Moral and Spiritual Formation before Puberty: Revisiting Al-Ghazali is Educational Philosophy
Nadri Taja (a) Arif Hakim(b) Achmad Faqihuddin(c)

a) b) Universitas Islam Bandung
c) Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia

Abstract

This paper explores the moral and spiritual formation of children before puberty through Al-Ghazali is educational philosophy. As a key Islamic scholar and Sufi thinker, Al-Ghazali emphasized the purification of the soul (tazkiyat al-nafs) and moral discipline (riyadat al-nafs) as vital processes in preparing individuals for taklif (religious accountability), which begins at puberty. Drawing from Ihya Ulum al-Din and other foundational works, this study investigates Al-Ghazali is approach to cultivating virtues, disciplining desires, and fostering God-consciousness (taqwa) in children. The research underscores the significance of early education in shaping a child is ethical character and spiritual resilience before reaching the age of moral responsibility. The paper also addresses the relevance of Al-Ghazali is concepts in modern contexts, particularly in developing holistic Islamic education models that integrate the spiritual, emotional, and cognitive aspects of learning. By revisiting his educational framework, this study emphasizes that spiritual formation must be proactively nurtured during early childhood, not merely reactive at puberty, to ensure a smooth moral transition into adulthood. The findings offer valuable insights for parents, educators, and curriculum developers aiming to nurture spiritually aware and ethically grounded youth amidst rapid moral and social change. This research reinforces the importance of fostering virtues early, to prepare children for the challenges and responsibilities of adulthood.

Keywords: Al-Ghazali, Spiritual Education, Puberty, Moral Development, Islamic Pedagogy

Topic: Islamic Education