Penghulu's Assistance in Providing Premarital Guidance to Realize a Sakinah Mawaddah Warahmah (Samara) Family at KUA Tanjung Morawa

Marriage is one of the most fundamental social institutions in human life. From an Islamic perspective, marriage is not just a legal bond between two individuals but is also a sacred trust that aims to create a harmonious, loving, and blessed family known as the Sakinah Mawaddah Warahmah. The purpose of this service activity is Penghulu's Assistance in Providing Premarital Guidance to Realize a Sakinah Mawaddah Warahmah (Samara) Family at KUA Tanjung Morawa. The approach uses PAR (Participatory Action Research). The service results are that this guidance ensures prospective couples have the necessary knowledge and skills to foster a harmonious and resilient marital relationship. By addressing key aspects such as effective communication, conflict resolution, and mutual respect, Penghulu's support contributes to the prevention of marital discord and promotes lasting stability in family life. Through a structured and empathetic approach, Penghulu helps couples understand and embrace the values of Sakinah (peaceful), Mawaddah (loving), and Warahmah (compassionate), which are fundamental to building a nurturing and supportive family environment. As a result, the enhanced premarital counseling provided by Penghulu at KUA Tanjung Morawa significantly strengthens family units, thus contributing to the overall well-being and social harmony within the community


INTRODUCTION
Marriage is one of the most fundamental social institutions in human life.From an Islamic perspective, marriage is not just a legal bond between two individuals.Still, it is also a sacred trust that aims to create a harmonious, loving, and blessed family known as the Sakinah Mawaddah Warahmah (SAMARA) family (Indrayani, 2024).To achieve this noble goal, premarital guidance is an important step that cannot be ignored.The Tanjung Morawa KUA (Religious Affairs Office), as the official institution that handles marriages, has a central role in providing pre-wedding guidance through Islamic communication assistance strategies by the celebrants (Pitri, 2021).
Islamic communication assistance in pre-marital guidance at KUA Tanjung Morawa provides prospective brides and grooms with the knowledge and skills to live a harmonious domestic life (Aziza, 2020).The Penghulu, as the main facilitator in this process, holds great responsibility for ensuring that each partner gains a deep understanding of their rights and obligations in marriage, as well as how to live out their roles by Islamic principles (Abbasi, 2021).
Effective communication strategies are the key to this assistance.The communication carried out by the celebrant must be able to explain the concepts of marriage in Islam clearly and be easily understood by the prospective bride and groom (Indrayani et al., 2024).Apart from that, the celebrant must build a good relationship with the bride and groom so they feel comfortable and open to discussing various problems they may face.The leader's interpersonal communication skills are critical in this regard, as they need to create a supportive environment for honest and constructive dialogue (Alfiani, 2022).
Premarital guidance at KUA Tanjung Morawa covers technical aspects of marriage, such as administrative and legal procedures, as well as spiritual and emotional aspects (Sari et al., 2020).The headman must be able to convey the importance of Islamic values in household life, such as patience, sincerity, cooperation, and mutual respect.They also need to guide how to deal with conflicts and challenges in marriage and maintain harmony and happiness in the household (Hafidzi et al., 2021).
Islamic communication assistance by the headman also includes education about reproductive health and family responsibilities.In Islam, maintaining the health and welfare of the family is part of every individual's responsibility (Bowen, 2018).
Therefore, the headmaster needs to provide accurate and relevant information regarding reproductive health and how to plan a healthy and happy family.This includes discussions about pregnancy planning, parenting, and the role of each partner in educating children (Rifat et al., 2023).
In addition, the headman must also overcome the challenges that arise in modern society.In the era of globalization and digitalization, prospective brides and grooms face various external influences that can influence their views on marriage and family.
Officiants must have broad insight and a deep understanding of contemporary issues to provide relevant and contextual guidance to the bride and groom (Nugraha et al., 2022).
Using technology and social media in communication is also important in mentoring strategies.Officiants can utilize digital platforms to disseminate information and premarital guidance materials more widely and efficiently.For example, through educational videos, online articles, and virtual discussions that prospective brides and grooms can access anytime and anywhere.This not only makes it easier to access information but can also increase the participation and involvement of prospective brides and grooms in the guidance process (Faisal & Kisman, 2020).
