Construction of Children’s Identity in Salafi Families: The Formation of Religious Values and Social Adaptation in Medan City

Abstract

Family constitutes the primary arena of socialization in shaping children’s values, behavior, and religious identity. This study aims to analyze the construction of children’s identity in Salafi families, the formation of religious values and behavior, and children’s adaptation to non-Salafi environments in Medan City. This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach at Muwahiddin Mosque in Medan Selayang and Ulun Nuha Islamic School in Medan Johor. The informants consisted of five children from Salafi families, five parents, and one Islamic teacher selected according to the research criteria. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The data were analyzed thematically through transcription, coding, theme grouping and review, interpretation, and conclusion drawing. Data trustworthiness was examined through source and methodological triangulation. The results demonstrate that children’s religious identity is constructed through the habituation of worship, the inculcation of tawhid, parental role modeling, moral and ethical development, and supervision of media use and social interaction. Children adapt to non-Salafi environments selectively and non-confrontationally by maintaining their religious principles while developing respectful social relationships. These findings confirm that Salafi families play a central role in constructing a strong yet socially adaptive religious identity among children.