Character education serves as a fundamental pillar in shaping a superior generation amidst the challenges of the 21st century. In Indonesia, the discourse on character development has become increasingly relevant, especially in light of the vision to realize the Golden Generation of 2045. However, the implementation of character values often focuses only on formal aspects, lacking deep spiritual grounding. This article aims to explore the values of character education (tarbawi) found in the hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, focusing on the hadith “Indeed, I was sent only to perfect noble character” as a central reflection of moral development. This study employs a literature review method with a qualitative descriptive approach, analyzing hadith texts alongside various interpretations, Islamic education references, and national curriculum documents. The findings reveal that character values such as honesty, responsibility, compassion, and exemplary conduct are not merely normative teachings but hold direct relevance to modern educational practices, including the Merdeka Belajar curriculum. In conclusion, hadith tarbawi offers significant potential in developing students who are not only intellectually capable but also morally and spiritually grounded.
