Islamic Character Education in Ahmed Deedat's Intellectual Biography

Hotni Sartika Sihombing, Institut Sains Al-Qur’an Syekh Ibrahim, Siti Rahma Lubis, Institut Sains Al-Qur’an Syekh Ibrahim, Nabila Qisty, Institut Sains Al-Qur’an Syekh Ibrahim, Cindy Rahmadani, Institut Sains Al-Qur’an Syekh Ibrahim, Mustika Sari’ah Siagian, Institut Sains Al-Qur’an Syekh Ibrahim
Received: 2026-09-06
Accepted: 2026-10-17
Published: 2026-11-07

Abstract


Abstract: This study examines Islamic character education through the intellectual biography of Ahmed Deedat using a qualitative library research design with an intellectual biography approach. Data were collected from primary sources, including Deedat's books, lectures, debates, and interviews, as well as secondary sources on Islamic education, character education, and intellectual history. The data were analyzed using thematic content analysis to identify educational values reflected in Deedat's intellectual development. The findings reveal that his intellectual journey embodies seven core dimensions of Islamic character education: lifelong learning, critical thinking, sincerity (ikhlāṣ), perseverance (ṣabr), discipline, communication ethics, and commitment to da'wah. These values demonstrate that character formation in Islam is a holistic process integrating intellectual excellence, moral integrity, spiritual commitment, and social responsibility. This study further argues that Ahmed Deedat's intellectual biography provides an alternative conceptual framework for contemporary Islamic character education by emphasizing self-directed learning, ethical leadership, and meaningful public engagement. The study contributes to enriching Islamic educational scholarship through an intellectual-biographical perspective on character formation.

Keywords: Islamic Character Education, Ahmed Deedat, Intellectual Biography, Islamic Education, Character Values.

Abstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan mengkaji pendidikan karakter Islam melalui biografi intelektual Ahmed Deedat dengan menggunakan pendekatan biografi intelektual dalam penelitian kepustakaan kualitatif. Data diperoleh dari sumber primer berupa buku, ceramah, debat, dan wawancara Ahmed Deedat, serta sumber sekunder yang berkaitan dengan pendidikan Islam, pendidikan karakter, dan sejarah intelektual. Analisis data dilakukan menggunakan analisis isi tematik untuk mengidentifikasi nilai-nilai pendidikan yang tercermin dalam perkembangan intelektual Deedat. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perjalanan intelektual Ahmed Deedat merepresentasikan tujuh dimensi utama pendidikan karakter Islam, yaitu pembelajaran sepanjang hayat, berpikir kritis, keikhlasan (ikhlāṣ), kesabaran (ṣabr), kedisiplinan, etika komunikasi, dan komitmen terhadap dakwah. Temuan tersebut menunjukkan bahwa pembentukan karakter dalam Islam merupakan proses holistik yang mengintegrasikan keunggulan intelektual, integritas moral, komitmen spiritual, dan tanggung jawab sosial. Penelitian ini menegaskan bahwa biografi intelektual Ahmed Deedat menawarkan kerangka konseptual alternatif bagi pengembangan pendidikan karakter Islam kontemporer melalui pembelajaran mandiri, kepemimpinan etis, dan keterlibatan aktif dalam ruang publik.

Kata Kunci: Pendidikan Karakter Islam, Ahmed Deedat, Biografi Intelektual, Pendidikan Islam, Nilai Karakter.


Keywords


Islamic Character Education; Ahmed Deedat; Intellectual Biography; Islamic Education; Character Values.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.30596/pcej.v5i3.32154

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