This article aims to analyze the requirements and principles of Islamic educational leadership as the foundation for developing adaptive educational leadership while maintaining Islamic values. This study employed a qualitative approach using library research. Data were collected from the Qur'an, Hadith, and relevant literature on Islamic educational leadership used in the source paper. Data were analyzed through reduction, categorization, interpretation, and descriptive-analytical conclusion. The findings indicate that ideal Islamic educational leaders should possess noble character, strong faith and piety, intelligence (fathanah), trustworthiness (amanah), managerial competence, and social engagement. Furthermore, Islamic educational leadership is based on six principles: tauhid, syura, ijtihad, khidmah, justice and compassion, and istiqamah. These principles provide a comprehensive framework for addressing contemporary educational challenges while strengthening the governance and quality of Islamic educational institutions.
