Islamic Religious Education Teachers' Strategies for Addressing Student Learning Difficulties Regarding the Fiqh Topic of Rukhsah in Grade VII

Abstract

This study aims to identify the challenges faced by 7th-grade students at SMPN 48 Surabaya in understanding Fiqh material regarding rukhsah (religious concessions), the underlying causes of these challenges, and the strategies employed by Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers to address them. The study employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive design and was conducted at SMPN 48 Surabaya, involving PAI teachers and 7th-grade students as subjects. Data were collected through observation and interviews to gather information on the difficulties in understanding rukhsah, the contributing factors, and the teachers' strategies for overcoming these issues. The collected data were analyzed descriptively, and their validity was verified through triangulation. The results indicate that students still struggle to grasp the concept of rukhsah, distinguish between rukhsah and azimah (general rulings), understand Fiqh terminology, and apply the material to their daily lives. These challenges stem from factors such as low student learning interest, varying levels of comprehension ability, a lack of variety in teaching methods, and limited instructional media. To address these issues, PAI teachers implement strategies such as using simple language, providing concrete examples, employing diverse teaching methods, offering motivation, and adopting an individualized approach with students. These strategies assist students in understanding the rukhsah material within the PAI curriculum.