Models of Student Care in the Digital Age: Perspectives of Imam Al-Ghazali and Burhanuddin Al-Zarnuji
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54069/attaqwa.v22i1.1150Keywords:
Islamic education, Care of Islamic boarding school students, Islamic boarding schools, Al-Ghazali, Al-ZarnujiAbstract
Pesantren play an important role in shaping students’ moral character through an integrated system of spiritual, intellectual, and behavioral formation. However, modernization, digitalization, and shifting social values pose significant challenges to traditional models of nurturing and character education. This study aims to comparatively analyze the educational concepts of Imam al-Ghazali and Burhanuddin al-Zarnuji, particularly in relation to student nurturing and character formation, and to formulate an integrative conceptual framework applicable to contemporary pesantren education. This research employs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) following the PRISMA protocol. Scholarly works published between 2013 and 2025 were collected from Scopus-indexed journals, Google Scholar, and other peer-reviewed databases. Inclusion criteria focused on studies discussing al-Ghazali’s and al-Zarnuji’s educational thought, Islamic pedagogy, and pesantren-based character education. After screening and eligibility assessment, selected articles were analyzed using thematic coding and comparative synthesis to identify convergences, distinctions, and potential conceptual integration between both scholars’ perspectives. The findings reveal that al-Ghazali emphasizes tazkiyat al-nafs, moral exemplarity, and spiritual purification as the core of education. In contrast, al-Zarnuji highlights sincere intention, disciplined learning, and the internalization of adab. While both prioritize character formation, they differ in pedagogical orientation, spiritual transformation versus practical ethical discipline. Their integration offers a holistic nurturing model that balances spiritual depth, intellectual rigor, and behavioral discipline. This model provides theoretical and practical implications for strengthening character education and sustaining pesantren resilience in the digital era.
Downloads
References
Al-Attas, S. M. N. (1991). The Concept of Education in Islam: A Framework for an Islamic Philosophy of Education. ISTAC.
Al-Ghazali, A. H. (n.d.). Ihya’ Ulum al-Din. Dar al-Kutub al-’Ilmiyyah.
Al-Ghazali, I. (2008). Ringkasan ihya’ulumuddin. Akbar Media.
Al-Zarnuji, Burhanuddin. (2010). Ta’lim al-Muta’allim Tariq al-Ta’allum. Dar Ibn Kathir.
Amelia Putri Silma, Akmal Bagas Hastomo, Rendy Pratama, Fisca Dwiyanti, & Tubagus Muhammad Mu’tashim. (2025). Implementasi Nilai-Nilai Kedisiplinan Dalam Sistem Kepengasuhan Santri: Studi Kasus Di Pondok Pesantren Bustanul Makmur 2 Banyuwangi. Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Kebudayaan (JURDIKBUD), 5(2), 343–353. https://doi.org/10.55606/jurdikbud.v5i2.6991
Aryasutha, R., Kusrini, N. A. R., Ulya, J. N., & Septiani, N. S. (2025). The Teacher Mover’s Contribution in Enhancing the Pancasila Student Profile: A Systematic Literature Review on Values Education. Adiluhung: Journal of Islamic Values and Civilization, 1(1), 42–63. https://doi.org/10.59373/adiluhung.v2i1.115
Assa’Idi, S. (2021). The Growth of Pesantren in Indonesia as the Islamic Venue and Social Class Status of Santri. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research, 21(93). https://doi.org/10.14689/ejer.2021.93.21
Asy’arie, B. F., Arif Ma’ruf, R., & Ulum, A. (2023). Analisis Pendidikan Agama Islam Dan Pendidikan Akhlak Perspektif Al-Ghazali. Al-Qalam: Jurnal Kajian Islam Dan Pendidikan, 15(2), 155–166. https://doi.org/10.47435/al-qalam.v15i2.2279
Azizah, H., Muchtar, N., & Putra, F. (2023). Pesantren as a Pillar of Islamic Civilization Development in Indonesia. Academicus: Journal of Teaching and Learning. https://doi.org/10.59373/academicus.v2i1.19
Azizah, N., Yusrina, J. A., Nugraini, E. D., & Zulfa, L. N. (2025). “Humanizing Humans” in Inclusive Pesantren: The Role of Peer Support in Promoting Self-Efficacy and Independence. Jurnal Ilmiah Peuradeun, 13(2), 987–1020. https://doi.org/10.26811/peuradeun.v13i2.1876
Bruinessen, M. van. (1995). Kitab kuning, pesantren, dan tarekat: Tradisi-tradisi Islam di Indonesia. Mizan.
