Principal Leadership in the Al-Qur’an Tahfizh Program (Multicase Study at Al-Muhafizhah Middle School Blitar and Sunan Gunung Jati Tulungagung Middle School)

This study aims to find answers to three fundamental questions; 1) How is the leadership of the principal in defining the vision and mission of the tahfizh al-Qur’an program?; 2) How is the leadership of the school principal in mobilizing school members to carry out the tahfizh Al-Qur’an program?; 3) How is the leadership of the school principal in controlling the tahfizh Al-Qur’an program at SMP Al Muhafizhah Blitar and SMP Sunan Gunung Jati Tulungagung? This research used a qualitative approach with a case study type at SMP Al-Muhafizhah Blitar and SMP Sunan Gunungjati Tulungagung. Sources of informant data, events, locations and documents both primary and secondary. Data collection techniques with participant observation, in-depth interviews and documentation. Data analysis using Huberman data analysis techniques. While checking the validity of the data is done through peer discussions, triangulation of data sources and triangulation of methods. Research result; 1) The leadership of the school principal in defining the vision and mission of the Al-Qur’an tahfizh program is an affirmation of historical reasons, community aspirations, character, characteristics of excellence and competitiveness of schools as Islamic educational institutions; 2) The leadership of the school principal in mobilizing school members to implement the tahfizh program is carried out using an awareness, participatory and delegative approach by prioritizing a collaborative work system; 3) The leadership of the school principal in controlling the Al-Qur’an tahfizh program is carried out using a model of supervision, evaluation and problem solving using a participatory evaluation approach, as well as coaching programs using a delegative approach. The results of the research strengthen Mulyasa’s concept that leadership is the ability to direct, mobilize and foster members of the school organization to achieve common goals. Strengthening the concept of Selznik’s leadership function, namely defining vision and mission, maintaining organizational integrity and control. Strengthen Blanchard’s leadership concept of participatory and delegative approaches in the relationship between leaders and subordinates.