building blocks of tarbiyah toolkit
How the toolkit was created
This toolkit is grounded in a research-based understanding of how Muslim youth form moral identity and develop virtues over time. At the center of this project is the Theory of Virtue Development, which explores how people make sense of themselves and grow into who they hope to become.
The Self-Concept Framework
Our approach is built around three key dimensions of the self:
- Actual Self
- “What I actually am or want to be right now.”
- These are the traits, behaviors, and values youth currently identify with.
- Ideal Self
- “What I want to want to be.”
- This is who they aspire to be—shaped by personal goals, dreams, and values.
- Ought Self
- “What my community wants me to be.”
- These are traits tied to duty, morality, faith, and community expectations.
Cockle, T., Melton, K., Hansen, A., Schnitker, S., and Glanzer, P. (2023).
Developing Character through College Communities Theory of Change [Unpublished manuscript].
Human Sciences & Design, Baylor University.
The Theory of Virtue Development
Each virtue in this toolkit is designed to support youth in this dynamic process. Every section helps users move through three key stages:
1. Know
What do I need to learn to embody this virtue?
This stage supports the deepening of the ought self—connecting knowledge to moral and faith-based values.
2. Enact
How can I put this knowledge into action?
This is where the ideal self and actual self are realigned through concrete practices, habits, and decision-making.
3. Realign
How am I internalizing what I’ve learned?
Here, users reflect on their growth, examine discrepancies between who they are and who they want to be, and move forward with intention.