Bruinessen, M. van. (2015). Kitab Kuning, Pesantren, dan Tarekat: Tradisi-tradisi Islam di Indonesia. Mizan.
Campbell, H. A., & Tsuria, R. (2021). Digital Religion: Understanding Religious Practice in Digital Media (2nd ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429295683
Dewantoro, M. H., & Susilo, M. J. (2025). Prophetic values in the leadership of Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta school. Journal of Education and Learning, 19(2), 1042–1052. https://doi.org/10.11591/edulearn.v19i2.20732
Dhofier, Z. (2011). Tradisi Pesantren: Studi Pandangan Hidup Kiai dan Visinya Mengenai Masa Depan Indonesia. LP3ES.
Halstead, J. M. (2004). An Islamic Concept of Education. Comparative Education, 40(4), 517–529. https://doi.org/10.1080/0305006042000284510
Hamdanah, H., Baharun, H., Najiburrohman, N., Thohir, P. F. D. M., & Sanjani, M. A. F. (2025). The Role of Kiai Leadership and Service Quality in Shaping the Reputation of Pesantren. Munaddhomah: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 6(4), 695–709. https://doi.org/10.31538/munaddhomah.v6i4.1785
Happyana, L., Istiqomah, F. Z., Khasanah, M., & Hussin, M. (2025). Integration of Tradition and Technology: Digitalization Strategies in Islamic Education at Pesantren in Banyuwangi, Indonesia. Journal of Islamic Education Research, 6(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.35719/jier.v6i1.446
Hariadi, N., Sumardjoko, B., & Maryadi. (2024). Charismatic Leadership in Improving The Quality of Resources in Islamic Boarding School. Kharisma: Jurnal Administrasi Dan Manajemen Pendidikan, 3(2), 83–96. https://doi.org/10.59373/kharisma.v3i2.42
Hartanto, R., Priyanto, C., & Mustamik, K. (2025). Pesantren dan Perubahan Sosial. Tsaqofah. https://doi.org/10.58578/tsaqofah.v5i2.4876
Hashim, R. (2011). Educational Dualism in Malaysia: Implications for Theory and Practice. Oxford University Press.
Hidayah, Z. A., Fauzi, A., & Mustofa, A. (2025). Digitalization of Madrasah Financial System in Managing Financial Transparency and Accountability. Fikroh: Jurnal Pemikiran Dan Pendidikan Islam, 18(1), 34–42. https://doi.org/10.37812/fikroh.v18i1.1730
Huda, M. (2021). Islamic Philosophy and Ethics of Education: Al- Zarnūjī’s Concept of Taʻẓīm in his Ta‘līm al-Muta‘allim. Ulumuna, 25(2), 399–421. https://doi.org/10.20414/ujis.v25i2.464
Huda, M., & Kartanegara, M. (2015). Significance of Educative Environment to the Character Development: A Study of al-Zarnûjî’s Ta’lim Al-Muta’allim. International Journal for Innovation Education and Research, 3(3), 191–200. https://doi.org/10.31686/ijier.vol3.iss3.338
Indana, N., & Mustofa, A. (2024). The Concept of Islamic Education in the Perspective of Imam Al-Ghazali and Its Relevance in the Contemporary Era. Urwatul Wutsqo: Jurnal Studi Kependidikan Dan Keislaman, 13(2), 242–256. https://doi.org/10.54437/urwatulwutsqo.v13i2.1351
Jaenullah, J., Utama, F., & Setiawan, D. (2022). Resilience Model of the Traditional Islamic Boarding School Education System in Shaping the Morals of Student in the Midst of Modernizing Education. Jurnal Kependidikan: Jurnal Hasil Penelitian Dan Kajian Kepustakaan Di Bidang Pendidikan, Pengajaran Dan Pembelajaran, 8(4), 931. https://doi.org/10.33394/jk.v8i4.6013
Juliana, J., Ar, M., & Saiful, S. (2026). Modern Islamic Boarding Schools as Pillars of Contemporary Islamic Education: A Historical Review and Curriculum at Dayah. Tafkir: Interdisciplinary Journal of Islamic Education, 7(1), 47–62. https://doi.org/10.31538/tijie.v7i1.2364
Khalifah, N., Saleh, M., & Fuadi, A. (2023). Penerapan Menuntut Ilmu Pengetahuan Perspektif Syaikh Az-Zarnuji Dalam Kitab Ta’lim Al-Muta’allim. Khazanah : Journal of Islamic Studies, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.51178/khazanah.v2i1.1155
Kitchenham, B., & Charters, S. (2007). Guidelines for Performing Systematic Literature Reviews in Software Engineering. Keele University and Durham University.
