Analysis of the Effectiveness of the Use of Tafsir in Islamic Religious Education on the Achievement of Character Education of Junior High School Students in Central Java

ABSTRACT


INTRODUCTION
Fostering character development alongside academic achievement is a recognized goal in education [1].In the context of Islamic education, the Quran offers profound insights into character-building through moral lessons, ethical principles, and practical guidance [2], [3].The Quran serves as a reference for morality and provides guidelines for regulating attitudes and behavior [4].Islamic education emphasizes the integration of religious and moral education, which aims to form the whole person [5].This approach involves a mentalspiritual approach through soul management, habituation, an exemplary lifestyle, and a healthy environment.Islamic religious 2 education teachers play an important role in instilling character education that is based on religion, cultural values, the environment, and self-potential [4].By studying Islamic religious education, individuals can develop good values and behaviors, avoid prohibited actions, and contribute to the unity of the nation [6]- [8].
Islamic education in Central Java, Indonesia, plays a crucial role in shaping the values and behaviors of the younger generation [9]- [11].Educators in the region are exploring innovative approaches to integrate religious teachings with modern educational practices [5].One such approach involves incorporating Tafsir, the interpretation and explanation of the Quranic text, within the framework of the Islamic Religious Education (IRE) curriculum.This approach aims to instill character education among students by providing them with a deeper understanding of the Quran and its teachings [12].The use of Tafsir in the IRE curriculum allows students to connect religious teachings with their daily lives and encourages the development of moral values and ethical behavior [13], [14].
The focus of this research is to delve into the effectiveness of utilizing Tafsir in IRE classes concerning the achievement of character education among junior high school students in Central Java.Tafsir, with its scholarly exegesis and contextual elucidation of Quranic verses, offers a pathway to a deeper understanding and application of Islamic teachings in everyday life [15]- [17].By integrating Tafsir into the educational curriculum, educators aim to imbue students with not only academic knowledge but also moral and ethical values grounded in Islamic principles.
Character education encompasses the holistic development of the individual, encompassing moral virtues, social skills, and emotional intelligence.In the Islamic tradition, character is considered an integral aspect of faith, with teachings emphasizing qualities such as honesty, compassion, humility, and justice [18].The Quran and Hadith serve as foundational sources for ethical guidance, providing a framework for ethical behavior and moral decision-making [19].The Islamic approach to character education is based on a mental-spiritual approach through soul management, habituation, an exemplary lifestyle, and a healthy environment [20].Character education is very important in Indonesia because the increasing crime rate and moral decline indicate a dangerous character condition [8].The Qur'an contains character education values, such as religion, discipline, hard work, social care, and responsibility [8].Character development is not only limited to knowledge but also involves emotions and self-habits.
Tafsir, the scientific interpretation of the Quran, is essential in understanding the meaning, context, and implications of Quranic verses [21]- [23].It allows students to gain insight into the ethical teachings embedded in the Quran, thus enabling them to apply these teachings in their personal lives and social interactions [24].By integrating Tafsir into Islamic Religious Education (PAI) classes, educators aim to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, fostering students' moral awareness and ethical behavior [25].This integration helps students understand the teachings of the Quran in a more comprehensive and meaningful way, encouraging them to live according to its principles [26].
Despite the potential benefits of integrating Tafsir into the Islamic Religious Education (PAI) curriculum, the effectiveness of this approach in promoting character education remains unexplored, especially in the context of junior secondary school education in Central Java [27].While there is a growing body of research on character education and Islamic pedagogy, limited attention has been paid to the specific role of Tafsir in shaping students' moral and ethical development.This research seeks to address this gap by conducting a qualitative analysis to examine the perceptions, experiences, and impact of using Tafsir in IRE classes on the achievement of character education among junior secondary school students in Central Java.By exploring the perspectives of students and teachers, this research aims to provide insights into the potential benefits, challenges, and opportunities associated with integrating Tafsir into the education curriculum.

