A Study on Modern Lifestyle and Understanding of Obligatory Prayers Among Teenagers at Rahma Village Mosque

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of modern lifestyle on the understanding and practice of obligatory prayer (ṣalāt) among mosque youth in Rahma Subdistrict, Lubuklinggau City. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving ten adolescent participants and one mosque administrator. The findings reveal that while participants possess adequate theoretical knowledge of prayer procedures and theological significance, actual implementation remains inconsistent. Daily worship routines are frequently disrupted by digital distractions, social media engagement, gaming, and peer group dynamics that normalize delayed or neglected prayer. Entertainment consumption and contemporary social norms create a pronounced gap between religious cognition and behavioral practice, transforming sacred obligations into flexible personal choices. These results underscore that modernity not only reschedules worship habits but fundamentally reshapes adolescents’ epistemological orientation toward religious duties. Consequently, traditional religious mentoring requires adaptation to bridge the knowledge-practice divide. The study recommends developing digitally integrated, peer-led spiritual programs that align with youth communication preferences while reinforcing theological coherence. Ultimately, this research highlights the urgent need for contextually responsive Islamic education strategies to sustain consistent worship commitment amid rapid socio-technological change.