The Role of Islamic Education in Fostering a Balance Between Religious Values and Knowledge in Elementary School

This study was conducted to understand the role of Islamic education in fostering a balance between religious values and knowledge in elementary schools. This research is a type of descriptive qualitative research that describes how Islamic education can integrate values and religious teachings with knowledge in elementary schools. Data were collected through interview techniques, observation, documentation, and literature study. Interviews were conducted with the principal, vice curriculum section, and Islamic Religious Education teachers. Observations were made while the researcher conducted field research. Documentation was obtained from existing printed data. The author also obtained data in the form of books, journals, and articles to support the theory in the research. The results of the study show that Islamic education is able to cultivate religious values that are reflected in the formation of good character, morals, and personal qualities in students. Islamic education is also able to enhance the intellectual aspects and intelligence of students, stimulate reasoning and critical thinking, and be responsive to scientific and rational knowledge. Thus, Islamic education plays a role in balancing the spiritual side of students with their intellectual intelligence, which impacts the formation of well-characterized and strong individuals. The author recommends the importance of improving the quality of teachers in understanding the concept of knowledge and integrating it with the religious values taught. In addition, it is necessary to develop and increase the number of tools and media that support the learning process in schools.