Work

Reactualization of the Teacher-Student Relationship Model from the Perspective of Ta'lim Al-Muta'allim in the Context of Modern Islamic Boarding School Education

Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The dynamics of modern education present new challenges to the relational patterns between teachers and students, including within the Islamic boarding school (pesantren) environment. Shifts toward contractually and administratively inclined relationships, alongside the widespread use of digital technology, frequently erode traditional ethical values. This study aims to recontextualize the teacher-student relationship model presented in Syekh Al-Zarnuji's book Ta'lim al-Muta'allim to ensure its continued relevance within modern pesantren contexts. The methodology employed is qualitative, based on library research utilizing content analysis techniques and a contextual hermeneutic approach to bridge classic texts with contemporary realities. The findings indicate that the construction of the teacher-student relationship in Ta'lim al-Muta'allim rests on three main pillars: an emphasis on respect (ta’dzim), student obedience oriented toward seeking blessings (barakah), and the moral responsibility and compassion (syafaqah) of educators. The primary novelty of this study lies in its contextual hermeneutic framework that transforms the classical pedagogical ethics of Ta'lim al-Muta'allim from a passive-dogmatic paradigm into an interactive-dialogical, professional-spiritual, and digitally adaptive relational model. Unlike previous studies that predominantly examine Al-Zarnuji's work through a purely textual-normative lens, this research bridges the gap between traditional pesantren values and modern educational demands by formulating concrete strategies for dialogic reverence, professionalized barakah, and digital communication ethics. Recontextualizing this relational model is achieved through three strategic steps: redefining ta’dzim into an interactive and dialogic form of respect without stifling critical reasoning, integrating the concept of seeking blessings with educational professionalism, and formulating digital communication ethics based on pesantren values of civility. Consequently, this recontextualization strengthens the spiritual foundation of pesantren without disregarding contemporary advancements
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7225584589
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