<p>This research studies headmaster’s systemic and systematic steps on transforming symbolic into substantive characteristics of <em>madrasah</em>. The research was conducted at MA Nahdlatu Al-Wathan Putri Narmada, a female Islamic senior high school, in West Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). This study used qualitative approach with a case study design. The results found that the observed symbolic characteristics are physical characteristics which distinguish<strong> </strong><em>madrasah</em> from other educational institutions. The substantive characteristic is the characteristic of <em>madrasah</em> rooted in its origin, as a historical-genealogical continuance of <em>pesantren</em>. It also preserves the essential, perennial and contextually philosophical values of Islamic teachings, maintains the characteristics of Islam and follows the government policy at the same time because <em>madrasah</em> is a juridical sub-system of the national education with an Islamic integration. Additionally, the head of a <em>madrasah</em> is a translator of Islamic values in his leadership. These Islamic values should be the basis of systematic and systematic leadership.</p><p> </p><p><strong> </strong></p>