Formation of Religious Character in Migrant Children Through Daily Worship Routines at PKBM PNF KBRI Kuala Lumpur.

Abstrak

This study aims to describe how the routine of worship in three phases morning, Dzhuhur, and Asar contributes to the formation of religious character among Indonesian migrant children at PKBM PNF KBRI Kuala Lumpur through a service learning approach. The phenomenon arises from the need for a stable space for religious habituation for migrant children who face urban life challenges and limited spiritual guidance at home. The service learning approach is applied because it enables collaborative accompaniment among researchers, teachers, and students, positioning worship activities as real, lived practices that strengthen religious values through direct experience. The participants consisted of 25 purposively selected fifth-grade students. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, participatory observations conducted between 19 September and 13 October on Monday–Friday, and documentation of daily PKBM activities. Thematic analysis produced three key findings. First, communal worship routines establish a consistent daily spiritual structure through practices such as morning salawat, Dhuha and Hajat prayers, istighosah, and Dzhuhur and Asar congregational prayers. Second, alternating roles in performing azan and iqomah cultivate independence, responsibility, and self-confidence. Third, the series of worship activities functions as a safe and supportive space that nurtures calmness, discipline, and a sense of belonging to a religious community. The study concludes that service learning through structured communal worship is an effective accompaniment strategy within nonformal education. The findings underline the need to strengthen religious habituation programs at PKBM and enhance community collaboration to support the spiritual development of migrant children...