In the modern era, moral crises and character degradation require strengthening the spiritual dimension of Islamic education. One Qur’anic concept relevant to addressing this challenge is qalbun salīm (a sound heart). This study aims to analyse the concept of qalbun salīm through a comparative examination of the interpretations of Muhammad Mutawalli al-Sya‘rawi in Tafsir al-Sya‘rawi and Mahmud al-Alusi in Tafsir Ruh al-Ma‘ani, as well as its implications for Islamic character formation. This study is a qualitative, literature-based research (library research). The primary data sources are Tafsir al-Sya‘rawi and Tafsir Ruh al-Ma‘ani, whilst the data is analysed using comparative and content analysis methods. The results of the study indicate that both exegetes interpret qalbun salīm as a heart free from shirk, hypocrisy, and various diseases of the heart. The difference lies in the fact that al-Sya‘rawi places greater emphasis on the aspects of human nature, faith, and social relevance in character formation, whilst al-Alusi highlights the spiritual dimension, tazkiyatun nafs, and the purification of the heart from various inner ailments. These findings indicate that qalbun salīm is a crucial foundation in the formation of Islamic character through the strengthening of faith, the control of desires, and the cultivation of righteous deeds. The integration of these two perspectives yields a more comprehensive approach to the development of Islamic character education that balances the aspects of faith, morality, and spirituality.
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