Character Education in Islamic Perspective
Character education in Islam is firmly rooted in the teachings of the Quran and Hadith.The Quran provides narratives, parables, and injunctions that offer timeless lessons on virtues such as integrity, empathy, and forgiveness [28].The exemplary character of Prophet Muhammad, as documented in the Hadith literature, serves as a model for believers to emulate in their daily lives.Experts emphasize the holistic nature of character education in Islam, which includes moral, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions [27].Cultivating qualities such as sincerity, patience, and gratitude are seen as integral to fulfilling one's life purpose and achieving closeness to the Divine.Contemporary research highlights the importance of integrating religious teachings with modern pedagogical approaches to foster ethical awareness and moral reasoning among students [12], [26].By creating a value-based educational environment that is grounded in Islamic principles, educators aim to develop academically proficient, morally upright, and socially responsible individuals [6], [8], [20].

The Role of Tafsir in Islamic Education
Tafsir, the interpretation and scholarly explanation of the Quranic text, is a key component of Islamic education.Tafsir provides insight into the meaning, context, and application of Quranic verses, offering guidance on ethical dilemmas, social justice issues, and personal behavior.Tafsir serves as a bridge between the eternal wisdom of the Quran and the lived reality of believers, enabling them to apply its teachings in their lives and interactions.In an educational context, tafsir-based education fosters critical thinking, moral reflection, and ethical reasoning skills, empowering students to navigate the complexities of contemporary society with integrity and wisdom [24], [29], [30].

Challenges in Character Education
Modern education systems face challenges in effectively instilling moral values in students due to societal influences, cultural shifts, and technological advances [31].Resistance from stakeholders, such as parents, policymakers, and community leaders, who prioritize academic achievement over character development, further complicates the situation [18].Limited learning time and competing curriculum demands are also obstacles to character education initiatives [32].Integrating ethical teachings into the curriculum requires careful planning, teacher training, and supportive resources to ensure sustainable impact [8].In addition, addressing students' diverse backgrounds, experiences, and learning needs is critical to promoting inclusive and equitable character education in educational settings [33].

RESEARCH METHODS
This research employs a qualitative approach to explore the effectiveness of utilizing Tafsir in Islamic Religious Education (IRE) classes concerning the achievement of character education among junior high school students in Central Java [28].Qualitative methods allow for an in-depth examination of participants' experiences, perceptions, and behaviors within the educational context.The research design encompasses data collection through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, followed by thematic analysis using NVivo software for data management and interpretation.

Participants
Fifteen participants will be selected for the study, comprising junior high school students and teachers from Central Java who are actively involved in IRE classes.Purposive sampling will be employed to ensure the inclusion of individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives related to Tafsir-based education and character development.Participants will be informed about the research objectives and procedures and provided with informed consent forms before their participation.

Data Collection Techniques
Data will be collected through two primary methods: semistructured interviews and focus group discussions.
Semi-Structured Interviews: Individual interviews will be conducted with both students and teachers to explore their perceptions, experiences, and attitudes toward the integration of Tafsir into the IRE curriculum and its impact on character education.The interviews will follow a semi-structured format, allowing for flexibility in probing deeper into participants' responses while covering key topics related to Tafsir-based education and character development.
Focus Group Discussions: Focus group discussions will be conducted separately with groups of students and teachers to facilitate interactive dialogue and exploration of shared experiences and perspectives.The discussions will be guided by a set of open-ended questions addressing themes such as the perceived benefits of Tafsir integration, challenges encountered, and suggestions for improvement.The group dynamics will enable participants to engage in collective sense-making and generate insights collaboratively.

Data Analysis
Thematic analysis will be used to analyze qualitative data collected from interviews and focus group discussions, which involves identifying, coding, and interpreting patterns, themes, and categories in the data.This approach allows for the exploration of similarities and differences among participants' responses.NVivo software will facilitate the management and analysis of qualitative data, following several steps in the process.First, data preparation involves importing interview and focus group transcripts into NVivo for organization and coding, ensuring accuracy and completeness.Then, initial coding will systematically identify initial themes and patterns based on recurring ideas relevant to the research objectives.These codes will be grouped into overarching themes and sub-themes, refined through iterative review and discussion among researchers.Using the NVivo query tool, data exploration will uncover relationships between codes, themes, and demographic variables, providing deeper insights into the nuances of the data.Finally, interpretation and reporting will synthesize the findings into a coherent narrative grounded in the voices of participants, supported by illustrative quotes and following COREQ guidelines for transparency and rigour in reporting qualitative research.

