<![CDATA[Religious moderation education in early childhood requires an approach that involves educational institutions, families, religious leaders, and local communities. This study aimed to develop a community-based Islamic education model for strengthening religious moderation values among young children in Tanjung Alam Village, Asahan Regency. A qualitative case study approach was employed. Informants were selected purposively, including PAUD/RA heads, teachers, parents, religious leaders, village officials, managers of children’s religious activities, and young children. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and documentation, and analysed through data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing. Trustworthiness was ensured through source, technique, and time triangulation. The findings show that moderation values have been cultivated through religious habituation, role modelling, Islamic storytelling, collaborative games, social activities, and family-community interactions. However, these practices remain fragmented, lack structured guidelines, and have limited evaluation mechanisms. Therefore, this study developed the SAHABAT Model (Synergy, Analysis of Needs, Habituation, Applied Experience, Behavioural Guidance, Active Collaboration, and Thoughtful Review) as an integrated framework for child-friendly religious moderation. The model begins with stakeholder synergy and needs analysis, followed by value habituation, meaningful experiences, behavioural guidance, collaborative community engagement, and reflective evaluation. The SAHABAT Model strengthens tolerance, empathy, non-violence, justice, mutual cooperation, and respect for diversity through a contextual, humanistic, inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable approach.]]>
