<![CDATA[The study of yellow books at the grassroots level plays a strategic role in shaping Islamic literacy, but its dynamics are often reduced to the mere transfer of external knowledge. This study aims to explore in-depth the experiences of congregations in transforming religious understanding through the study of yellow books. This study uses a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation from two kyai and five congregations in Pemalang Regency, which were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. The results show that 1) the transformation of religious understanding begins with cognitive disorientation towards classical texts, which is analyzed through the dialogical pedagogical mediation of the kyai; 2) the process of critical reflection and negotiation of meaning facilitates the internalization of values, where teachings are no longer viewed as external doctrines but are incorporated into personal identity; and 3) this internalization is manifested in a substantial increase in the quality of ritual worship, changes in patterns of social interaction to be more moderate and inclusive, and increased psychological resilience. This study concludes that the study of yellow books functions as a transformative catalyst that revitalizes the Islamic intellectual tradition to respond to the challenges of polarization. These findings offer a crucial bottom-up perspective for strengthening religious moderation and developing a reflective religious education curriculum.]]>
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