Imam Ghazali’s Character Education and Its Relevance to Generation Z: A Case Study in Probolinggo
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37812/fikroh.v19i1.2341Keywords:
Tazkiyatun Nafs; Character Education; Generation Z; Ihya’ Ulum al-Din.Abstract
This study examines the concept of character education by Imam Ghazali in Ihya' Ulum al-Din and its relevance to Generation Z in the digital age, focusing on its implementation at an Islamic boarding school. Using a qualitative approach with a case study design, this research was conducted at Pondok Pesantren Nurul Jadid in Probolinggo. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis. The findings reveal that Imam Ghazali's concepts of tazkiyatun nafs (self-purification), muhasabah (self-reflection), and the cultivation of adab and akhlaq are highly relevant for character education among Generation Z, particularly in addressing moral and identity challenges in the digital era. Spiritual habituation practices at the boarding school, such as dhikr, congregational prayers, khatmil Qur'an, and the One Day One Page program, have proven effective in developing students' character. These spiritual practices have a more significant impact compared to other methods in teaching moral values. Furthermore, the integration of knowledge and practice, in line with Ghazali's teaching that knowledge without action is meaningless, plays a crucial role in character education. This study provides a theoretical contribution by integrating classical teachings into contemporary character education, and a practical contribution by offering a spiritually-based model for character education in Islamic boarding schools. The results also suggest the integration of spiritual values into educational curricula to foster a generation with integrity and strong moral foundations..
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