Revitalization of Ngaji Kitab Tradition as a Means of Strengthening Religious Moderation among Santri at Pondok Pesantren Abri As'adiyah Branch Lasusua, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

This study examines the revitalization of the Ngaji Kitab tradition as an instrument for strengthening religious moderation among santri at Pondok Pesantren Abri As'adiyah Branch Lasusua, Southeast Sulawesi. The research employs a qualitative approach with phenomenological methods, involving 45 santri, 8 ustadz, and 3 pesantren administrators as participants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation analysis. Findings reveal that the revitalization of Ngaji Kitab through contextualized curriculum integration, interactive learning methodologies, and community engagement significantly enhances santri's understanding of religious moderation principles. The study identifies four key dimensions: theological understanding, social tolerance, cultural adaptation, and critical thinking development. Results demonstrate that traditional Islamic learning methods, when properly revitalized, effectively counter religious extremism while preserving authentic Islamic scholarship. This research contributes to educational strategies for promoting moderate Islamic values in Indonesian pesantren contexts.