P124 Tazkiyah al-Nafs Menurut Imam al-Ghazali dan Implikasinya terhadap Pembentukan Spiritual dan Akhlak Muslim

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Tazkiyah al-nafs is an important concept in the Islamic spiritual tradition that emphasizes the process of purifying the soul from reprehensible traits and cultivating virtuous qualities in order to develop individuals with balanced spiritual and moral strength. In the context of contemporary Muslim life, which is confronted with various moral, social, and spiritual challenges, Imam al-Ghazali’s thought on tazkiyah al-nafs is significant to be revisited as a foundation for holistic human development. The main questions addressed in this study are: how is the concept of tazkiyah al-nafs understood according to Imam al-Ghazali, what processes and methods of soul purification did he propose, and what are the implications of this concept for the spiritual and moral development of Muslims? Accordingly, this study aims to analyse the concept of tazkiyah al-nafs according to Imam al-Ghazali, identify the principles and methods of soul purification presented in his thought, and analyse the implications of tazkiyah al-nafs for the spiritual and moral development of Muslims. This study employs a qualitative approach through a library research design and document analysis, involving an examination of primary sources from Imam al-Ghazali’s works, particularly Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din, as well as secondary sources comprising books, journal articles, theses, dissertations, and relevant scholarly studies. The data were analysed thematically and interpretively to identify concepts, categories, themes, and relationships between the elements of tazkiyah al-nafs, spiritual development, and moral development. The findings indicate that tazkiyah al-nafs according to Imam al-Ghazali is a continuous process of internal transformation encompassing self-awareness of the condition of the soul, purification of the heart from spiritual diseases, control of the lower desires, mujahadah al-nafs, riyadah al-nafs, cultivation of virtuous qualities, and strengthening one’s relationship with Allah SWT. The findings further demonstrate that the spiritual and moral development of Muslims is closely related to the condition of the heart and the process of soul purification, whereby genuine moral transformation begins with internal transformation. Therefore, tazkiyah al-nafs according to Imam al-Ghazali functions not only as a spiritual approach but also has significant implications for education, dakwah, and the development of balanced Muslim individuals in terms of spirituality, intellect, emotions, and morality. This study contributes to the development of knowledge in Islamic Studies by presenting a more systematic understanding of the relationship between soul purification, spiritual development, and moral development based on Imam al-Ghazali’s thought, while demonstrating the continued relevance of his ideas in the context of Muslim development in the contemporary era.

Keywords

Tazkiyah al-nafs, Imam al-Ghazali, soul purification, spiritual development, Muslim morality, mujahadah al-nafs, Islamic education.