Exploration of Students' Perceptions of the Role of Dr. Irzanita Al Mukarromah Mosque in Mental Health Education and Character Building

Abstract

This study explores students' perceptions of the role of the Dr. Irzanita Al Mukarromah Mosque in supporting mental health education and character building within a higher education setting. The mosque, situated at the heart of the campus, functions not merely as a place of worship but also as a center for spiritual development and psychological well-being. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 30 students from Universitas Kader Bangsa. The findings reveal that students perceive the mosque as having a significant positive impact on emotional resilience, moral values formation, and a sense of community belonging. Regular mosque activities—including Islamic counseling sessions, spiritual mentoring, and congregational prayers—were identified as key mechanisms through which students develop coping strategies for academic stress. Moreover, the mosque environment was found to foster prosocial behavior, empathy, and responsibility, all essential components of strong character. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on faith-based mental health support in educational settings and recommends the integration of mosque-based programs into formal student wellness frameworks.