Furthermore, an effective Islamic communication assistance strategy also requires support from various related parties, including the families of the prospective bride and groom, community leaders, and religious organizations.This collaboration is important to create an ecosystem that is conducive to the realization of the SAMARA family.Family involvement in the premarital guidance process can provide a broader perspective and emotional support for the prospective bride and groom.Meanwhile, community leaders and religious organizations can help spread Islamic values regarding marriage and family and provide real examples of harmonious family life (Khaidar, 2021).
The objective of this service research is to enhance the effectiveness of penghulu (Islamic marriage officiants) in providing premarital guidance at the KUA Tanjung Morawa, to foster harmonious, loving, and compassionate families, known as Sakinah Mawaddah Warahmah (Samara).This research seeks to identify and implement best practices for improving the quality of premarital education, ensuring that couples are well-prepared for marriage in line with Islamic principles.The expected impact of this research includes a significant improvement in Penghulu's ability to deliver relevant and impactful guidance, leading to stronger, more resilient marriages, reduced marital conflicts, and an overall enhancement in the well-being of families within the community.
The Islamic communication assistance strategy by the headman at KUA Tanjung Morawa in providing premarital guidance has a crucial role in creating a Sakinah Mawaddah Warahmah family.Through an effective communication approach, the celebrant can help the bride and groom understand and carry out their roles in the wedding through Islamic teachings.In this way, they can build a harmonious family full of love and blessings, which brings happiness to the couple and positively contributes to society as a whole.

METHODS
The method used in the leader's Islamic communication assistance strategy to provide premarital guidance to create a Sakinah Mawaddah Warahmah (SAMARA) family at KUA Tanjung Morawa is Participatory Action Research (PAR).This approach was chosen because PAR allows the active involvement of all relevant parties, including the bride and groom, the bride and groom, and the KUA, in the research process (Brydon-Miller et al., 2020).By involving active participation, this method explores data through observation and in-depth interviews and involves research subjects in making decisions and corrective actions together.PAR in this context will involve a series of stages, starting from planning, action, observation, and reflection, which are carried out in cycles to ensure that the communication strategy implemented is truly effective and can be adapted to the specific needs of the prospective bride and groom.Through this approach, relevant and contextual communication strategies can be identified and developed so that the premarital guidance provided can be more effective in forming a harmonious family by Islamic values (Zakiyuddin & Ridwan, 2022).The mentoring partner in the context of Penghulu's assistance at KUA Tanjung Morawa is a religious leader who plays a crucial role in providing premarital guidance to couples preparing for marriage.This mentor is typically a seasoned Penghulu or another qualified religious figure with a deep knowledge of Islamic teachings and an understanding of marital responsibilities.
The activities include a series of counseling sessions where the mentor discusses various aspects of married life, focusing on building a Sakinah Mawaddah Warahmah (SAMARA) family, which emphasizes tranquility, love, and compassion.These sessions cover topics such as the rights and responsibilities of spouses, effective communication, conflict resolution, and the spiritual significance of marriage in Islam.
The mentoring process generally begins well before the wedding day, allowing ample time for the couples to internalize the guidance provided.It usually starts after the couple registers for marriage at the KUA and continues through scheduled meetings until the couple is adequately prepared for their new life together.

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
In the efforts to provide premarital guidance to achieve a Sakinah Mawaddah Warahmah (Samara) family, the role of various community groups and partners is crucial.At the KUA Tanjung Morawa, the collaboration between the Penghulu and several community groups plays a vital role in this process.These partners include religious leaders who provide spiritual guidance, local health workers who educate on reproductive health and family planning, and community organizations focused on women's empowerment and family welfare.Together, these groups contribute to comprehensive premarital education by addressing religious aspects and the social, psychological, and health-related dimensions of marriage.Their collective efforts aim to prepare couples for a harmonious and sustainable family life, reflecting the principles of Sakinah Mawaddah Warahmah.Through this collaborative approach, the KUA Tanjung Morawa ensures that premarital guidance is holistic and effective, supporting couples in building a strong foundation for their future families.
