The Role of Qodiriyah wa Naqsyabandiyah Thoriqoh Education for Elderly People at Nurul Ali Islamic Boarding School, Sempu Ngadirojo, Secang, Magelang

Abstract

This research is motivated by the phenomenon of an increasing number of elderly people seeking spiritual peace in their old age through Islamic boarding schools (pesantren). Nurul Ali Sempu Islamic Boarding School in Magelang serves as one of the Islamic education centers focusing on coaching the elderly through the teachings of Thoriqoh Qodiriyah wa Naqsabandiyah (Thariqah Qadriyah Wa Naqsabandiyah). This study aims to describe and analyze the role of Thariqah Qadriyah Wa Naqsabandiyah education in enhancing the spiritual and mental quality of life for the elderly, as well as to identify the supporting and inhibiting factors of the educational process. This study employs a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews with the mentors (mursyid/badal), administrators, and elderly students (santri), along with documentation studies. Data analysis was conducted through the stages of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The validity of the data was tested using source and technique triangulation. The results of the study indicate that Thariqah Qadriyah Wa Naqsabandiyah education at Nurul Ali Islamic Boarding School plays a central role in three main aspects for the elderly. First, the Spiritual Aspect: through the practice of dhikr jahir and khafi, the elderly experience a closeness to Allah SWT, which impacts their readiness to face death (husnul khotimah). Second, the Psychological Aspect: thoriqoh education serves as mental therapy that reduces anxiety, loneliness, and stress (post-power syndrome) in old age. Third, the Social Aspect: the pesantren becomes a space for healthy social interaction, allowing the elderly to feel a sense of community and moral support. Supporting factors for this education include intensive guidance from the mursyid and a calm rural environment, while the inhibiting factors include the declining physical condition of the elderly in following a dense schedule of activities.