Lickona, T. (1991). Educating for Character: How Our Schools Can Teach Respect and Responsibility. Bantam Books.
Ma`arif, M. A., Rokhman, M., Fatikh, M. A., Kartiko, A., Ahmadi, A., & Hasan, M. S. (2025). Kiai’s Leadership Strategies in Strengthening Religious Moderation in Islamic Boarding Schools. Jurnal Ilmiah Peuradeun, 13(1), 23–48. https://doi.org/10.26811/peuradeun.v13i1.1168
Madhar, M. (2024). Pemikiran Pendidikan Imam Al-Ghazali dan Relevansinya dalam Sistem Pendidikan Islam Kontemporer. Tarqiyatuna: Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam Dan Madrasah Ibtidaiyah. https://doi.org/10.36769/tarqiyatuna.v3i2.813
Melani, F., Ni’mah, M., & Bahrudin, B. (2022). Peran Pondok Pesantren Bani Rancang Dalam Menanamkan Nilai-Nilai Karakter Santri Di Era Globalisasi. Pendekar: Jurnal Pendidikan Berkarakter, 5(2), 98. https://doi.org/10.31764/pendekar.v5i2.9977
Mufid, M., & Tamam, A. (2024). Islamic Education Theory Al-Zarnuji’s Perspective in The Book Ta’lim Al-Muta’allim. Interdisciplinary Journal and Humanity (INJURITY). https://doi.org/10.58631/injurity.v3i1.158
Muksin, M., & Afandi, A. (2025). Digital Ethics in Islamic Religious Education: Systematic Literature Review. Maharot : Journal of Islamic Education, 9(2), 133. https://doi.org/10.28944/maharot.v9i2.2225
Mustofa, M. Y., Mas’ud, A., & Elizabeth, M. Z. (2023). Hybrid Pesantren in Indonesia: Analyzing the Transformation of Islamic Religious Education in the Digital Age. Al-Tadzkiyyah: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 14(1), 79–104. https://doi.org/10.24042/atjpi.v14i1.16928
Nasr, S. H. (2007). The Garden of Truth: The Vision and Promise of Sufism, Islam’s Mystical Tradition. HarperOne.
Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., & Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. Systematic Reviews, 10, 89. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-021-01626-4
Paramansyah, A., Judijanto, L., Trinova, Z., Rahmah, St., & Zulihi, Z. (2024). Transformation of Islamic Boarding School Education to Address Moral Challenges in the Digital Era. QALAMUNA: Jurnal Pendidikan, Sosial, Dan Agama, 16(2), 1271–1280. https://doi.org/10.37680/qalamuna.v16i2.6090
Putra, A. A. (2017). Konsep Pendidikan Agama Islam Perspektif Imam Al-Ghazali. Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam Al-Thariqah, 1(1), 41–54. https://doi.org/10.25299/althariqah.2016.vol1(1).617
R, A. A. M., & Thohir, M. (2024). Cognitive Disputation Through Sholawat Burdah To Overcome Stress of a Santri In Pesantren. Interdisciplinary Journal of Social Sciences, 1(2), 67–78. https://doi.org/10.59373/ijoss.v1i2.62
Rahayu, S. N., Farihah, U., & Suhardi, A. (2025). Actualization of Religious Education and Science in Educating the Character of Learners in Schools and Madrasahs. Islamic Management: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 8(1), 149–160. https://doi.org/10.30868/im.v8i01.7793
Rofiq, A. (2025). Kiai as Socialization Agents: Shaping Santri Identity to Foster Tolerance in the Context of Diversity. Tafkir: Interdisciplinary Journal of Islamic Education, 6(4), 1183–1198. https://doi.org/10.31538/tijie.v6i4.2894
Rohova, O. (2024). Problems of the Spiritual and Moral Dimension of Modern Education. Dnipro Academy of Continuing Education Herald: Philosophy, Pedagogy, 2(2), 62–70. https://doi.org/10.54891/2786-7013-2024-2-8
Salamah, N., Mujiono, & Muslihun. (2025). Curriculum Management to Shape Students’ Competence in Knowledge, Religious Values, and Morals. Journal of Education and Learning Innovation, 2(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.59373/jelin.v2i1.90