An effective communication strategy from a headman in providing premarital  First, a personal approach is one of the main strategies in official communication.
This approach emphasizes the importance of building a good relationship between the celebrant and the prospective bride and groom.With a personal approach, the celebrant can more easily understand each partner's background, character, and needs.
This allows the celebrant to provide more appropriate advice on the couple's condition.In guidance sessions, the officiant often uses question-and-answer techniques and open discussions to dig deeper into the couple's hopes and concerns about the marriage.Through this approach, the prospective bride and groom feel more appreciated and cared for, so they are more open to receiving advice and guidance.
Second, using media and tools in premarital guidance is also an effective strategy.
In this digital era, leaders at KUA Tanjung Morawa utilize various media, such as videos, slide presentations, and digital modules, to deliver guidance material.This media helps the principal convey information more clearly and interestingly, making it easier for couples to understand and remember the material.Visual aids such as diagrams and illustrations also help clarify important concepts in marriage, such as husband and wife responsibilities, family financial management, and conflict management.the basis for building a SAMARA family, such as mutual respect, love, and household harmony.In delivering this material, the celebrant often relates it to verses from the Koran and hadith so that couples gain a deeper and more spiritual understanding.
The challenges in premarital counseling cannot be ignored.Penghulu often faces various obstacles, both cultural and social.For example, varying levels of religious understanding among prospective bride and groom couples can be challenging.To overcome this, the principal must be flexible and adaptive in delivering the material and adjust the communication approach according to the partner's understanding and needs.Apart from that, limited time and resources are also often obstacles.In this condition, the headmaster at KUA Tanjung Morawa tries to optimize the available time by arranging an efficient guidance schedule and prioritizing the topics that are most relevant and urgent for couples (García-Peñalvo, 2016).
The effectiveness of premarital guidance provided by the celebrant can be measured through various indicators, such as increasing the couple's understanding of roles and responsibilities in marriage, the couple's mental and emotional readiness, and their ability to manage conflict and maintain family harmony.Testimonials and experiences of couples who have followed the guidance are also clear evidence of the success of the communication strategy implemented by the headmaster.Many couples feel more prepared and confident entering married life after receiving premarital guidance.They also better understand the importance of good communication in maintaining household harmony.
The headman's communication strategy in providing pre-wedding guidance at KUA Tanjung Morawa effectively prepares prospective bride and groom couples for married life.A personal approach, media and tools, and comprehensive guidance materials based on Islamic values all contribute to creating a Sakinah Mawaddah Warahmah family.Even though there were various challenges, the headman overcame them well through flexibility and adaptation in communication.Thus, the premarital guidance provided not only increases the readiness of couples mentally and emotionally but also strengthens their spiritual foundation in building a harmonious and blessed family (Pinem et al., 2021).
The premarital guidance provided at KUA Tanjung Morawa is a comprehensive approach that integrates various community groups and strategic communication methods to prepare couples for a harmonious Sakinah Mawaddah Warahmah (SAMARA) family.The collaboration between the Penghulu, religious leaders, health workers, and community organizations ensures that the guidance covers spiritual, social, psychological, and health-related aspects of marriage.This holistic approach reflects the importance of addressing all dimensions of married life, providing couples with a strong foundation for their future together.The personal approach taken by the Penghulu, coupled with the use of digital media and practical tools, allows for tailored guidance that meets each couple's unique needs, making premarital education both engaging and effective (Buil et al., 2019).
Despite these strategies' effectiveness, Penghulu's challenges in delivering premarital guidance must be addressed.Varying levels of religious understanding among couples and time and resource constraints pose significant obstacles.However, the Penghulu at KUA Tanjung Morawa has shown adaptability and flexibility in overcoming these challenges, ensuring the guidance remains relevant and impactful.
By prioritizing key topics and employing a flexible communication approach, the Penghulu effectively prepares couples mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for the challenges of married life.Testimonials from couples who have undergone this guidance highlight the success of the communication strategies, demonstrating that they feel more confident and better prepared for marriage, ultimately contributing to forming a SAMARA family.
