Uswah Hasanah as a Model of Islamic Character Education: Insights from Local Ulama Leadership

Abstract

This study aims to construct a conceptual framework of the character values ​​of uswah hasanah based on the exemplary practices of local ulama as a model of contextual Islamic character education. Studies of Islamic education have tended to place the concept of uswah hasanah within the normative theological realm, thus under-revealing how these exemplary values ​​operate socially and shape character education practices at the community level. This study uses a qualitative approach with a phenomenological approach to explore the community's experiences and perceptions of local ulama figures in Anjir Serapat Village, Kapuas Regency, through interviews and documentation studies. The results show that Islamic education emphasizes the importance of a communitarian approach in internalizing character values ​​and provides an alternative model for implementing character education that is adaptive to the social realities of Muslim communities. Uswah hasanah is not only interpreted as an individual moral example, but as a social construct internalized through daily interactions, da'wah practices, and religious social relations. The main values ​​that emerge include religiosity, contentment, hard work, discipline, generosity, social concern, humility, and responsibility, which integratively form a pattern of character education based on lived experience. Conceptually, this study offers the perspective that the exemplary behavior of local ulama can be understood as a model of Islamic character pedagogy based on local wisdom that goes beyond normative approaches and creates a space for integration between religious traditions, social practices, and conceptual character education. These findings contribute to the development of Islamic educational theory by emphasizing the importance of a communitarian approach in internalizing character values ​​and providing an alternative model for implementing character education that is adaptive to the social realities of Muslim communities.