Social and Religious Interaction for Strengthening Harmony at Darul Madinah Hidayatullah Islamic Boarding School in Indonesia

Differences in religious understanding, worship practices, organizational affiliations, and traditions can influence social relations within communities. This study examines socio-religious interactions and their contribution to strengthening harmony at Darul Madinah Hidayatullah Islamic Boarding School in Madiun, Indonesia. It employs a qualitative case study approach. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving the pesantren leader, ustadz, ustadzah, administrators, students, and members of the surrounding community. Data were analyzed using the Miles–Huberman interactive model, comprising data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. Data trustworthiness was established through source triangulation, methodological triangulation, and member checking. The findings indicate that socio-religious interactions at the pesantren are characterized by openness, mutual respect, and cooperation despite differences in Islamic organizational affiliations, worship practices, and religious traditions. Relations between the pesantren and the surrounding community are maintained through participation in socio-religious activities, including condolence visits, tahlilan (communal religious gatherings), the distribution of takjil (food and drinks for breaking the fast), the distribution of sacrificial meat during Eid al-Adha, community service, and other religious activities. Differences in Islamic jurisprudence and religious traditions are managed through persuasive approaches, practical accommodation, respect for local practices, and the strengthening of Islamic brotherhood. Furthermore, socio-religious programs provide opportunities for cooperation and interaction that may strengthen social trust, solidarity, and social ties between the pesantren and the surrounding community. These findings suggest that harmony is sustained not by eliminating religious differences but by managing them through mutual respect, accommodation, and sustained social engagement.