The commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (Maulid Nabi Muhammad SAW) plays an important role in Islamic education; however, its significance is often limited to ceremonial aspects and has not yet been fully examined as a process of internalizing values that shape Muslim character. The Prophet’s exemplary character as an uswah hasanah has the potential to serve as a source of character education by strengthening moral values, fostering love for the Prophet, and shaping students’ Islamic identity. This study aims to analyze the contribution of the Prophet’s exemplary values during the Maulid Nabi celebration to the development of students’ love for the Prophet and their Muslim identity at the Sangatta Islamic College in East Kutai. The study employs a qualitative approach using a case study design. Research data were obtained through activity observations, interviews, and analysis of documents related to the Maulid Nabi celebration. Data analysis was conducted thematically to identify patterns of value internalization, spiritual interpretation, and manifestations of Islamic behavior among students. The results indicate that Maulid Nabi serves as a medium for values education that connects an understanding of the Prophet’s moral character, the experience of love for the Prophet, and the practice of religious, moral, and social behavior. This study recommends the development of Maulid Nabi activities as a sustainable Islamic character education program through value reflection, the study of the Prophet’s exemplary character, and the strengthening of moral practices in academic life.
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