Strengthening the Theological Basis of Islamic Education at MIS Ziyadatun Nikmah Manado

Abstract

This study aims to reinforce the theological foundation of Islamic education at the elementary level, focusing on MIS Ziyadatun Nikmah Manado, situated within a pluralistic society. Employing a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis, then analyzed using Miles and Huberman's interactive model. The findings indicate that theological values, especially the concept of Tauhid, serve as the ideological and pedagogical foundation across all educational activities, including curriculum integration, teaching methods, and teacher role-modeling. The holistic and contextual approach adopted by the school has proven effective in shaping students' religious character while maintaining values of tolerance and diversity. These findings suggest the need for national curriculum reform that substantively incorporates Islamic theological values and for enhancing teachers’ competence in theology and social context. Although this study is limited to a single local context, its results offer a potential framework for developing theology-based Islamic education models applicable across diverse multicultural settings.