The Implementation of Arba’in Nawawi Book Learning in Developing Students’ Akhlakul Karimah at MAN 4 Jombang

Abstract

This study aims to describe the implementation of Arba’in Nawawi book learning in shaping students’ akhlakul karimah at MAN 4 Jombang. The urgency of this research is grounded in the rising phenomenon of adolescent moral decline in Indonesia, as evidenced by juvenile delinquency cases reaching 8,597 in 2024. MAN 4 Jombang, rooted in the Pondok Pesantren Mambaʼul Maʼārif tradition founded in 1917 and currently serving over 1,549 students, has institutionalized Arba’in Nawawi learning as a flagship character-building program. A qualitative case study approach was employed. Data were collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews with the principal, curriculum vice-principal, subject teacher, and two students, and documentation analysis. Data were analyzed through reduction, display, and conclusion drawing, with validity tested via source and technique triangulation. Results show that learning is conducted every Monday and Thursday using sorogan, bandongan, memorization, and contextual discussion methods. The learning significantly contributes to forming students’ akhlakul karimah across three internalization stages: cognitive (value comprehension), affective (attitudinal transformation), and conative (behavioral manifestation), producing observable improvements in honesty, discipline, responsibility, politeness, trustworthiness, and social concern. Success is supported by a religious school environment, teacher competence, and integrated religious activities. Challenges include inconsistency in applying values