Firdaus, Nabilah Fairuz. 2026. The Role of Islamic Education in Fostering Students’ Curiosity about Sharia Knowledge at Amanah Ummah Islamic Junior High School (SMPI Amanah Ummah) Mojolaban. Undergraduate Thesis. Islamic Religious Education Study Program. Faculty of Islamic Studies. Muhammadiyah University of Ponorogo. Supervisors: (1) Dr. Nurul Abidin, Lc., M.Ed. (2) Adib Khusnul Rois, M.E.
This study was motivated by the declining interest among some young people in studying Islamic Sharia (Ilmu Syar'i), which may lead to a limited understanding of Islamic teachings. As an Islamic-based educational institution, SMPI Amanah Ummah Mojolaban seeks to foster students' curiosity about Islamic Sharia through a learning process that not only focuses on delivering knowledge but also encourages students to ask questions, engage in discussions, think critically, and relate the learning materials to their daily lives. This study aims to analyze the role of Islamic education in fostering students' curiosity toward Islamic Sharia at SMPI Amanah Ummah Mojolaban. The research employed a qualitative method with a case study approach. Data were collected through observations, interviews, and documentation, and analyzed using data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing techniques. The findings reveal that Islamic education plays a significant role in fostering students' curiosity toward Islamic Sharia through interactive learning, teachers' role modeling, a religious school environment, and the availability of adequate learning resources. However, several obstacles were identified, including the continued use of monotonous teaching methods, insufficient intrinsic motivation among some students, and passive learning habits. Therefore, more innovative instructional strategies and stronger efforts to enhance students' intrinsic motivation are needed to maximize their curiosity and interest in studying Islamic Sharia.
Keywords : Islamic Relegious Education; Curiosity; Students (Santri); Syar’i Knowledge