Premarital guidance is one of the efforts made by the headmaster at KUA to prepare prospective bride and groom couples to build a harmonious and happy household per Islamic teachings.However, in its implementation, the headmaster faces various challenges that can affect the effectiveness of the guidance.These challenges include cultural and social barriers, limited time and resources, and the level of religious understanding of the prospective bride and groom.
Cultural and social barriers are one of the main challenges in premarital guidance.In diverse societies, prospective brides and grooms' cultural and social backgrounds can be very different.For example, some couples come from families with a strong patriarchal culture, where gender roles are highly differentiated and may not be by the concept of equality in Islam.This can be an obstacle in premarital  other ceremonial duties, so the time available to provide premarital guidance is limited.Apart from that, the limited number of priests compared to the number of couples who must be served is also an obstacle.Under these conditions, the headman may need more time to provide in-depth and comprehensive guidance.Apart from time limitations, limited resources such as guidance materials, facilities, and tools can also hinder the implementation of premarital guidance.For example, the principal may need a complete and structured tutoring module or adequate facilities to hold interactive and engaging tutoring sessions.
The level of religious understanding of the prospective bride and groom is also a challenge that is no less important.Each couple has a different educational background and religious understanding.Some couples have good religious knowledge, but some have minimal religious knowledge.A low level of religious understanding can be an obstacle in premarital guidance because couples may need help understanding or even be interested in the material presented.The celebrant must be able to adjust the guidance methods and approaches according to the level of religious understanding of each partner.Apart from that, the leader also needs to provide clear and easy-to-understand explanations so that the couple can receive the guidance material well.
To overcome these challenges, the right strategy and approach is needed.
Penghulu must improve its competence through training and workshops on communication techniques, cultural understanding, and effective guidance methods.
Officiants also need to develop premarital guidance modules that are comprehensive and appropriate to the needs of couples.This module should include material about the roles of husband and wife in Islam, communication in the household, conflict management, and spiritual and emotional aspects of marriage.Using technology and media can also be a solution to overcome limited time and resources.For example, celebrants can take advantage of videos, online modules, or premarital guidance applications that couples can access anytime and anywhere.
Collaboration with related parties is also important to overcome challenges in premarital guidance.Penghulu can work with educational institutions, religious organizations, and communities to provide more structured and sustainable premarital guidance programs.For example, the celebrant can hold a pre-wedding seminar or workshop by inviting resource persons competent in marriage and family.
The celebrant can also involve couples who have succeeded in building a SAMARA family as mentors or role models for the prospective bride and groom.These couples' experiences and success stories can motivate and inspire couples to get married.
In facing these challenges, the celebrant must have high commitment and dedication to providing premarital guidance.The celebrant must realize that premarital guidance is not just an administrative obligation but is also a moral mandate and responsibility to help couples build a harmonious and happy family through Islamic teachings.With the right strategy and approach, the headman can provide effective and quality premarital guidance to create a Sakinah Mawaddah Warahmah (SAMARA) family in the community.
To achieve the goal of effective premarital guidance, the celebrant must always innovate and adapt to current developments and the needs of the prospective bride and groom.In addition, evaluation and feedback from couples who have participated in premarital guidance are very important to improve the quality of the guidance provided.The headmaster needs to hold regular evaluation sessions to determine the extent to which the guidance that has been given has positively impacted couples in building a harmonious family.
The celebrant also needs to pay attention to the psychological aspects of premarital guidance.Prospective couples often experience stress and anxiety before the wedding.Therefore, the celebrant must be able to provide psychological support and build a relationship with the partner.An empathetic and understanding approach will help couples feel more comfortable and open to receiving guidance.
Penghulu can also work with psychologists or family counselors to provide more comprehensive and in-depth guidance.
Additionally, principals need to develop effective communication skills.Good communication is the key to conveying messages and guidance materials clearly and easily understood by your partner.Penghulu must be able to use simple and not tooformal language and explain religious concepts in a relevant and contextual way.The celebrant must also be able to listen well and provide appropriate responses to the couple's questions or concerns (Lestari et al., 2024).
