The Relationship between Faith and Worship in Forming Students' Morals: A Study at MTs Swasta Nurul Hikmah

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between faith (iman) and worship (‘ibadah) in shaping students' moral character within the educational setting of MTs Swasta Nurul Hikmah, a private Islamic junior high school. In an era where moral degradation among adolescents is a growing concern, Islamic education plays a vital role in nurturing ethical behavior through religious teachings and practices. This research employs a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with teachers and students, classroom observations, and documentation of religious activities at the school. The findings reveal a strong interconnection between the level of students’ faith and the consistency of their worship practices with the development of moral values such as honesty, responsibility, respect, and discipline. Faith serves as an internal compass that guides behavior, while worship functions as a repetitive and experiential reinforcement of those values. Moreover, the school’s religious environment—through daily prayers, Qur'an recitation, and moral instruction—contributes significantly to students’ moral development. Teachers act as role models and moral guides, reinforcing the integration of faith and worship into students’ daily lives. The study concludes that a holistic Islamic educational approach that combines cognitive, affective, and behavioral aspects of religion is essential for moral formation. This has implications for Islamic educational institutions seeking to enhance character education, suggesting that strengthening both faith and worship systematically can foster a generation with strong moral integrity. Future research is recommended to examine this relationship across different school contexts and demographic settings to generalize the findings more broadly.