Religious Study Sessions and the Practice of Reciting Surah Yasin in Congregation: Shaping the Character of a Religious Community at Musholla Al-Ikhsan, Sumber Kereng, Kowel, Pamekasan

This study aims to analyse the process of internalising the practice of religious study sessions and the habit of reading Surah Yasin in congregation, the religious character values that are formed, and the social implications for the community at the Al-Ikhsan Mosque in Sumber Kereng Kowel, Pamekasan. This study employs a qualitative approach using a case study design. Data collection techniques included participatory observation, in-depth interviews with informants comprising the mosque management, religious leaders and worshippers, as well as documentation. Data analysis utilised the interactive model developed by Miles and Huberman, proceeding through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The research findings indicate that the process of internalising religious values occurs through three dialectical stages: externalisation through collective ritual practice, objectification through the institutionalisation of religious traditions, and internalisation through the absorption of values into individual consciousness. The religious character values that are formed include discipline, responsibility, solidarity, ukhuwah Islamiyah, exemplary behaviour, patience, sincerity, spiritual awareness, social concern and generosity. The social implications of these activities include the strengthening of social cohesion, the intergenerational transmission of character education, the reinforcement of Islamic identity and religious moderation, and the development of economic solidarity through the practice of mutual assistance. The role of religious leaders as key actors and role models is a determining factor in the success of the process of internalisation and the formation of the community’s religious character. This study confirms that the social construction and habituation approaches are highly relevant to understanding the formation of religious character within Muslim communities, where the musholla functions not only as a place of worship but also as a centre for the social and spiritual empowerment of the community.