The Strategy of Islamic Study Groups in Increasing Women's Religious Literacy: A Case Study of the Islamic Study Group of Nurur Rahmah, Medan

Abstract

This study is motivated by the importance of the role of majelis taklim as a non-formal Islamic educational institution that functions not only as a place for religious learning but also as a forum for moral, spiritual, and social development for women amid the currents of modernization. The purpose of this study is to analyze the strategies of Majelis Taklim Nurur Rahmah Medan in enhancing women’s religious literacy, including the forms of religious literacy developed, the strategies implemented, as well as the supporting and inhibiting factors in its implementation. This research employs a qualitative approach with a case study design, using data collection techniques such as observation, in-depth interviews, and document studies, analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldana, and validated through source and technique triangulation. The results indicate that Majelis Taklim Nurur Rahmah Medan develops four forms of religious literacy: Sufi literacy, women’s fiqh literacy, socio-religious literacy, and Islamic history literacy. The strategies implemented include kitab (Islamic book) study sessions, lectures, dhikr, sholawat, social activities, and the utilization of digital media. The main supporting factors for the success of these strategies are the leadership of the majelis, the support of the congregation, and the relevance of the learning materials, while the inhibiting factors include the limited time available for participants and the need for the majelis leadership to balance family responsibilities with preaching activities. Thus, it can be concluded that the strategies of Majelis Taklim Nurur Rahmah Medan are proven effective in improving women’s religious literacy while also empowering them in social and religious life within the community. The implication is that religious literacy can serve as an instrument for character and moral development in community-based Islamic education, thereby strengthening the role of women in building a religious and morally upright society