Religious Moderation As An Educational Strategy; Examining Its Role In Shaping Teachers’ And Students Religious Behaviour At Islamic Senior High School (Man) Insan Cendekia Gowa South Sulawesi

Abstract

Religious moderation has emerged as a strategic approach in Islamic education to foster inclusive, tolerant and balanced religious attitudes amid increasing social and ideological polarization. This study examines the implementation  and the role of  religious moderation as an educational strategy in shaping religious behaviour of student and teacher at MAN Insan Cendekia (IC) Gowa. The objective of this study is to determine the conceptual understanding and manifestation of moderate religious behavior among educators and students, identify strategies for implementing religious moderation values in various educational activities at the school. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation Focus Group Discussion, and curricular document searches. The collected data were analyzed qualitatively using data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing techniques. The research findings reveal that religious moderation is systematically integrated into pedagogical practices, school culture and extra-curricular activites. The understanding of the principles of religious moderation such as tolerance, balance, non-violence, and commitment to national values is generally deeply ingrained, both in educators and students. This conceptual understanding is then actualized in daily behavior that reflects openness, respect for differences, and rejection of radicalism. Educators actively and creatively integrate the values of religious moderation into the learning process, both through learning models, material content, and the creation of an inclusive discussion climate. This systematic implementation has significant implications for the formation of students' religious character. Religious behavior is formed that is not only moderate in its expression but also reflective and critical. This study confirms that MAN IC Gowa has functioned as an effective laboratory of moderation in shaping moderate insights and behavior, thus making a real contribution to preventing extremist ideologies and strengthening national harmony from an early age.