Recontextualizing the Sorogan Method: Bilingual Development of Minhajut Tholibin and Its Impact on Students’ English Literacy and Classical Fiqh Comprehension

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the implementation of the Sorogan Method in developing instructional materials for the classical Islamic text Minhajut Tholibin, transforming the original Arabic text glossed in Indonesian (makna gandul) into an English version glossed in English and subsequently translated back into Indonesian, as well as examining its implications for enhancing students’ competencies. This research employed a qualitative approach with a case study design at Pondok Pesantren Al-Khoirot, involving first and second-grade students of Madrasah Diniyah Tsanawiyah. Data were collected through participant observation, in depth interviews, and document analysis, and were systematically analyzed using thematic analysis techniques. The findings reveal that the implementation of bilingual instructional material development through the Sorogan-based learning model significantly enhances students’ learning motivation, active English proficiency, reading and translation skills of English-language classical texts, and overall academic literacy. Furthermore, the method strengthens students’ conceptual understanding of classical fiqh, improves textual analytical accuracy, deepens academic vocabulary mastery, and fosters greater learner autonomy and self-confidence in the learning process.