Strengthening Sharia Financial Literacy for Islamic Boarding School Students in Improving Understanding and Application of Islamic Economic Principles at Ma'had Tahfiz Annur (MATAN) Malaysia

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Medan– Strengthening Sharia Financial Literacy Empowers Santri at MATAN Malaysia. A community service program led by Yurmaini, Erliyanti, Rangga Salam, Sri Rizky Ramadhani, and Budi Darma from Alwashliyah University, Medan, was published in the Bestari Community Service Journal (JPMB) Vol. 5 No. 2 (February 2026).

The community service program led by Yurmaini, Erliyanti, Rangga Salam, Sri Rizky Ramadhani, and Budi Darma from Alwashliyah University, Medan, demonstrated that strengthening Islamic financial literacy can improve the understanding and application of Islamic economic principles among students at the Ma'had Tahfiz Annur (MATAN) in Malaysia.

Beyond Conventional Financial Literacy

In Muslim communities, financial literacy goes beyond managing income and expenses. It includes understanding Sharia principles that prohibit riba (usury), promote justice, encourage risk-sharing, and emphasize ethical economic behavior.

Malaysia has established itself as a global leader in Islamic finance, supported by institutions such as the International Shari’ah Research Academy for Islamic Finance (ISRA). However, research consistently reveals that Islamic financial literacy gaps remain, particularly among youth and students in religious institutions.

The study identified Ma’had Tahfiz Annur (MATAN)—an institution focused on Qur’anic memorization and character development—as a strategic setting to strengthen Sharia financial awareness among young Muslims.

Participatory Learning Approach

The program was conducted as a structured empowerment process rather than a one-time lecture. It integrated:

Cognitive understanding of Islamic financial concepts
Attitudinal development toward ethical behavior
Practical application of Sharia-compliant principles

Participants were selected purposively based on their active involvement in religious activities and their potential to become future role models within their communities.

Data collection methods included:

Pre-test and post-test questionnaires
Observational assessment
Qualitative participant feedback

Quantitative analysis compared percentage improvements in knowledge, while qualitative analysis examined changes in awareness and readiness to apply concepts.

Significant Improvement in Understanding

Results showed a clear increase in participants’ comprehension of core Islamic financial principles, including:

The prohibition of riba
The role of zakat, infaq, and waqf
Basic halal transaction principles
Differences between conventional and Islamic finance

Before the intervention, many participants struggled to distinguish between conventional and Sharia-compliant financial systems. After the program, they demonstrated greater confidence and accuracy in explaining these concepts.

As shown in the documentation image on page 3, the program involved active engagement between facilitators and santri in a structured academic environment. Meanwhile, the session photograph on page 4 illustrates strong participation during case-based learning discussions, reinforcing the interactive nature of the intervention.

From Knowledge to Ethical Awareness

Observational findings revealed increased enthusiasm and critical engagement during real-life financial simulations. Participants were able to analyze simple financial scenarios from a Sharia perspective.

Qualitative feedback indicated that the integration of Islamic values with financial literacy helped students understand that Islamic economics is not merely theoretical religious knowledge, but a practical guide for everyday financial decisions.

Participants reported:

Greater awareness of ethical responsibility in financial behavior
Increased readiness to apply Islamic economic principles
Recognition of their potential role as future economic role models

Strategic Role of Ma’had Tahfiz Institutions

The findings highlight the strategic importance of Islamic boarding schools as platforms for disseminating Sharia economic principles.

Santri are not only students but future community leaders. Strengthening their financial literacy can generate long-term social impact by promoting ethical and Sharia-compliant economic behavior within broader Muslim communities.

The study also found that participatory and contextual learning methods were more effective than traditional lecture-based approaches. Combining lectures, discussions, and practical exercises enhanced both knowledge acquisition and value internalization.

Challenges and Future Recommendations

Despite the positive outcomes, some participants initially found it difficult to connect abstract financial concepts with real-life practices. The authors recommend:

Extending program duration
Incorporating digital learning tools
Providing more practical financial simulations
Establishing continuous literacy reinforcement

Such measures could deepen learning outcomes and sustain behavioral change.

Conclusion

The program demonstrated that strengthening Islamic financial literacy among santri at MATAN significantly improves both understanding and application of Islamic economic principles.

By aligning financial education with Islamic moral foundations, the initiative not only enhanced knowledge but also fostered ethical awareness and practical readiness.

The study underscores the importance of community-based educational interventions in promoting Sharia-compliant financial behavior and contributing to the broader development of Islamic financial literacy in religious educational settings.

Author Profiles

Yurmaini- Universitas Alwashliyah Medan
Erliyanti- Universitas Alwashliyah Medan
Rangga Salam- Universitas Alwashliyah Medan
Sri Rizky Ramadhani- Universitas Alwashliyah Medan
Budi Darma- Universitas Alwashliyah Medan.

Research Source

Yurmaini, Erliyanti, Salam, R., Ramadhani, S. R., & Darma, B. (2026). Strengthening Sharia Financial Literacy for Islamic Boarding School Students in Improving Understanding and Application of Islamic Economic Principles at Ma'had Tahfiz Annur (MATAN) Malaysia. Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Bestari (JPMB), Vol. 5 No. 2, 131–138.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/jpmb.v5i2.614

URL: https://nblformosapublisher.org/index.php/jpmb