ASWAJA AS A PARADIGM FOR SANTRI CHARACTER FORMATION

A LITERATURE REVIEW OF HUJJATU AHLISSUNNAH WAL JAMA'AH

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the paradigm of Ahlussunnah wal Jama'ah (Aswaja) as a foundation in the formation of santri character by referring to the thoughts of KH. Ali Maksum in the book Hujjatu Ahlissunnah wal Jama'ah. Through a qualitative approach with literature study and content analysis method, this study examines Aswaja's theological concepts and their implications for pesantren students. The analysis shows that Aswaja in KH. Ali Maksum's perspective emphasizes the balance between revelation and reason, respect for the tradition of scholars, and rejection of intellectual extremism. The core values of Aswaja moderation (tawasuth), tolerance (tasamuh), balance (tawazun), and justice (i'tidal) are not merely normative principles but become a pedagogical framework that shapes santri character through the practice of manners (adab), book learning, and social culture in the pesantren environment. This paradigm produces santri who have moral integrity, moderate thinking skills, and intellectual resilience in facing modern religious dynamics. This study concludes that through the book Hujjatu Ahlissunnah wal Jama'ah, the construction of Aswaja in KH. Ali Maksum's work not only maintains theological orthodoxy but is also relevant as a sustainable and adaptive character education model, capable of responding to the challenges of radicalism and value disruption among the younger generation.