Educational Values of Congregational Prayer: A Case Study in Sigerongan Village

Abstract

The role of congregational prayer as informal Islamic education within village communities remains insufficiently understood. This study examines its implementation, perceived educational values, and perceived individual and collective contributions in Sigerongan Village, West Lombok, Indonesia. A qualitative case study involved purposively selected participants. Data were collected through semistructured interviews, nonparticipant observations, and documentation, then analyzed using Miles et al.’s analytical framework with triangulation. The findings identify three interconnected dimensions. First, preparation before worship, orderly participation during prayer, and subsequent social interaction provide recurring opportunities to practice discipline, obedience, and responsibility. Second, community members associate congregational prayer with religious commitment, exemplary conduct, leadership, equality, and Islamic brotherhood. Third, perceived contributions encompass religious habituation, accountability, social relationships, solidarity, cooperation, and concern for others. These findings suggest that congregational prayer may connect individual religious practice with collective character development through repeated participation, shared responsibilities, and interpersonal interaction. The study contributes to understanding Islamic education beyond formal schooling by highlighting the educational potential of everyday religious practices. Practical implications include strengthening exemplary leadership, youth participation, and collective activities through collaboration among mosque leaders and community members. The study does not establish causal relationships, and its focus on one community limits transferability. Further comparative and longitudinal research is needed to examine how participation and social context shape the sustained practice of educational values.