Management of Halaqoh Shobah and Masa’i in a Boarding-Based Tahfidz Development System : A Multisite Study

Abstract

The implementation of tahfidz education in boarding-based Islamic schools requires a systematic management approach to ensure the continuity of memorization development and the achievement of learning targets. In this context, halaqoh shobah and halaqoh masa’i constitute important daily activities that integrate memorization, muroja’ah, and direct guidance within the boarding environment. However, the management of these activities may vary across pesantren according to their organizational structures, policies, and students’ developmental needs. This study aims to analyze the management of halaqoh shobah and halaqoh masa’i within a boarding-based tahfidz development system at two tahfidz pesantren in Magelang Regency, Indonesia. The study employed a qualitative approach using a multisite case study design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and documentation involving four purposively selected informants. Data were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña, comprising data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification, followed by within-site and cross-site analysis. The findings indicate that both pesantren manage halaqoh shobah and halaqoh masa’i as an integrated tahfidz development system through four management functions: planning, organizing, actuating, and controlling. Planning involves program evaluation, memorization target setting, scheduling, group formation, and assignment of instructors. Organizing considers students’ characteristics and developmental needs as well as instructors’ competencies. Implementation integrates ziyadah, muroja’ah, sabaki, memorization recitation, and direct instructor mentoring. Controlling is conducted through memorization progress recording, periodic recapitulation, evaluation, follow-up actions, and program improvement. Despite sharing similar managerial foundations, the two pesantren demonstrate adaptations in authority, organizational structure, target-setting mechanisms, activity schedules, and monitoring instruments. The study concludes that the management of halaqoh shobah and halaqoh masa’i forms an integrated management cycle characterized by evaluation-based planning, needs-based organization, direct mentoring-oriented implementation, and monitoring-based control with follow-up actions. These findings suggest that sustainable tahfidz development in boarding environments requires an integrated, adaptive, and continuous management system.