Is Punishment in Islamic Boarding Schools Still Relevant in the Current Era?

darulmaarif.net – Indramayu, 16 February 2026 | 06.00 WIB

Writer: Ust. Syahfa Aidillah

In the midst of the rapid flow of digitalization and changes in parenting patterns of the younger generation, one question often arises in the minds of Islamic boarding school parents: Is punishment in Islamic boarding schools still relevant in today’s era?

This question is important. Because Islamic boarding schools are not just educational institutions, but rather spaces for character formation. Discipline in Islamic boarding schools is not really about how harsh the punishment is given, but rather about how deeply the value of goodness is embedded in the souls of the students.

Discipline Is Not Violence, But Awareness

In the Islamic boarding school tradition, discipline is part of the tarbiyah (educational process). But times have changed. If in the past physical punishment or visual sanctions were considered a form of firmness, today this approach needs to be reviewed with wisdom and wisdom.

Modern Islamic boarding schools are beginning to understand that strong obedience is not obedience born of fear, but rather from awareness. When students understand the reasons behind a rule, the obedience that emerges is organic obedience—born from the heart, not from threats.

This is an important transformation in the Islamic boarding school disciplinary system: from oppressive punishment to educational consequences.

The Relevance of Punishment in the Information Age

We live in an era of openness. Today’s generation grew up in a digital ecosystem that is critical and responsive to authority. Older methods such as shaving one’s hair or public shaming may once have been considered effective. However, in the context of modern psychology, this approach can actually create an emotional distance between students and the values ​​they want to instill.

The relevance of punishment in Islamic boarding schools today is measured by two things:

1. Does he maintain the dignity of the students?
2. Is it effective in cultivating long-term awareness?

Adaptive Islamic boarding schools are not Islamic boarding schools that abandon discipline, but Islamic boarding schools that are able to maintain it fill (assertiveness of value) with packaging (method) that is more humane.

Punishment in an Islamic Perspective: Tazkiyah, Not Intiqam

In Islamic teachings, the basic principle of education is hikmah (wisdom). Rosululloh SAW educates with an approach that touches the heart, not hurts self-esteem. Sanctions in Islam aim to tazqiyah—purify and repair—no revenge or revenge.

Every child has a different heart door. So a wise approach is one that is able to knock on the door appropriately.

Punishments that rely solely on physical force without explanation of value may appear to “quickly solve the problem.” But in the long run, he failed to build integrity. Students can be obedient in front of their caregivers, but learn to become “experts at hiding” behind the rules.

A true Islamic boarding school does not educate in pretense. Islamic boarding schools educate honesty.

From Punishment to Restorative Justice

One approach that is increasingly relevant is systems restorative justice (restorative justice). In this system, students who violate the rules do not just receive sanctions, but are invited to correct the impact of their actions.

For example:

• Students who violate cleanliness are given the mandate to become cleanliness coordinators.
• Students who violate time discipline are given the responsibility to organize the activity schedule.

This approach teaches that every mistake has a social impact, and the best way to make up for it is with a real contribution to the community.

This is where discipline becomes a means of forming students’ “moral muscles”—training responsibility, empathy and collective awareness.

The Role of Guidance and Mentoring

The relevance of punishment also lies in the support system. Strengthening the functions of counseling, deliberation and peer mentoring are concrete steps so that students do not feel like victims of the system.

A healthy Islamic boarding school is one that is firm in its rules, but warm in its support.

When the students said,
“I will not repeat it because it is detrimental to my future,”
So that’s where character education really works.

Islamic Boarding School: The Missed Authority

In conclusion, punishment in Islamic boarding schools is still relevant—as long as it is transformed into educational, logical and humane consequences. Islamic boarding schools must remain dignified, but also remain a safe and longed-for home.

The change from repressive punishment to reflective discipline is not a sign of weakening authority, but rather evidence of the maturity of the Islamic education system.

Let’s support Islamic boarding schools to continue to innovate in formulating forms of discipline that strengthen the soul, not hurt self-esteem. Because Islamic boarding schools are not only places to learn knowledge, but the womb of civilization that gives birth to generations with morals and integrity.

Want a comfortable and safe boarding house for your children?

He lives in Darul Ma’arif.

Islamic boarding schools that maintain a balance between discipline, love and character development.

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Together with Darul Ma’arif, we are raising a generation that is obedient because of love and aware of the truth.

Hope it is useful. Wallohu a’lam.