Implementation of the Principle of Tawhid in Islamic Religious Education Learning in Vocational Schools: A Case Study of SMKN 2 Surabaya

Abstract

This study aims to describe the implementation of the principle of tawhid in Islamic Religious Education (Pendidikan Agama Islam/PAI) learning at SMKN 2 Surabaya and to analyze its influence on the formation of students’ character, adab, and moral orientation. The background of this research is the phenomenon of complex behavioral changes among adolescents caused by modern social interactions, the rapid flow of digital information, and unstable identity development. Adolescents who have not yet reached full emotional and spiritual maturity require integrated guidance so that tawhidbased values can be internalized effectively. This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach, with Islamic Religious Education teachers as the main informants and Grade X–XI students as supporting informants. Data were collected through participatory observation and indepth interviews, while secondary data were obtained from recent Islamic education literature. The results indicate that the planning and implementation of PAI learning have integrated the principle of tawhid through lesson plan design, selection of relevant materials, dialogical and reflective teaching methods, and teacher exemplarity (uswah). The internalization of tawhid values is reflected in increased religious awareness, discipline, respect for teachers, and daily adab practices among students, although evaluation remains predominantly focused on the cognitive domain. Supporting factors include teacher commitment and a religious school culture, while obstacles involve student character heterogeneity and the prioritization of vocational skills. This study emphasizes the importance of integrating the principle of tawhid as a foundation for balanced Islamic character formation and highlights the need for holistic support from teachers, schools, and parents to ensure effective and sustainable internalization of tawhid values.