Internalizing the Value of Religious Moderation in Islamic Religious Education Learning in Junior High School

Abstract

Religious moderation is a strategic issue in the life of Indonesian society which is religiously pluralistic, cultural, and social. Education has an important role in instilling the values of religious moderation, especially through the learning of Islamic Religious Education (PAI) in Junior High Schools (SMP) which is in the phase of character formation of students. This study aims to describe and analyze the internalization of the value of religious moderation in PAI learning in junior high school, as well as identify the forms, strategies, and factors that affect its implementation. This research uses a qualitative approach with the type of library research. Data was obtained from various library sources in the form of books, scientific journals, and relevant policy documents, then analyzed using content analysis techniques. The results of the study show that the value of religious moderation internalized in PAI learning includes middle attitude (wasathiyyah), tolerance (tasāmuh), justice ('adālah), and balance (tawāzun). The internalization of these values is carried out through the integration of cognitive, affective, and behavioral aspects of students with a dialogical, contextual, and participatory learning approach. PAI learning that integrates the value of religious moderation consistently contributes positively to the formation of moderate, tolerant, and inclusive religious attitudes in students. However, the internalization process still faces various obstacles, such as the dominance of cognitive approaches, limited learning time, and the influence of the social environment and digital media. Therefore, education policy support, teacher competency improvement, and synergy between schools, families, and the community are needed to strengthen the internalization of the value of religious moderation in PAI learning in a sustainable manner.