The Implementation of Da’wah Communication in Shaping the Character of Students at Darul Arqam Muhammadiyah Islamic Boarding School, Gombara, Makassar

Abstract

This research is motivated by the phenomenon of changing students’ character in Islamic boarding schools due to the development of the times and digital influence. The objectives of this study are to (1) identify the current condition of students’ character, (2) analyze how da’wah communication is implemented in shaping students’ character, and (3) determine the supporting and inhibiting factors in the implementation of da’wah communication for character formation. This study employs a qualitative descriptive research method focusing on collecting objective data through observation, interviews, and documentation. The research was conducted at Darul Arqam Muhammadiyah Islamic Boarding School, Gombara, Makassar. The findings reveal that the current students’ character has shifted compared to previous generations. In the past, strict reprimands were effective, but now they tend to trigger resistance due to environmental changes and digital development. Da’wah communication is implemented through nightly pre-sleep activities, muhadarah (speech training), Arabic language learning, and regular religious studies to instill values such as discipline, honesty, independence, and responsibility. The inhibiting factors include differences in students’ backgrounds, lack of readiness to receive character education, and limited understanding of da’wah messages delivered in Arabic. The supporting factors include nightly character-building programs in the dormitory, muhadarah activities, Arabic language learning, and increasing self-awareness among students to improve their character. In conclusion, the implementation of da’wah communication plays a significant role in shaping students’ character, although it faces challenges that must be addressed strategically.