Toward an Islamic Humanistic Paradigm of ‎Wasathiyah Character Education: A Case Study of ‎an Indonesian Pesantren

Abstract

This study aims to reconstruct the paradigm of wasathiyah (moderate) character education based on Islamic humanism at the Al-Asror Islamic Boarding School in Semarang. It employs a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were collected semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and the analysis of relevant documents. Data validity was ensured through the triangulation of sources, techniques, and time, while data analysis followed the interactive model developed by Miles and Huberman. The findings indicate that: (1) wasathiyah character education is grounded in five core values ​​of Islamic humanism, namely adab, justice, wisdom, trust, and respect for human dignity, which are integrated into the entire educational process; (2) the internalization of values ​​occurs gradually through value transformation, educational dialogue, role modeling, and habituation, thereby evolving into an intrinsic awareness that shapes the students' mindset, behavior, and actions; and (3) the wasathiyah character education paradigm is constructed as a holistic educational system by integrating philosophical foundations, goal orientations, internalization strategies, institutional culture, learning systems, and boarding school life practices, making character formation the unifying principle of all educational activities. This study contributes by offering a conceptual model of a wasathiyah character education paradigm based on Islamic humanism, which can serve as a reference for developing character education practices within Islamic boarding schools.