Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training – Adolescence is a transitional period from childhood to adulthood, involving various developments as preparation for entering adulthood. These changes include physical, psychological, and psychosocial aspects. However, adolescence is also full of challenges, especially those of a negative nature. Therefore, religious education plays an important role in shaping the good character of teenagers.
Religious education is closely related to adolescent development. Unfortunately, in Indonesia, many teenagers undervalue and neglect the importance of Religion education. This can result in behavior that is not in accordance with religious teachings, such as fornication, promiscuity, gang fights, and so on. A lack of understanding of religion can lead to indifference in following religious rules.
The main goal of religious education is to shape the behavior and character of the younger generation so that they possess noble morals (akhlaq al-karimah) and are guided by the Holy Quran and Hadith in their daily lives. Religious education is very important for teenagers, especially in instilling good values.
Religious education among teenagers will result in a generation that is devout and has a significant impact on the future of the nation and on themselves. Parents also play an important role in providing Religion education to their children, as the family is the primary educator for a child. Religion education is a fundamental foundation in the life of every individual.
Religion education helps individuals become more obedient to Allah and avoid His prohibitions, especially during adolescence when emotions are often unstable. Teenagers are the future generation of the nation who need to receive education from their families, society, and the government, as the development of a country is greatly influenced by education. The mental and moral development of the younger generation plays an important role in a nation’s progress.
In addition, Religion education can be used as therapy to address juvenile delinquency, and the moral messages conveyed through religion can help prevent bad behavior. Therefore, religious education is crucial to creating a better young generation in the future.
Overall, religious education plays a central role in shaping a religiously devout, morally upright younger generation who obey Allah’s commands and avoid His prohibitions. With Religion education among teenagers, we can reduce and prevent delinquency, which often occurs, especially in Indonesia.
Source:
- Abu, Ahmadi, Munawar Sholeh. Psikologi Perkembangan Edisi Revisi. Jakarta: PT. Rineka Cipta, 2005.
- Yudho, Purwoko, Memecahkan Masalah Remaja. Bandung: Nuansa, 2001.
- Haidar, Putra Daulay. Dinamika Pendidikan Islam. Bandung: Cipta Pustaka Media, 2004.
- https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/hand-drawn-muslim-girls-education-illustration_55727448.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=3&uuid=4a056666-d0e7-4fa5-b6b3-307d0ba4594f
