Pesantren as the Centre of Global Ethics: Recontextualising Moral Teachings Amid the Digital World’s Moral Crisis
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Abstract
This study explores the role of pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) as pivotal institutions in shaping global ethical awareness amid the growing moral crisis induced by digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI). As society becomes increasingly dominated by virtual interactions and algorithmic decision-making, the urgency of ethical reflection grounded in spiritual and humanistic values has become paramount. The research focuses on how pesantren traditions, deeply rooted in Islamic moral education (akhlak), can be recontextualised to offer a relevant ethical framework for contemporary challenges. Employing a qualitative approach, this study utilises library research and content analysis of classical pesantren texts, modern ethical theories, and moral education policies within the digital era.
The findings highlight that pesantren embody a distinctive synthesis of spiritual, social, and intellectual intelligence that can serve as a foundation for universal ethics. Core values such as sincerity (ikhlas), humility (tawadhu’), and moral accountability are essential to nurturing a digital civilisation guided by compassion and responsibility rather than technological supremacy. Therefore, pesantren are not only cultural and religious institutions but also centres of moral resilience capable of contributing meaningfully to global ethical discourse and promoting a more humane and wise digital future.
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