Revitalizing reading and writing traditions in pesantren through Surah Al-‘Alaq 1–5

Abstract

The tradition of reading and writing in Islam is deeply rooted in Surah Al-‘Alaq verses 1–5. These five verses of the Qur’an emphasize the significance of reading as the gateway to knowledge and writing as a medium for sharing it. However, in some pesantren (Islamic boarding schools), the culture of reading has not been fully nurtured, largely due to the dominant emphasis on memorization over critical understanding in the learning process. This reliance on rote learning has gradually marginalized reading and writing practices within pesantren education. This study explores how the values embedded in Surah Al-‘Alaq can be implemented to revive the traditions of reading and writing in pesantren. Using a qualitative approach, the research found that the low reading culture among santri is primarily caused by limited access to diverse reading materials, lack of a supportive environment, and the absence of pedagogical methods that promote active reading. Likewise, the underdeveloped writing culture stems from the lack of structured writing programs and the absence of institutional encouragement for students to produce written works. As a solution, this study proposes the integration of Qur’an-based literacy practices, including providing engaging reading materials, adopting understanding-based teaching strategies, promoting reflective writing practices, and fostering a pesantren environment that supports the growth of reading and writing habits.

Keywords: reading tradition; case study; Surah Al-‘Alaq 1–5; revitalization; pesantren