Eksistensi Surau dalam Membentuk Tradisi Pendidikan Islam di Minangkabau Pra Abad 20

Abstract

Islamic education in Indonesia has a long history and has developed in line with the social and cultural dynamics of society. One traditional Islamic educational institution that played an important role before the 20th century was the surau, particularly in the Minangkabau region of West Sumatra. This study aims to examine the definition, origins, functions, and roles of figures in the development of the surau as a traditional Islamic educational institution. This study employed a qualitative approach with a library research design through the examination of various relevant literature sources. The review results show that the surau was initially a place for spiritual activities influenced by local traditions and later developed into an Islamic educational institution after the process of Islamization in Minangkabau. In its development, the surau functioned not only as a place of worship but also as a center for religious education, moral development, and community social activities. The surau played an important role in producing ulama and religious figures, such as Syekh Burhanuddin, who contributed to the spread of Islam in the Indonesian archipelago. In addition, the surau became a place for youth development and a center of social interaction for Minangkabau society before the development of the modern Islamic education system in Indonesia. The conclusion of this study affirms that the surau has historical, religious, and social contributions to shaping the tradition of Islamic education in Minangkabau. These findings contribute to the development of studies on the history of Islamic education and broaden understanding of the role of traditional Islamic educational institutions in local communities.