An inclusive approach and respect for diversity is also important in premarital counseling.The principal must recognize and respect the differences in culture, traditions, and views of the couple.The principal can create a more open and conducive atmosphere for discussion and learning with an inclusive approach (Rahmelia et al., 2022).This will also help your partner feel appreciated and accepted, motivating them to take the guidance seriously.
It is also important for the officiant to always update his knowledge regarding current issues related to marriage and family (Harding et al., 2015).For example, principals need to understand the dynamics of gender roles in modern society, the economic challenges families face, and developments in technology and social media that affect family life.With up-to-date knowledge, the celebrant can provide more relevant and useful guidance for the couple (Mustaqim et al., 2021).
Lastly, the celebrant needs to instill spiritual values in pre-marital guidance.
Sincerity, patience, and purity must be the basis for building a SAMARA family.The celebrant must be able to explain the importance of these values in married life and how couples can practice them in everyday life.By instilling strong spiritual values, couples will be better prepared to face various challenges and trials in marriage with confidence and patience (Heaphy, 2018).
Overall, the challenges in premarital counseling are complex and varied.
However, penghulu can provide effective and quality guidance with the right strategy, strong commitment, and an inclusive approach.Good premarital guidance will not only help couples prepare for their marriage (L.Nugroho & Hidayah, 2020).Still, it will also form a solid foundation for building a harmonious and happy family through Islamic teachings.In this way, the headman can play an important role in creating a Sakinah Mawaddah Warahmah (SAMARA) family in society, which will ultimately contribute to overall welfare and social harmony (Kumalasari, 2022).
Premarital guidance plays an important role in forming a strong foundation for couples who are getting married, especially in creating a Sakinah, Mawaddah, and Warahmah (SAMARA) family.At KUA Tanjung Morawa, the effectiveness of premarital guidance can be measured through various indicators, including the couple's understanding of marital responsibilities, good communication skills, and improving the quality of the couple's relationship (Putrie et al., 2024).An effective guidance process not only teaches basic theories regarding marriage in Islam but also provides practical skills needed to live a harmonious family life.(Halimah & Machdum, 2023).By understanding each other's roles, couples can avoid conflicts that may arise due to ambiguity or ignorance about their responsibilities.
Effective coaching will explain these things in a way that is easy to understand and relevant to everyday life.
Good communication skills between partners are also the expected result of premarital counseling.Effective communication is the key to resolving problems and maintaining harmony in the household.KUA Tanjung Morawa's headmaster uses Islamic communication techniques emphasizing honesty, patience, and empathy.
Couples are taught how to express their feelings and opinions openly without offending their partner, as well as how to listen attentively (Millner, 2021).This guidance helps couples develop healthy communication skills essential in resolving conflict and maintaining a harmonious relationship.
The effectiveness of premarital guidance can also be seen in improving the quality of the prospective bride and groom's relationship.Through guidance sessions, couples are taught the importance of cooperation and mutual understanding in building a happy family.They are also taught about family financial management, childcare, and balancing personal and professional life.Armed with this knowledge, couples can better plan their future and overcome challenges that may arise in married life.
Figure 3.5.effectiveness in the mentoring process Testimonials from couples who have attended premarital guidance at KUA Tanjung Morawa show that many feel better prepared to face married life after receiving guidance.They reported improvements in religious understanding, communication skills, and conflict management (Pherali, 2023).Some couples also claim that coaching helps them to appreciate and understand their partners better, strengthening their bond.
However, the effectiveness of premarital guidance is challenging.Cultural and social barriers often become obstacles in implementing guidance.In some communities, there is an opinion that premarital counseling is not that important or is just a formality (Kose, 2020).To overcome this, a more inclusive and persuasive approach is needed, involving community and religious leaders in socializing the importance of premarital guidance.Limited time and resources can also be an obstacle, considering that many couples have busy schedules.Therefore, supervisors must be more flexible in scheduling guidance sessions and using various media to deliver guidance material (Genon et al., 2022).
Several recommendations can be given to increase the effectiveness of premarital guidance at KUA Tanjung Morawa.First, increasing the competency of the headmaster through training and workshops is very important.Penghulu must have the latest communication, psychology, and family management knowledge and skills.
