Sufiya Journal of Islamic Studies
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026): Sufiya Journal of Islamic Studies

Holistic Character Education: Strategic Formation Through the Lens of Al-Ghazali

Ridha Amalia Nasution (Universitas Islam Sumatera Utara)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Aug 2026

Abstract

This study aims to reconstruct Al-Ghazali's thoughts on character education through the synthesis of various scientific studies to establish a more systematic conceptual framework. This research employs a qualitative approach with a literature review design, examining Al-Ghazali's ideas in the fields of general and character education. Data analysis was conducted using qualitative content analysis through the processes of identification, thematic classification, coding, conceptual categorization, and conceptual reconstruction analysis. The research findings indicate that, according to Al-Ghazali, character education is built upon four integrated dimensions: moral knowing, which is oriented toward ma'rifah (knowledge) and sharia; moral feeling, rooted in the cultivation of the qalb (heart), intention, and wisdom; moral action, manifested through akhlak (morals), habituation, and role modeling; and moral purification, based on tazkiyat al-nafs (purification of the soul), riyāḍah (spiritual exercise), and mujāhadah (spiritual struggle). These findings represent a conceptual construction that has not been adequately accommodated in modern character education frameworks, thereby serving as the primary contribution of this study. This reconstruction yields a character education model that integrates cognitive, affective, behavioral, and spiritual dimensions, enriching the development of character education theory from a contemporary Islamic educational perspective.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

sjis

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Social Sciences

Description

Sufiya Journal of Islamic Studies is a multidisciplinary academic journal that provides a platform for scholarly discussions and research in the field of Islamic studies. The journal aims to foster an in-depth understanding of Islam from various perspectives, incorporating contemporary and classical ...