MELAMPAUI RITUAL: PENDIDIKAN KARAKTER BERBASIS IMTAQ PADA SEKOLAH MENENGAH PERTAMA ISLAM DI INDONESIA

ABSTRACT Character education in Islamic schools should not be limited to ritual activities but should connect religious values with habituation and everyday behavior. This study aimed to analyze the concept, implementation, and strengthening of the Faith and Piety (IMTAQ) program in developing students’ character at Al-Chalil Integrated Islamic Junior High School, East Lombok. This qualitative study employed a case study design. Data were collected through moderate participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation involving the principal, teachers, IMTAQ facilitators, and students. Data were analyzed through data condensation, data display, theme development, and conclusion drawing and verification using source and technique triangulation. The findings showed that IMTAQ was implemented through scheduled religious activities with active student participation and teacher support. The program was associated with religious habituation, discipline, responsibility, politeness, respect, tolerance, and social concern. Strengthening the program requires integration with learning, teacher modeling, school culture, and systematic behavioral evaluation. The findings suggest that IMTAQ can move beyond ritual when religious values are translated into meaningful participation, habituation, and character-related behavior. ABSTRAK Pendidikan karakter di sekolah Islam tidak cukup diwujudkan melalui kegiatan ritual, tetapi perlu menghubungkan nilai religius dengan pembiasaan dan perilaku sehari-hari. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis konsep, implementasi, dan penguatan program Iman dan Taqwa (IMTAQ) dalam pembentukan karakter siswa di SMP Islam Terpadu Al-Chalil Tontong Suit, Lombok Timur. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan desain studi kasus. Data dikumpulkan melalui observasi partisipatif moderat, wawancara semi-terstruktur, dan dokumentasi dengan melibatkan kepala sekolah, guru, pembina IMTAQ, dan siswa. Analisis dilakukan melalui kondensasi data, penyajian data, pengembangan tema, serta penarikan dan verifikasi kesimpulan melalui triangulasi sumber dan teknik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa IMTAQ dilaksanakan secara terjadwal melalui kegiatan keagamaan, dengan keterlibatan aktif siswa dan dukungan guru. Program berkaitan dengan pembiasaan religius, disiplin, tanggung jawab, kesopanan, penghormatan, toleransi, dan kepedulian sosial. Penguatan program memerlukan integrasi dengan pembelajaran, keteladanan guru, budaya sekolah, dan evaluasi perilaku yang sistematis. Temuan menegaskan bahwa IMTAQ dapat melampaui ritual ketika nilai religius diwujudkan melalui partisipasi, pembiasaan, dan perilaku karakter.