IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TAHFIZH PROGRAM FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN DEVELOPING RELIGIOUS CHARACTER AT AL MANAR STUDENT ISLAMIC BOARDING SCHOOL IN PONOROGO

Abstract

The integration of Qur’an memorization into university based Islamic boarding education offers an important strategy for developing students whose religious character is grounded in sustained religious practice rather than memorization achievement alone. This study aims to analyze the implementation of the Qur’an memorization program, examine its contribution to the formation of students’ religious character, and identify the supporting and inhibiting factors at Al-Manar Student Islamic Boarding School, Universitas Muhammadiyah Ponorogo. A descriptive qualitative approach with a case study design was employed. Data were obtained through in depth interviews with the boarding school leadership, memorization coordinators, mentors, and students, complemented by participant observation and documentation, and analyzed using an interactive qualitative model. The findings show that the program is implemented through initial Qur’anic competency screening, differentiated learning groups, daily memorization submission, collective review, adaptive use of the Utrujah and Ummi methods, and a structured follow up program. The program strengthens religious character through more disciplined congregational worship, intensive Qur’anic engagement, improved Qur’anic knowledge, spiritual calmness, and more responsible and ethical social behavior. Its effectiveness is supported by a religious institutional climate and intensive mentoring, while time conflicts, fatigue, and varied initial Qur’anic abilities remain major constraints. The findings position tahfizh as an integrated character-formation mechanism within higher-education pesantren.