Salim, N. A., Zaibi, M., Brantasari, M., Ikhsan, M., & Aslindah, A. (2024). Islamic Boarding School Leadership Innovation: From Traditional to Modernization of Education. Munaddhomah: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 5(4), 447–460. https://doi.org/10.31538/munaddhomah.v5i4.1392
Salim, N. A., Zaini, M., Wahib, A., Fauzi, I., & Asnawan, A. (2024). Fostering Moderate Character of Santri: Effective Hidden Curriculum Strategy in Islamic Boarding Schools. Nazhruna: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 7(2), 357–372. https://doi.org/10.31538/nzh.v7i2.4676
Sarbini, S., Suhendi, S., Santora, P., Nurhayati, F., Rosulina, D., Muttaqien, Q. H., & Astuti, H. (2025). Internalizasi Akhlak Islam melalui Pendekatan Psikologi dalam Pembelajaran: Internalizing Islamic Morals through a Psychological Approach in Learning. Attadrib: Jurnal Pendidikan Guru Madrasah Ibtidaiyah, 8(3), 668–678. https://doi.org/10.54069/attadrib.v8i3.1034
Setiyorini, N. D., & Ibad, M. (2025). The Role of Pesantren Education in Preparing Students to be Globally Competitive and Have Noble Morals. ALSYS, 5(5), 1808–1820. https://doi.org/10.58578/alsys.v5i5.6988
Shaukat, M. A., Samra, U., Hassan, J., Saadi, C., & Hayat, I. (2024). Morality from Classical Civilizations to Post-Modern Era: A Historical Account Through Islamic lens. Journal of Islamic Thought and Civilization, 14(2), 321–335. https://doi.org/10.32350/jitc.142.19
Sugianto, S. & Hafifuddin. (2025). The Contribution Of Pesantren In Empowering The People’s Economy (Analytical Study of Islamic Boarding Schools in Indonesia). I’THISOM : Jurnal Ekonomi Syariah, 4(1), 564–573. https://doi.org/10.70412/its.v4i1.173
Sunarti, S. (2025). Islamic Education Management in Axiological Studies: The Integration of Scientific and Moral Values in Learning. Wawasan: Jurnal Kediklatan Balai Diklat Keagamaan Jakarta, 6(1), 55–67. https://doi.org/10.53800/a0bvsw05
Susanti, L., Al Khoiron, M. F., Nurhuda, A., & Al Fajri, M. (2023). The Reality of Tarbiyah, Ta’lim, and Ta’dib in Islamic Education. SUHUF, 35(2), 11–19. https://doi.org/10.23917/suhuf.v35i2.22964
Syukri, S., Amir, S. M., Fitriani, F., & Pane, S. (2024). Integration of Islamic Values with Environmental Ethics in Pesantren Education: A Case Study at Darularafah Raya Pesantren. Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 13(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.14421/jpi.2024.131.1-12
Tumin, T., & Faizuddin, A. (2017). Education and Character Building: Ethical Aspects of Learning from Al-zarnūjī’s Ta‘līm Al-Muta‘allim. Ulumuna, 21(1), 109–128. https://doi.org/10.20414/ujis.v21i1.1180
Utama, A. P., & Salim, H. (2024). Strategi Muhammadiyah Boarding School Klaten dalam Mengatasi Bullying di Kalangan Santri. Attadrib: Jurnal Pendidikan Guru Madrasah Ibtidaiyah, 7(2), 229–243. https://doi.org/10.54069/attadrib.v7i2.862
Warisno, A., Anshori, A., Hidayah, N., & Dwianto, A. (2025). Transformative Islamic Education Management in Madrasah and Pesantren Integrating Tradition and Digital Innovation. Journal of Cultural Analysis and Social Change, 276–289. https://doi.org/10.64753/jcasc.v10i2.1596
Zul, Z., Najihul Huda, M., Fuad, Z., & Abdullah, Moh. (2026). Integration of Islamic ethics in modern education curriculum: Challenges and opportunities-a systematic literature review. British Journal of Religious Education, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/01416200.2026.2621177
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Subaidi Subaidi, Muksin Muksin, Abd. Wahed, Ely Fitriani, Moh. Abdullah
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
