Moral Education for Early Childhood: An Analysis of Muhammad ‘Athiyah Al-Abrasyi’s Ideas

Abstract

Abstract. This study aims to elaborate on moral education for early childhood according to one scholar of Islamic education, Muhammad' Athiyah Al-Abrasyi. This study uses a critical analysis method, in which the ideas of Muhammad' Athiyah Al-Abrasyi are read and critically examined. According to Muhammad' Athiyah Al-Abrasyi, the study's findings indicate that moral education for young children is the most important aspect of Islamic education. According to him, moral education should be the foundation of early childhood education. Education based on the values or doctrines of the Koran is moral education. According to him, the purpose of moral education in Islam is to cultivate in young children a noble character, a strong will, polite speech and noble behaviour, as well as a wise, civilized, sincere, honest, and pious disposition. Second, according to Al-Abrasyi, there are multiple methods of moral education for early childhood in Islam, including (1) the direct method, which involves using instructions, guidance, advice and mentioning the benefits and dangers of something; (2) the indirect method, which involves suggesting or giving children encouragement, strength, trust, and inner memory; and (3) the method of exploiting the tendencies and characteristics of children who frequently imitate their idols.

Keywords: Early Childhood, Moral Education, Character Education