Reconstructing the Concept of Moral Education in Imam Al-Ghazali's Ihya' Ulum Al-Din: Its Implications for Strengthening Moral Education

Abstract

This study aims to reconstruct Imam Al-Ghazali's concept of moral education in Ihya' Ulum al-Din and examine its relevance to strengthening moral education at Madrasah Al Washliyah Medan Labuhan. A descriptive qualitative approach integrating library and field research was employed. Data were collected through textual analysis, semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis and the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña. The findings indicate that Al-Ghazali's concept of moral education is founded upon tazkiyat al-nafs (purification of the soul), value habituation, teacher exemplarity, and a moral-based school culture as the core elements of character formation. However, the implementation of moral education in the madrasah remains predominantly cognitive, limiting the effective internalization of moral values. This study proposes a pedagogical model integrating spiritual purification, value habituation, teacher exemplarity, and a moral-based school culture. The model contributes theoretically to the development of Islamic education and offers practical recommendations for curriculum enhancement, instructional strategies, and character education to better address students' moral challenges in the digital era.