PERAN PENDIDIKAN AGAMA ISLAM DALAM PEMBENTUKAN KARAKTER SISWA DI MIS MUHAMMADIYAH MANADO

This study aims to analyze the role of Islamic Religious Education (PAI) in shaping students’ character at MI Muhammadiyah Manado, to identify the core character values cultivated through PAI learning and religious habituation, and to examine the supporting and inhibiting factors that influence the effectiveness of character education in the madrasah environment. Employing a qualitative approach with a case study type, this research involved PAI teachers, classroom teachers, school leaders, students, and parents as key informants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis, and were processed using descriptive qualitative analysis through data reduction, display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that PAI plays a significant role in character formation through three primary mechanisms: (1) teachers’ moral exemplification in daily interactions; (2) religious habituation activities such as morning prayers, Qur’anic recitation, dhuha prayer, congregational dhuhr prayer, and weekly muhadarah; and (3) reinforcement of a religious school culture supported by consistent routines. The character values strengthened through these processes include religiosity, discipline, politeness, responsibility, and social empathy. Supporting factors include the strong religious culture of the madrasah, active parental involvement, consistent habituation practices, and clear institutional policies. Conversely, challenges arise from excessive gadget use, inconsistent parental supervision, and negative external influences. This study concludes that a consistent, comprehensive, and exemplar-based implementation of Islamic Religious Education effectively shapes students’ character. However, sustained collaboration between the school and the family remains crucial to achieving optimal and long-term character development.