The Role Of Kiai As A Spiritual And Moral Leader In Building The Character Of Students At The Raudlatul Qur'an Al-Hasani Islamic Boarding School

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to explore how the leadership of kyai adapts to the challenges faced by their pesantrens, especially considering the developments in their surrounding environment, such as the flexible responses from the local community. The influence of a kyai will be at stake when facing the often-changing attitudes of society. In addition to community responses, a kyai also maintains the quality of educational institutions under their Islamic pesantren. This research employs a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. Data were obtained through observation, interviews, and several previous studies. The kyai's leadership can be said to be successful, seen from the increasing number of students each year, the well-administered institution, and the formation of student ethics as akhlaqul karimah (good character). This study aims to explore in depth the role of a kyai in shaping the character of students through various activities carried out to enhance religious values in Islamic boarding schools. To identify problem patterns in this study, the researcher employed a qualitative descriptive approach. Primary research data was collected from several informants, community and religious leaders. This data was also supported by previous studies relevant to this topic. Data collection techniques included interviews, observation, and documentation.