Instilling Islamic Educational Values Through the Oral Tradition of Kabata Poetry in the Maba District Community, East Halmahera Regency

Instilling Islamic educational values is a central process in personality formation, playing a critical role in human self-development and transformation. This study aims to (1) analyze the instillation of Islamic educational values through the oral tradition of Kabata poetry among the community of Kota Maba District, East Halmahera Regency; (2) describe the oral tradition of Kabata poetry within the Maba community of East Halmahera; and (3) describe the benefits experienced by the community from the instillation of Islamic educational values through this oral tradition. This study employed a qualitative field research approach, with data collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving traditional leaders, religious leaders, community figures, and village government officials in three villages: Soagimalaha, Maba Sangaji, and Soalaipo. Data were analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that the instillation of Islamic values is carried out by integrating Qur'anic verses, hadith, and values of piety, honesty, compassion, and obedience to God into the verses of Kabata, recited during the Prophet's Birthday celebration or the Cokaiba customary ritual. The oral tradition of Kabata conveys messages of goodness, work ethic, and mutual cooperation (gotong royong) that have been preserved across generations as part of the Maba community's identity. The benefits experienced by the community include strengthened social bonds (silaturahmi), reinforced spirit of cooperation, the instillation of tauhid values, moral values, and strengthened social cohesion. This study recommends that local and village governments sustainably support the preservation of the Kabata tradition through annual and weekly programs to maintain its relevance across generations