The Concept of Moral Education According to Al-Ghazali and Its Relevance in Contemporary Islamic Education

Abstract

This study discusses the concept of moral education according to Imam Al-Ghazali and its relevance to contemporary Islamic education. Al-Ghazali emphasizes education as a comprehensive process that not only focuses on the acquisition of knowledge but also on the formation of the soul, the purification of the heart (Tazkiyat al-Nafs), and the cultivation of moral character. According to Al-Ghazali, ideal education aims to develop individuals who demonstrate noble behavior, contribute positively to society, and achieve salvation in the hereafter, with teachers acting as murabbi who instill moral values through exemplary behavior and spiritual guidance. This research employs a library research method, collecting data from literature, books, and recent scientific journals (2019–2025) related to moral education and Al-Ghazali’s thought. The findings indicate that Al-Ghazali’s principles of moral education remain highly relevant in contemporary Islamic education. The implementation of Tazkiyat al-Nafs fosters students’ moral and spiritual awareness, the cultivation of character and the soul balances academic achievement with ethical development, and the role of teachers as murabbi provides concrete moral exemplars. Thus, Al-Ghazali’s moral education serves as a fundamental foundation for shaping a generation that is knowledgeable, ethical, and morally upright in the modern era.