Internalizing Moral Values through Islamic Religious Education to Prevent Moral Decline among Students: A Qualitative Literature Review

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the concept of the internalization of moral values in strengthening students’ character to address moral decline; describe the process of internalizing moral values in Islamic Religious Education (IRE) learning activities as a preventive method; and examine the implications of internalizing moral values through character building in addressing students’ moral decline. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach, utilizing literature review as a data collection technique, and content analysis as the data analysis method. The research findings indicate: First, the concept of moral value internalization is a fundamental strategy that must achieve the levels of knowing the good, loving the good, and doing the good through habit formation and setting a good example. Second, the internalization process in PAI learning serves as an effective preventive method through the stages of value transformation, value transaction, and transinternalization, with activities such as moral dilemma discussions, the practice of greetings and prayers, and the integration of exemplary stories. Third, the implications of moral value internalization are highly significant in creating a humanistic-religious school ecosystem, enhancing students’ self-control against negative influences, and fostering a generation characterized by ihsan, trustworthiness, and social responsibility. This study concludes that PAI-based moral value internalization must become the mainstream of character education policy.