Implementation of Character Education through Religious Activities for Students at MTs Al-Hidayah Dukupuntang

Abstract

Character education at the Madrasah Tsanawiyah level serves as a foundational pillar for shaping ethical and spiritually grounded youth. This study examines the implementation of character education through structured religious activities at MTs Al-Hidayah Dukupuntang, Cirebon Regency. Employing a qualitative field research approach, data were collected through interviews, direct observations, and documentation involving school administrators, teachers, students, and parents. The findings reveal that religious practices are systematically integrated into daily, weekly, and annual routines via a deliberate habituation strategy. Core activities such as the 5S etiquette, morning supplications, Quranic recitation, and congregational prayers effectively foster essential character traits, including discipline, honesty, responsibility, politeness, sincerity, and tolerance. The process successfully aligns with the triadic framework of moral knowing, moral feeling, and moral action, transforming abstract theological values into consistent behavioral patterns. While strong familial religious traditions and dedicated teacher mentorship significantly support this initiative, challenges related to digital technology exposure and unmonitored online content persist. Ultimately, this research demonstrates that continuous religious habituation within an integrative madrasah ecosystem provides a robust mechanism for holistic character development, equipping students with enduring moral competence.