Contextualizing Surah Al-Baqarah Verses 30–34 in the Character Formation of Santri

Abstract

Character education in Islamic institutions requires the integration of scriptural values, institutional practices, and local cultural contexts. This study examined the educational values of Surah Al-Baqarah verses 30–34 and their implementation in the character formation of santri at Pesantren Sukahideng, Tasikmalaya, Indonesia. Using a qualitative single-case study, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, passive participant observation, and document analysis, and were analyzed through a tafsir tarbawi approach and thematic-interactive analysis. The findings identified four interconnected Qur’anic pillars: tawhid, khalifah, responsibility, and spirituality. These values were internalized through religious instruction, worship, classical-text learning, leadership, communal service, teacher exemplarity, discipline, and daily habituation. The Sundanese concept of hideng functioned as a cultural mechanism that translated these Qur’anic values into self-aware and self-regulated conduct. The study proposes a Qur’an–culture internalization model in which scriptural values are mediated through institutional practices, habituation, exemplarity, participation, and local moral language to form internalized character. The findings highlight how pesantren can maintain theological continuity while contextualizing character education within local culture and contemporary challenges