INSTILLING FAITH AND MORALS FROM AN EARLY AGE: MTS GRADE 7–9 MATERIAL GUIDE

Abstract

This study aims to examine the relevance and implementation of values in the Akidah Akhlak material for grades 7, 8, and 9 of Madrasah Tsanawiyah (MTs) semesters 1 and 2 in character building of students in public schools, especially in SMP Negeri Tempat Tanamerah. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation of teachers, students, and the school environment. The results of the study indicate that although SMP is not a religious-based institution like MTs, the values of faith and morals can still be instilled effectively through various strategies, such as religious habits, teacher role models, and the integration of moral values in Islamic Religious Education subjects. Values such as honesty, trustworthiness, tolerance, and responsibility were successfully implemented in school culture through contextual and interactive approaches. This study concludes that the Akidah Akhlak material of MTs can be an inspiration for strengthening character education in public schools. With the right strategy and support from an educational environment, the instillation of the values of akidah and morals can run optimally even in non-madrasah educational settings. This research contributes to the development of character education based on universal Islamic values.