While State Islamic Universities (PTKIN) are central to promoting religious moderation, occasional instances of student intolerance remain a challenge. Recent literature indicates that this vulnerability stems primarily from psychological rather than ideological factors, identifying personality traits and moral intelligence as significant factors associated with moderate attitudes. This study aims to determine the role of moral intelligence as a mediator variable in the influence of the Big Five personality traits on religious moderation in PTKIN students. This quantitative, cross-sectional study involved 424 students (302 females, 122 males; aged 17–30) from various Islamic universities in Indonesia, recruited via convenience sampling. Personality, religious moderation, and moral intelligence were assessed using the Big Five Personality Scale, the Religious Moderation Scale (MBS), and the Moral Intelligence Scale (MIS), respectively. Data analysis was conducted using a simple mediation model. Extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness positively influenced moral intelligence, which directly enhanced religious moderation. Furthermore, moral intelligence significantly mediated the relationship between these five traits and moderation (R² = .430). Neuroticism showed no significant direct or indirect effects. This study addresses a critical gap in the literature, specifically by examining moral intelligence as a mediating mechanism that bridges personality factors and religious tolerance. Consequently, these findings provide a valuable framework for understanding how religious tolerance emerges within individuals.
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