A STUDY OF HADITH ON AQIDAH IN STRENGTHENING STUDENTS' FAITH AND RELIGIOUS CHARACTER IN MADRASAH IBTIDAIYAH

Abstract

This study examines the role of creed-based hadiths (hadith akidah) in shaping and strengthening the faith and religious character of students at the Islamic Elementary School (Madrasah Ibtidaiyah or MI) level. Building a solid foundation of belief during early childhood serves as a long-term investment for the moral and spiritual development of the Muslim generation. However, empirical evidence indicates that hadith instruction in MI frequently relies on mere rote memorization, lacking a profound understanding of the underlying theological values. This gap between textual mastery and value internalisation motivates the present study. Employing a qualitative-descriptive library research method, this study analyzes five core creed-based hadiths: faith in Allah, intention and sincerity, compassion, honesty, and modesty as a branch of faith. These are subsequently integrated into character education strategies within MI. The findings demonstrate that a thematic-contextual approach in delivering creed-based hadiths—complemented by exemplary behavior (uswah hasanah), habituation, and value reflection is significantly more effective in fostering students' religious character than conventional methods. This study concludes that the synergy between creed-based hadith content and active-reflective learning methods successfully cultivates MI students who are not only cognitively competent but also affectively grounded and capable of manifesting these virtues in daily behavior.