International Journal of Educational Narratives
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026)

Stories of the Pure Heart: A Narrative Approach to Integrating Sufism into Integrity and Anti-Corruption Learning Designs

Akhmad Hasan Saleh (Universitas Islam Negeri Syekh Wasil Kediri)
Trisnawati Trisnawati (Universitas Brawiaya)
Krim Ulwi (Musa-Asiah Integrated School)



Article Info

Publish Date
29 Apr 2026

Abstract

Background. Corruption remains a persistent challenge in public governance, undermining institutional integrity, social justice, and public trust. Existing anti-corruption policy evaluations mainly emphasize legal compliance and administrative control, while often neglecting the moral and spiritual dimensions that shape individual behavior. This study introduces a Sufi-based perspective by integrating tazkiyat al-nafs (self-purification) into anti-corruption policy evaluation, an element largely absent from conventional evaluation models. Purpose. This study aims to develop a Sufi-based conceptual framework for evaluating anti-corruption policy by integrating spiritual ethics with integrity education. Method. This research employs a qualitative approach using library research. The literature selection criteria include: (1) classical and contemporary Sufi texts explicitly discussing self-ethics; (2) public policy and anti-corruption evaluation literature from the last two decades; and (3) value-based integrity education studies. Thematic analysis was conducted by examining relationships among key Sufi concepts (tazkiyat al-nafs, ihsan, muraqabah, akhlaq al-karimah) and linking them to policy evaluation indicators such as compliance, effectiveness, and behavioral sustainability. Results. The findings show that integrating Sufi spiritual ethics into integrity education provides a more holistic framework for evaluating anti-corruption policies. The proposed framework can be operationalized through three levels of evaluation: (1) process indicators, including the frequency of muraqabah-based ethical reflection in staff development programs; (2) output indicators, reflected in improvements in akhlaq al-karimah within performance assessments; and (3) impact indicators, measured through reductions in integrity violations associated with weak spiritual self-awareness. This approach extends conventional evaluation beyond institutional effectiveness and regulatory compliance by emphasizing ethical awareness, character formation, and moral transformation. Conclusion. The study proposes a Sufi-based evaluation framework that bridges procedural and spiritual dimensions in anti-corruption policy. The framework offers both theoretical and practical contributions by integrating spiritual-ethical indicators into policy evaluation and integrity development programs, particularly within governance systems in Muslim-majority societies.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

ijen

Publisher

Subject

Description

International Journal of Educational Narratives is an peer reviewed open access journal dedicated to interchange for the results of high quality research in all aspect of Learning and Education. The scope of International Journal of Educational Narratives is not only in the form of study, research, ...