A child-Friendly pesantren model integrating maqāṣid al-syarī’ah and SDGs

This study develops and empirically validates an integrated Child-Friendly Islamic Boarding School (Pesantren Ramah Anak [PRA]) model by synthesizing *maqāṣid al-syarīʿah* with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite growing concerns regarding child protection and inclusive education, limited research has examined how Islamic ethical principles can be operationalized in contemporary pesantren while supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Using an Educational Design Research approach with mixed methods, data were collected through questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, participatory observations, focus group discussions, and expert validation across four pesantren in Jakarta, Banten, and West Java, Indonesia. Findings reveal a perception–experience gap: institutional actors generally viewed the environment as safe and supportive, whereas some students reported seniority-based peer challenges. Governance, pedagogical, and relational gaps also constrained effective child protection and inclusive educational practices. The resulting Three-Pillar PRA Model comprises: (1) Protection-Focused Governance to strengthen safeguarding and accountability (SDG 16); (2) Engagement-Based Pedagogy to enhance participation and critical thinking (SDG 4); and (3) an Adab-Based Ecosystem to foster ethical relationships, mutual respect, and well-being (SDGs 4.7 and 16). The model offers an empirically validated framework integrating Islamic ethics with global child protection standards.