YOUTH EMPOWERMENT IN THE APPLICATION OF SHARIA ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES IN DAILY LIFE: EVIDENCE FROM LIMBUNGAN SUBDISTRICT, PEKANBARU

Abstract

This community engagement program aimed to optimize the role of adolescents in Limbungan Subdistrict, Pekanbaru, in understanding and applying Islamic economic principles in their daily lives. The program was conducted over a one-week period and involved 60 adolescents aged 15–21 years as primary participants. The methods employed included educational outreach, training sessions, workshops, mentoring activities, and the establishment of a youth-based Islamic economics community. The learning materials covered fundamental concepts of Islamic economics, Sharia-compliant financial management, Islamic trading practices, the avoidance of riba and gharar, zakat, infaq, and sadaqah, as well as Sharia-based entrepreneurship. The results indicated a significant improvement in participants’ understanding of Islamic economics, with the average pre-test score increasing from 45.3 to 82.7 in the post-test. Furthermore, 75% of participants reported applying Islamic economic principles in their daily economic activities, including pocket money management, online buying and selling transactions, and avoiding interest-based loans. Overall, the program generated a positive impact on adolescents’ economic behavior, encouraging a transition toward practices aligned with Islamic values and contributing to the development of a community-level Islamic economic ecosystem.