Results
This section presents the findings of the qualitative analysis conducted to explore the effectiveness of utilizing Tafsir-based education enhanced students' moral awareness, empathy, and ethical decision-making skills, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Islamic values and principles.These findings underscore the potential of Tafsir-based education as a valuable tool for promoting character development and moral education in educational settings.

Discussion
The discussion chapter serves as the forum for synthesizing the findings, evaluating their implications, and contextualizing them within existing literature.This section aims to provide deeper insights into the effectiveness of integrating Tafsir into Islamic Religious Education (IRE) classes for character education among junior high school students in Central Java.

Integration of Tafsir into IRE Curriculum
The integration of Tafsir into the Islamic Religious Education (IRE) curriculum has the potential to enhance character education among junior high school students.
Students' positive attitudes towards Tafsirbased education highlight its relevance and impact on moral awareness, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making.Tafsir's teachings provide practical guidance that can be applied to personal and social life, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application [29], [34].By incorporating Tafsir into the curriculum, students can develop a deeper understanding of Islamic teachings and values, fostering a sense of moral responsibility and ethical behavior [35].This approach to education can help shape students into good and noble individuals, instilling adab (etiquette) and moral values that are essential for their personal growth and contribution to society [23].

Challenges and Opportunities
However, challenges in implementation, such as limited instructional time and pedagogical constraints, present significant obstacles to the effective integration of Tafsir into IRE classes.Teachers' experiences of resistance from stakeholders and the need for professional development underscore the importance of addressing these challenges through collaborative efforts and targeted support initiatives.Opportunities for curriculum enhancement, community engagement, and collaboration provide avenues for overcoming these challenges and optimizing the effectiveness of Tafsir-based education.

Implications for Practice and Policy
The findings of this study have several implications for educational practice and policy in Central Java and beyond.Firstly, there is a need for curriculum reform and resource allocation to support the integration of Tafsir into the IRE curriculum.This may involve revising existing curriculum frameworks, developing instructional materials, and providing professional development opportunities for teachers.Secondly, stakeholders at the school, district, and national levels need to be engaged in discussions and decision-making processes regarding the prioritization of character education and the role of Tafsir in achieving this goal.

Lastly, community partnerships and
The Eastasouth Journal of Learning and Educations (ESLE)  collaboration with religious institutions can enrich Tafsir-based education by providing additional resources, support, and opportunities for students to apply their learning in real-world contexts.

Future Directions
Future research could explore innovative approaches to Tafsir-based education, such as the use of technology, experiential learning, and community-based projects.Longitudinal studies could also investigate the long-term effects of Tafsir integration on students' character development and academic achievement.Moreover, comparative studies across different regions and educational contexts could provide insights into the generalizability and scalability of Tafsir-based education as a model for character education.

CONCLUSION
The analysis of Tafsir's integration into Islamic Religious Education (IRE) classes for character education among junior high school students in Central Java elucidates both the promise and challenges of this educational approach.While students exhibit positive attitudes towards Tafsir-based education, recognizing its relevance and impact on moral awareness and critical thinking, teachers encounter obstacles in implementation, including limited instructional time and pedagogical constraints.Nonetheless, opportunities for collaboration, curriculum enhancement, and community engagement provide avenues for addressing these challenges and optimizing the effectiveness of Tafsir integration.By fostering a deeper understanding of Islamic teachings and ethical principles, Tafsir-based education has the potential to nurture morally upright individuals committed to upholding values of compassion, justice, and integrity.Moving forward, sustained efforts from educators, administrators, policymakers, and stakeholders are essential to realizing the full potential of Tafsir-based education in shaping character and promoting ethical development among junior high school students in Central Java and beyond.