Kitab Kuning-Based Islamic Religious Education (PAI) Teaching Methods at Madrasah Diniyah Takmiliyah Awwaliyah Outside Pesantren

Rofiq Ainur (Universitas KH. Abdul Chalim)

Journal of General Education and Humanities
Vol. 5 No. 5 (2026): October

The study of kitab kuning (classical Islamic texts) in madrasah diniyah is an integral part of the Islamic boarding school curriculum implemented in almost all pesantren in Indonesia as one of their distinctive characteristics. This is largely due to the fact that many founders or heads of madrasah diniyah are graduates of Islamic boarding schools. Consequently, the methods employed in teaching kitab kuning may have distinctive characteristics that vary from one institution to another. This study aims to analyze the methods used in teaching kitab kuning at a madrasah diniyah located outside a traditional Islamic boarding school. Specifically, this study seeks to identify the methods used to implement Islamic Religious Education (PAI) based on kitab kuning, examine the implementation of the learning process, and identify the supporting and inhibiting factors affecting its implementation. Data were collected through observations, structured interviews, and an analysis of the madrasah diniyah curriculum documents. The findings indicate that PAI learning based on kitab kuning is not limited to theoretical instruction but is also realized through direct practical activities, allowing students to gain a more comprehensive and meaningful learning experience. This learning process is supported by a combination of classical, traditional, and contextual learning methods, integrated with practical activities relevant to the materials being studied. Supporting factors include the ustadz’s competence, the availability of kitab kuning, parental support, and facilities for practical learning activities. Meanwhile, inhibiting factors include limited learning time, differences in students’ abilities to read kitab kuning, and the lack of interest among some students. Thus, using varied or mixed learning methods in PAI based on kitab kuning at madrasah diniyah outside traditional Islamic boarding schools plays an important role in improving students’ understanding and religious experiences while also contributing to character development.