Integrating Islamic character education in madrasah: Strategic human resource management for teacher empowerment

Abstract

In facing the moral challenges of the younger generation in the digital era, Islamic character education in madrasahs has become an urgent necessity that cannot be ignored. This article revises and strengthens the conceptual and empirical framework by integrating global perspectives on character education and teacher empowerment. The study examines the role of strategic human resource management (HRM) in empowering teachers as the central agents of Islamic character formation. Using a qualitative-descriptive approach with literature review and field survey of 50 madrasah teachers in DKI Jakarta, the research highlights HRM strategies such as value-based recruitment, professional training, incentive systems, and spiritual leadership. The revised analysis indicates that incentives and rewards remain the most effective strategies (85%), followed by strengthening spirituality (80%) and professional collaboration (75%). This paper contributes a conceptual framework that systematically links HRM strategies with Islamic pedagogy, offering both theoretical enrichment and practical implications for policy and practice in Islamic education globally.