The Role of Taraweeh Prayer in the Development of Students' Moral Character: The Experience of SMP Negeri 1 Surakarta

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to assess the impact of combining Taraweeh prayer with moral discussions on the development of students' moral character at SMP Negeri 1 Surakarta. The initiative sought to promote empathy, social responsibility, and ethical behavior among students by integrating religious practices with moral education. Theoretical framework: The study is based on moral development theories, particularly those by Kohlberg and Gilligan, which focus on empathy, social responsibility, and ethical reasoning. It also incorporates Islamic moral teachings conveyed through Taraweeh prayer and discussions, aiming to strengthen students' moral values. Literature review: Previous studies have shown that religious activities, such as prayer, can positively influence adolescents' moral development. Combining these activities with structured moral discussions enhances ethical awareness, empathy, and responsibility, contributing to improved social behavior. Methods: The study used pre- and post-activity questionnaires to measure changes in students' attitudes and moral understanding, focusing on empathy, responsibility, and ethical behavior. Data were analyzed to evaluate the impact of the activity on students' moral growth. Results: The results indicated significant improvements in students' empathy, social responsibility, and awareness of moral values after participating in the Taraweeh prayer and discussions, suggesting that such initiatives effectively foster moral development. Implications: The success of this initiative highlights the potential for integrating religious practices with moral education to shape students' ethical perspectives. The positive outcomes suggest that similar programs can be expanded to further promote moral development in schools. Novelty: This study uniquely combines Taraweeh prayer with moral education, offering a new approach to fostering empathy and ethical behavior in adolescents through religious practices. The integration of religious rituals with moral discussions demonstrates an effective method for promoting moral development.