Implementation of a Daily Religious Practice Program in Shaping Students' Religious Character at MTs Negeri Binjai

Abstract

This study is motivated by the importance of religious habituation as a strategy for developing students’ religious character in madrasahs. In this study, daily worship refers specifically to two activities identified in the program at MTs Negeri Binjai: Dhuha prayer and Qur’an tadarus. Dhuha prayer is treated as a voluntary ritual prayer that habituates discipline and worship awareness, while tadarus is a Qur’anic recitation activity intended to strengthen students’ engagement with divine guidance. This research employed a qualitative case-study approach. Data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews with the principal, Islamic Education teachers, students, and parents, as well as documentation. Data were analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, supported by triangulation. The findings indicate that Dhuha prayer and Qur’an tadarus were implemented in a structured and repetitive manner and contributed to students’ religious character, particularly discipline, responsibility, spiritual awareness, politeness, and respect for teachers and parents. The findings indicate that worship habituation extends beyond ritual regularity and can facilitate the internalization of religious values into students’ everyday behavior.