This research focuses on optimalization of Islamic boarding school "pesantren" education. There is one important element that has faded from "pesantren", it is the mastering and understanding of kitab kuning. No more than 15% who can master the kitab kuning well, especially for students who study in modern pesantren. The author is aware of this condition during the placement test at one of the pesantren YPMI Al Firdaus in Semarang, Central Java, for prospective students "maha santri" who have gotten scholarships from the ministry of religion affairs. So the writer in this case will provide some concepts and ideas in order to revitalize the kitab kuning studying at pesantren based on unity of science with qualitative field research.