<b>THE ROLE OF ISLAMIC EDUCATION IN STRENGTHENING SOCIAL HARMONY: AN ANALYSIS OF EMILE DURKHEIM'S STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALISM THEORY</b>

Islamic education has a vital role in building and strengthening social harmony in an increasingly plural and complex society. This study highlights the urgency of understanding the contribution of Islamic education through the perspective of Émile Durkheim's structural functionalism theory, which emphasizes the importance of social structures and institutions in maintaining the order and balance of society. The purpose of this study is to explore how Islamic education can strengthen social harmony by involving various stakeholders, including educational institutions, educational citizens, religious leaders and the wider community. The research method used is a Studi Literatur approach, by reviewing literature related to Émile Durkheim's theory of structural functionalism and its application in the context of Islamic education. Data sources include books, journal articles, and other relevant documents. The results show that Durkheim's structural functionalism theory is very effective in explaining how Islamic education can function as a social mechanism that integrates shared values, strengthens social cohesion, and minimizes conflict. Through the curriculum, extracurricular activities, and religious values taught, Islamic education succeeds in creating strong social solidarity among students and the community.