Pendidikan Karakter Perspektif Imam Al-Ghazali

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the concept of character education according to Imam Al-Ghazali's perspective and its relevance to Islamic education and national education in Indonesia. This study uses a library research method by examining the works of Imam Al-Ghazali, particularly Ayyuhal Walad and Minhajul 'Abidin, as well as other supporting literature. The results of the study show that character education according to Imam Al-Ghazali is oriented towards the formation of akhlak al-karimah (good character) through habit formation, role modelling, guidance from educators, internalisation of faith in the heart, self-reflection, and the ability to distinguish between good and bad deeds. Al-Ghazali emphasises that character is not merely moral knowledge, but rather attitudes and behaviours that have become spontaneous within a person. The concept of character education offered by Al-Ghazali is considered to be still very relevant to be applied in the context of modern education, especially Islamic education, because it is in line with the national education objectives of forming individuals who are faithful, knowledgeable, noble in character, and responsible. Thus, Imam Al-Ghazali's thoughts can be used as a reference in efforts to reconstruct character education in order to overcome the nation's moral crisis.