Arabic linguistic symbols and the internalization of students' religious identity: A mixed methods analysis in the context of Islamic Religious Education

In contemporary digital communication, Arabic linguistic symbols such as alhamdulillah, insha Allah, and tabarakallah are increasingly used by Muslim university students in social interaction, academic settings, and online platforms. However, empirical research on their connection to religious identity formation and the role of Islamic Religious Education (IRE) in internalizing values remains limited. This study investigates the relationship between the use of Arabic symbols and students’ religious identity, while exploring how IRE supports reflective value internalization. Using a mixed methods approach with a sequential explanatory design, the study began with a quantitative phase involving 716 students (339 males, 377 females) from urban and rural areas in West Java, followed by a qualitative phase with 17 students and 8 IRE lecturers. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and limited observations, and analyzed using Spearman correlation and thematic analysis. Results show a significant correlation between the use of symbols in academic contexts and students' spiritual experiences, while usage in social and digital media contexts showed no such link. Qualitative findings highlight the importance of semantic and contextual engagement in IRE. This study contributes to SDG 4 and SDG 16 by strengthening transformative, value-based religious education through symbolic and linguistic awareness.