INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL FACTORS INFLUENCING MORAL INTERNALIZATION AMONG RURAL SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN SABAH: AN ISLAMIC EDUCATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Moral internalization among adolescents is a crucial aspect in shaping noble character and personal identity. This study focuses on adolescents in rural schools in Sabah who face various internal and external challenges. The approach adopted in this study is conceptual, utilizing literature analysis of scholarly works related to morality, Islamic education, and adolescent development. The study identifies that internal factors such as faith, intention, self-awareness, and motivation play a pivotal role in fostering virtuous values within adolescents. On the other hand, external factors, including the role of family, educational institutions, peers, community, and social media, significantly influence their moral internalization. Islamic education, which emphasizes holistic human development, is viewed as the most effective solution to address the moral decline among adolescents. Consequently, collaboration between families, schools, and communities is deemed essential in reinforcing moral internalization among adolescents. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the improvement of the Islamic education curriculum and strengthen the moral development of the younger generation.