<![CDATA[Purpose – Amidst technological disruption and modern moral crises, the orientation of education and human development often becomes trapped in dry intellectual achievements detached from spiritual nobility. This article examines the intellectual-spiritual transformation toward the status of ulul albāb from a Qur'anic perspective. The study is prompted by the prevailing tendency to restrict the meaning of ulul albāb solely to intellectual superiority, whereas the Qur'an portrays it as a holistic human quality shaped by reflective reasoning, remembrance (żikr) of Allah, moral acuity, and ethical action. Methodology – This research employs a qualitative library research method with a thematic exegesis (tafsīr mawḍū‘ī) approach. The analysis focuses on verses containing the term ulul albāb and its related concepts, such as tafakkur, tadabbur, żikr, ḥikmah, and self-purification. To strengthen the interpretation, this article utilizes Tafsir Al-Azhar by Hamka, Tafsir al-Qur’ān al-‘Aẓīm by Ibn Kaṡīr, and verified journal articles from SINTA 1 and Scopus Q1 journals. Findings – The results demonstrate that the transformation toward ulul albāb occurs through two interconnected pathways. The first is intellectual transformation, characterized by the ability to read the signs of Allah (āyātullāh) in revelation, history, and creation, to distinguish truth (al-ḥaqq) from falsehood (al-bāṭil), and to build reasoned conviction. The second is spiritual transformation, characterized by remembrance (żikr), humility, soul purification (tazkiyah), accountability before Allah, and ethical consistency. Research implications/novelty – This article asserts that ulul albāb in the Qur'an is not merely a knowledgeable figure, but a holistic individual whose intellect is guided by faith and whose spirituality is deepened through contemplation. Originality/value – The study indicates that ulul albāb represents the Qur'anic ideal of human maturity formed by the integration of knowledge, faith, and ethics.]]>
