Parents' Experience in Instilling Prayer Habits Among Adolescents: A Phenomenological Study in Vocational School

This study explored parents’ experiences instilling prayer habits in their adolescents within the family environment, particularly among SMK Muhammadiyah 1 Batu students. Using a phenomenological approach, the study focuses on how the structure of parental experiences is formed and the meanings embedded in parenting styles, habit-forming strategies, and challenges in Islamic religious education. This research employed a qualitative and phenomenological approach involving three purposively selected students’ parents. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews, observations, and documentation, then analyzed using phenomenological procedures, including narrative transcription, identification of significant statements, data reduction, and the formulation of textural and structural descriptions. Data validity was ensured through member checking and triangulation techniques. The findings indicate that authoritative parenting fosters discipline and responsibility in performing prayers more effectively than permissive parenting. Clear rules, routine congregational prayers, and advising through a dialogical approach contribute to adolescent’s internalization of religious values. However, challenges such as adolescent’s busy schedules, technological influences, and unsupportive social environments highlight the need for more flexible and adaptive religious education strategies. The study concludes that religious education within the family should be conducted consistently, integrating role modeling, open communication, and early habit formation. This research contributes to the literature on Islamic education by revealing parents’ subjective experiences and offering insights for developing more contextualized and experience-based religious education models.