Moral Values in Layla Majnun by Nizami Ganjavi: An Islamic Educational Perspective

Abstract

Morality is an important component of Islamic education because it is closely related to the formation of human moral, spiritual, and behavioral qualities in everyday life. Literary works, particularly novels, can serve as a medium for reflecting on and learning moral values through characters, actions, dialogues, and events experienced by the characters. This study aims to analyze the moral values contained in Layla Majnun by Nizami Ganjavi and identify their relevance to Islamic education. This study employs a qualitative approach using library research. The research data consist of narratives, dialogues, character actions, and events found in the Layla Majnun novel translated by Ali Noer Zaman and published by Javanica in 2020. Data were collected through documentation, while data analysis employed content analysis through the stages of description, classification, interpretation, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that Layla Majnun not only portrays the love story of Qays and Layla but also contains moral values that can be examined from the perspective of Islamic education. These moral values include tawakkul (reliance on Allah), qana'ah (contentment), and gratitude as moral values toward Allah SWT, as well as mutual assistance as a moral value toward fellow human beings. These values are represented through the characters' behaviors and experiences in facing various challenges in life. This study concludes that Layla Majnun possesses educational values that can be utilized as a medium for reflection and supplementary material in Islamic Religious Education, particularly in fostering moral values among students. Future research may examine other Islamic educational values or compare Layla Majnun with other literary works to broaden the use of literature as a medium for moral education.