Second, developing a premarital guidance module that is comprehensive and relevant to the needs of today's couples.This module must include material that is not only theoretical but also practical and applicable.Third, collaboration with related parties, such as educational institutions and community organizations, to overcome challenges in implementing premarital guidance.This collaboration can help provide additional resources and expand the reach of mentorship (Sukandar et al., 2023).
Overall, the effectiveness of premarital guidance at KUA Tanjung Morawa depends on how the prospective bride and groom deliver and receive the guidance.
With the right communication strategy, a deep understanding of marital responsibilities, and the practical skills provided, premarital guidance can contribute significantly to creating a Sakinah, Mawaddah, and Warahmah family (Aisyah, 2022).
Existing challenges must be overcome with innovation and collaboration so that the goals of premarital guidance can be achieved optimally (Percy et al., 2023).
The analysis of the challenges in premarital guidance at KUA Tanjung Morawa reveals that cultural and social barriers, limited resources, and varying levels of religious understanding among couples significantly affect the effectiveness of the guidance provided.Cultural differences, such as patriarchal norms and social expectations, can create conflicting views on marital roles, making it difficult for couples to embrace the Islamic concept of marriage equality (Utomo, 2021).
Furthermore, the limited time and resources available to the penghulu hinder the delivery of comprehensive and interactive guidance, while differences in religious knowledge among couples necessitate adaptable and tailored guidance approaches (Saha et al., 2024).
To address these challenges and enhance the effectiveness of premarital resolution, and financial management, which are important for fostering a sufficiently good, harmonious family environment (Eriyanti et al., 2022).
Another important evidence is the post-marital outcomes observed in couples who received coaching.Tracking marital stability, such as the number of marriages that remain intact after a year or two, can provide concrete evidence of the program's effectiveness (Solina et al., 2022).Additionally, follow-up interviews with couples revealed how these guidelines influenced their approach to married life, particularly in dealing with challenges and maintaining harmony (Ufie et al., 2021).There was a significant reduction in marital conflict and a high level of satisfaction between couples, which clearly shows that Penghulu's assistance in premarital guidance successfully created the Samara family at KUA Tanjung Morawa.
guidance is very important to create a Sakinah Mawaddah Warahmah (SAMARA) family.As a guide and advisor, the celebrant has a crucial role in preparing the prospective bride and groom to face married life, which is full of challenges and dynamics.In this context, the headman at KUA Tanjung Morawa has developed various communication strategies that can answer the needs of couples in understanding and implementing SAMARA family values.

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Figure 3.2.Implementation of mentoring strategies guidance because the couple may have different views about the roles of husband and wife in the household.Social norms and values held by the family and surrounding environment can also influence a couple's views on marriage and married life.To provide appropriate and effective guidance, Penghulu must recognize and understand this cultural and social background.

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Figure 3.3.Challenges in the mentoring process Limited time and resources also pose significant challenges in premarital counseling.Officiants often have busy schedules with various administrative and

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Figure 3.4.Effectiveness in the mentoring process guidance, penghulu needs to adopt innovative strategies, such as developing comprehensive guidance modules, utilizing technology, and collaborating with external organizations.Training and workshops focused on communication techniques, cultural understanding, and effective guidance methods are crucial for improving the competence of the penghulu(Hamzah, 2022).Moreover, involving community leaders and successful couples as mentors can help overcome cultural resistance and provide real-life examples of a harmonious marriage.By incorporating these strategies, premarital guidance at KUA Tanjung Morawa can better prepare couples for a successful and fulfilling marriage, which is in line with the principles of Sakinah, Mawaddah, and Warahmah(Rifandi & Rahmi, 2019) Key indicators of success are input from couples who have completed premarital guidance sessions.The interviews conducted showed a deep understanding of the main principles of the Sakinah Mawaddah Warahmah (Samara) family, including readiness to apply these principles in married life (A.P.Nugroho et al., 2023).In addition, Penghulu's counseling session notes analyze participants' problem-solving resolutions in discussions regarding important issues such as communication, conflict