THE ROLE OF USTADZ IN INCREASING RELIGIOUS UNDERSTANDING AS AN EFFORT TO PREVENT ADOLESCENT DEVIANT BEHAVIOR IN THE DIGITAL ERA

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the role of ustadz in improving adolescents' religious understanding as an effort to prevent deviant behavior in the digital era, by taking the location of a case study in Pucung Village, Karawang Regency. This research is motivated by concerns about the weakening of the practice of Islamic values among adolescents due to the dominance of social media influence, even though adolescents basically already have adequate basic knowledge of religion. The approach used is qualitative with a case study design, involving ustadz and adolescents as the main informants selected through purposive sampling techniques. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured in-depth interviews, non-participatory observations, and documentation, then analyzed. The validity of the data is ensured through source triangulation and triangulation techniques. The results of the study showed that: 1) the condition of religious understanding of adolescents was marked by a gap between knowledge and practice, which was influenced by social media which caused negligence in worship; 2) Ustadz performs the role of educator, worship guide, moral exemplary, spiritual motivator, and prevention of deviant behavior through a strategy of separation of places and positive religious activities; and 3) the effectiveness of the role of ustadz is influenced by supporting factors in the form of the availability of taklim assemblies and the moment of Islamic holidays, as well as inhibiting factors in the form of strong influence of social media. This study emphasizes that cooperation between the role of ustadz, parental involvement, and adolescent internal awareness is the key to the success of sustainable religious coaching.