cohesion. These roles contribute significantly to the development of students’ moral awareness, social empathy, and reflective religious identity.