PENDIDIKAN KARAKTER DALAM MA'RIFATUN NAFS (KAJIAN KITAB KIMIYA’ AL-SA’ADAH IMAM GHAZALI)

A STUDY OF KIMIYA AL-SAADAH BY AL-GHAZALI

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the concept of character education from the perspective of marifatun nafs based on the book Kimiya al-Saadah by Imam Al-Ghazali and its relevance to contemporary character education development. This research employed a qualitative approach using a library research design. The population consisted of all sections of the text related to the discussion of the soul, while the sample focused on parts discussing the interaction of intellect, desire, and emotion. The research instruments included text documentation and content analysis sheets. Data were analyzed through data reduction, conceptual categorization, and descriptive-analytical interpretation. The results show that character education in the perspective of marifatun nafs is a transformative process centered on the qalb (heart) as the main controller of human life. Character is formed through the interaction of intellect, desire, and emotion, where the intellect must control both in a balanced manner. Good character emerges from the stability of these elements, while bad character arises from the domination of desire and emotion. This process is carried out through spiritual struggle and knowledge strengthening as part of self-purification.