Islamic Religious Education (Pendidikan Agama Islam/PAI) has an important role in addressing contemporary ideological challenges, particularly radicalism and liberalism among students in the digital era. The increasing exposure of young people to exclusive religious narratives, social media content, and transnational ideological influences has created challenges for educational institutions in developing moderate and contextual religious understanding. This study aims to analyze the role of Islamic Religious Education in addressing radicalism and liberalism through the development of moderate Islamic attitudes among students. The study employed a qualitative approach using a library research method. Data were collected from books, scientific journal articles, government reports, and relevant literature related to radicalism, liberalism, religious moderation, and Islamic education. The data were analyzed using content analysis techniques to identify key themes and relationships among concepts discussed in the study. The findings indicate that radicalism and excessive liberalism represent two extreme tendencies in religious understanding that may influence students’ perspectives and social attitudes. Islamic Religious Education may contribute to preventing ideological extremism when implemented through contextual, dialogical, and humanistic learning approaches emphasizing tolerance (tasamuh), balance (tawazun), justice (i’tidal), and moderation (tawasuth). The study also highlights the importance of teacher competence, digital literacy, curriculum strengthening, and collaboration among schools, families, and communities in supporting moderate religious understanding among students. Therefore, strengthening inclusive and moderation-oriented Islamic Religious Education remains important in developing students who are religiously committed, tolerant, and socially responsible within multicultural societies.
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