<![CDATA[This study aims to explore the construction of students’ social empathy meaning through the habituation of ta’awun (mutual cooperation) values based on QS Al-Maidah verse 2 in Jumat Berkah activities. The research addresses the issue of strengthening students’ social character through religious-based educational practices, particularly how Islamic values are understood, internalized, and transformed into empathetic social behavior. This study employed a qualitative approach using a case study design to examine the phenomenon within its natural educational context. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participatory observation, and documentation involving students, teachers, and school representatives selected through purposive sampling. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis supported by NVivo to identify patterns, categories, and emerging themes from the research data. The findings reveal three main themes. First, the internalization of ta’awun values occurs through a process of understanding, experiencing, and practicing mutual assistance, where students construct the meaning of helping others as part of their religious and social responsibility. Second, the habituation of Jumat Berkah activities contributes to changes in students’ empathetic behavior, including increased awareness, willingness to share, cooperation, and sensitivity toward others. Third, the activity creates short-term impacts on the school social climate by strengthening peer relationships, solidarity, and positive interaction among students. This study contributes theoretically by emphasizing that Islamic values are socially constructed through meaningful experiences and continuous practices. Practically, the findings suggest that value-based habituation programs can serve as effective strategies for developing students’ social empathy and character. Further research is recommended to examine the long-term influence of ta’awun-based educational practices across different institutional and cultural contexts. Keywords: Ta’awun; Social empathy; Islamic character education; Students]]>
