<![CDATA[This study aims to analyze the implementation of Aqidah Akhlak teachers' exemplary practices in strengthening students' virtuous character at MIN 1 Mataram City and to identify the factors supporting and constraining their implementation. The study employed a qualitative descriptive design. The participants consisted of eleven informants selected through purposive sampling, including the principal, an Aqidah Akhlak teacher, classroom teachers, a school security officer, a parent, and students who were directly involved in the character education process. Data were collected through participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis. The data were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña, including data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. The findings indicate that teachers' exemplary practices function as an integrated educational mechanism through classroom instruction, religious habituation, madrasah culture, and daily social interactions. The implementation is supported by the commitment of all school members, collaboration between the school and parents, and a religious learning environment, while social media influence, digital technology, limited facilities, and large student numbers constitute the primary challenges. These findings confirm that teacher exemplarity is a fundamental strategy for strengthening students' virtuous character in Islamic elementary schools.]]>
