Islamic Cultural Management in the Character Building of Students

Abstract

The formation of students' character is a fundamental objective of Islamic education, emphasizing the integration of cognitive, affective, and spiritual dimensions. Within this framework, Islamic school culture serves as a strategic foundation for internalizing religious values through a structured learning environment grounded in Islamic principles. This research aims to explore the management of Islamic culture at SD Islam Tahfidz Qur'an As Syafi'iyah as an effort to strengthen students' religious character. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, using interviews, observations, and documentation as data collection techniques. The research was conducted from June to August 2025 with principals, teachers, and students as subjects. The findings reveal that Islamic cultural management is implemented through systematic planning, consistent daily religious practices, and routine evaluations. Activities such as Qur'an recitation, congregational prayers, moral habituation, and weekly religious programs contribute significantly to the development of discipline, responsibility, and spiritual awareness. The success of this implementation is supported by the leadership of the principal, teachers' role modeling, and parental involvement. Challenges include limited time allocation and the need for stronger coordination. Overall, the study concludes that well-managed Islamic school culture effectively fosters students' religious character and creates a conducive environment for holistic moral development. These findings imply the importance of strengthening management based on Islamic values at every level of education, so that schools not only function as institutions for knowledge transfer but also as vehicles for the formation of personalities with noble character and religious character.