an Internalizing the Values of Al-‘Afw (Forgiveness) in Islamic Counseling Services to Address Cyberbullying among Adolescents

Ilun Lailatul Habibah; Taufik Hidayat

Authors

Ilun Lailatul Habibah Universitas Islam Raden Rahmat Malang
Taufik Hidayat Universitas Islam Raden Rahmat Malang

Keywords:

Al-Afw, Forgiveness, Islamic Counseling, Cyberbullying, Adolescents

Abstract

Background: Cyberbullying among adolescents has become a pervasive problem that damages self-esteem, disrupts peer relationships, and, in severe cases, leads to depression and self-harm. Islamic counseling services in Indonesia have not optimally internalized the value of al-‘afw (forgiveness) as a therapeutic and preventive approach, despite its central place in Islamic ethics and its documented psychological benefits for reducing anger, resentment, and cycles of retaliation.

Aims: This study aims to examine how the value of al-‘afw can be internalized within Islamic counseling services as a strategy to address gossip and cyberbullying among adolescents, and to describe the counseling model that emerges from this internalization process.

Methods: This research employs a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with Islamic counselors and adolescent clients, participatory observation of counseling sessions, and documentation studies, then analyzed using an interactive model of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, supported by source and method triangulation.

Results: Preliminary findings indicate that internalizing al-‘afw within Islamic counseling helps adolescent victims release resentment, reduces the perpetrators' tendency toward repeated aggression, and strengthens empathy-based communication between peers, although its effectiveness depends heavily on the counselor's spiritual competence and the client's religiosity.

Conclusions: Internalizing al-‘afw values in Islamic counseling offers a culturally and religiously grounded alternative for handling gossip and cyberbullying, and needs to be developed into a structured intervention model supported by adequate counselor training.

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