Commercialization of Quranic Tahfidz Houses in Indonesia: Da'wah or Business?

Ikhwan Rahman; Wira Wati; Nadia Putri; Ratna Wulandari; Usman Arif Habibi

Authors

Ikhwan Rahman Universitas Islam Negeri Imam Bonjol Padang, Indonesia Author
Wira Wati STAI Pengembangan Ilmu Al-Qur`an (STAIPIQ), Kota Padang, Sumatera Barat. Indonesia Author
Nadia Putri STAI Balaiselasa YPPTI Pesisir Selatan, Indonesia Author
Ratna Wulandari Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Indonesia Author
Usman Arif Habibi Universitas Islam Negeri Imam Bonjol Padang, Indonesia Author

Keywords:

Tahfidz house, commercialization, Al-Quran education, religious regulation

Abstract

In recent years, the growth of tahfidz houses in Indonesia has shown a very rapid increase, along with the increasing public awareness of the importance of early Qur'an education. However, behind the spirit of da'wah that underlies the establishment of these institutions, a new phenomenon has emerged in the form of commercialization of tahfidz houses. This study aims to critically examine the dynamics between the objectives of da'wah and commercial practices that occur in the operation of tahfidz houses, as well as their impact on the quality of Qur'an learning and public perception. The research method used is a descriptive qualitative approach through field studies in several tahfidz houses in urban and semi-urban areas, observation of activities, and interviews with managers, parents of students, and tahfidz teachers. The results of the study show that some tahfidz houses have begun to implement a high payment system, a strict selection system based on social background, and institutional branding like commercial course institutions. Although this helps in terms of managerial and facilities, there are concerns about a shift in orientation from da'wah to profit alone. On the other hand, tahfidz houses that still adhere to the principles of waqf and infaq actually face obstacles in financing, quality of teaching staff, and sustainability of the program. The conclusion of this study is that the commercialization of tahfidz houses is a complex phenomenon that needs to be addressed wisely. There needs to be regulation, ethical guidelines, and strengthening of da'wah values so that tahfidz houses remain inclusive, quality, and oriented Qur'anic educational institutions.

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