Reconstructing Islamic Exemplary and Spiritual Parenting: A Thematic Analysis of Try Sutrisno’s Educational Philosophy

Abstract

The rapid development of digital technology has transformed family parenting practices, while increasing material orientation and dependence on technology have challenged the family’s role as the primary setting for children’s character and spiritual development. This study aims to reconstruct an Islamic parenting model grounded in exemplary conduct and spirituality through a thematic analysis of the parenting philosophy of General (Ret.) Try Sutrisno. The study employed a qualitative library research design. Primary data consisted of twelve empirical parenting narratives documented in family life, while secondary data were drawn from recent peer-reviewed journal articles, Islamic educational literature, child development theories, and contemporary parenting studies. Data were analyzed using thematic Qur’anic interpretation (tafsir maudhu’i), content analysis, and comparative interpretation informed by Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, Character Education, and Tarbiyat al-Awlad. The findings identify four interconnected pillars of Try Sutrisno’s parenting philosophy: exemplary behavior, Islamic spirituality, character habituation, and moral integrity. These values are transmitted primarily through lived practices and everyday parental example rather than through verbal instruction alone. The reconstructed model demonstrates the potential integration of Islamic theological foundations with contemporary developmental perspectives in conceptualizing family-based parenting. This study contributes to Islamic parenting scholarship by offering an integrative framework that positions exemplary conduct and spirituality as central mechanisms of character formation. The findings also imply that strengthening consistent parental modeling, spiritual habituation, and moral practices may provide a relevant foundation for family-based character education in the digital era.