Auditorium Prof. Dr. Suwito, MA SPs UIN Jakarta, SPs NEWS: The Graduate School of State Islamic University (SPs UIN) Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta held the 1617th Doctoral Promotion Exam in the Auditorium Room of Prof. Dr. Suwito, MA SPs UIN Jakarta on Thursday, February 27, 2025 with the promovendus Zaenal Abidin.

Zaenal Abidin is a student of the Doctoral Program in Islamic Studies with a Concentration in Islamic Education. He wrote a dissertation entitled "Philosophy of Education: A Study of the Book of Tahdhīb al-Akhlāq Ibn Miskawayh".

Zaenal analyzed Ibn Miskawayh's concept of education, starting from thoughts, concepts, patterns, goals, materials, methods, to the role of teachers. This research uses a qualitative method with a content analysis and philosophical approach, which allows Zaenal to delve deeper into the educational component based on the philosophical foundation of Ibn Miskawayh's thought.

The results of Zaenal's research revealed that Ibn Miskawayh's educational thinking was moderate, based on the theory of the middle way (had al-Wasat). This concept emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance in managing the potential of the human soul. The purpose of education according to Ibn Miskawayh is to achieve happiness (al-Sa'adah) through divine deeds (al-af'al al-ilahiyyah). The curriculum carried out is humanist, accommodating the innate potential of human beings contained in three soul powers: al-Nathiqah, al-Ghadabiyyah, and al-Shahwatiyyah.

In terms of methods and the role of teachers, Ibn Miskawayh applies the method of habituation and exemplary through the theory of a progressive and dynamic middle way. The teacher is positioned as a central figure, between the love of the servant to his Lord and the love of the child to his parents. The teacher is the "spiritual parent" (Rabb al-Bashari) who guides the student to wisdom and wisdom.

Zaenal Abidin's research is in line with the views of experts such as Suwito, Sebastian Gunther, and Yassir al-Jamouhi, who acknowledged the openness of Ibn Miskawayh's thought which is in harmony with the values of Islamic teachings. The concept of moral education initiated by Ibn Miskawayh aims to strengthen the positive potential of human beings in order to achieve balance and harmony (al-'Adalah).

On the other hand, this study provides criticism of Richard Rotry and John Dewey's skeptical views on traditional values-based character education. Zaenal Abidin shows that character education based on noble values, as taught by Ibn Miskawayh, remains relevant and important in shaping human beings with noble character.

Zaenal Abidin successfully defended his dissertation under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Abuddin Nata, MA, Prof. Dr. Armai Arief, M.Ag and Suparto, M.Ed, Ph.D and was tested in front of a board of examiners consisting of Prof. Dr. Zulkifli, MA, Prof. Dr. Abuddin Nata, MA, Prof. Dr. Armai Arief, M.Ag, Prof. Dr. Husni Rahim, Prof. Dr. Iik Arifin Mansurnoor, MA and Prof. Muhammad Zuhdi,  M.Ed, Ph.D.

After paying attention to the dissertation writing, the comments of the examining team and the promovendus answers, the examining team determined that Zaenal Abidin was declared to have graduated with the title of Very Satisfactory and became the 1617th Doctor in the field of Islamic Studies at the Graduate School of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. (JA)