Instilling Religious Values in Early Childhood from the Perspective of Abdullah Nashih Ulwan

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the concept of instilling religious values in early childhood from the perspective of Abdullah Nashih Ulwan. This research used a qualitative approach with a library research design. The primary data source was Abdullah Nashih Ulwan's Tarbiyatul Aulad fil Islam. Secondary data sources included books, scholarly articles, and research findings relevant to religious education in early childhood. Data were collected through documentation techniques and analyzed using content analysis through the stages of identification, classification, interpretation, and conclusion drawing. The findings show that the instillation of religious values according to Abdullah Nashih Ulwan includes the values of faith, worship, morals, and social relations. These values must be instilled from an early age in a gradual and continuous manner. Ulwan offers five main methods, namely exemplary conduct, habituation, advice, attention and supervision, and the provision of educational consequences. Exemplary conduct becomes the main method because children learn religious behavior through the real actions of parents and educators. Habituation is used to form regularity in praying, worshiping, greeting others, maintaining cleanliness, speaking honestly, and respecting others. Advice is delivered through simple language, stories, and dialogue that suit children's development. Attention and supervision are carried out with affection, while consequences are given gradually and without violence. This study concludes that Abdullah Nashih Ulwan's concept emphasizes the comprehensive instillation of religious values through the unity of knowledge, exemplary conduct, habituation, supervision, and the educational environment. Its implementation requires cooperation among families, schools, and communities so that religious values develop into children's habits and character.