ISLAMIC ECONOMICS–BASED YOUTH EMPOWERMENT IN THE MUJAHADAH MOSQUE ENVIRONMENT, PEKANBARU: BUILDING INDEPENDENT AND ETHICALLY GROUNDED MUSLIM YOUTH

Abstract

This community service program aimed to foster youth development within the Mujahadah Mosque community in Pekanbaru through an Islamic economics–based approach to cultivate independent character and Islamic ethical values. The implementation methods included sharia-based entrepreneurship training, micro-enterprise mentoring, Islamic economic study sessions, and hands-on practice in managing sharia-compliant personal and business finance. The program involved 45 participants aged 15–21 years who took part in activities conducted over a one-week period. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in participants’ understanding of Islamic economics, with average scores increasing from 45% to 85%. In addition, positive character transformation was observed, reflected in enhanced discipline, honesty, and responsibility. The program also increased youth participation in mosque-based activities by 78% and successfully established a sustainable sharia youth entrepreneurship community.In conclusion, Islamic economics–based youth development programs are proven to be effective in shaping independent character and Islamic ethical conduct while simultaneously equipping young people with practical economic skills to address contemporary financial challenges. It is recommended that future programs incorporate sharia digital financial literacy materials and strengthen collaboration with Islamic financial institutions to expand access to business capital.