Islamic Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development
MODULE OVERVIEW:
This curriculum offers a comprehensive introduction to Islamic leadership theory and its applications in contemporary entrepreneurial development. It begins by exploring conventional leadership theories and juxtaposes them with leadership models rooted in Islamic ontology, the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, and classical Islamic scholarship. The course emphasizes how Islamic motivational frameworks shape leadership practices and how these can be mobilized to support entrepreneurial and financial initiatives in Muslim communities. Special attention is given to the historical development of Islamic finance and the leadership traits of its founding figures. This module is designed for Islamic leaders, community organizers, and professionals engaged in values-based economic and institutional development.
Contents:
- Conventional Theories of Leadership
- Concepts of Leadership in Islamic Thought
- Prophetic Leadership
- Islamic Leadership Practice in Muslim History
- Principles of Islamic Leadership Models
- Islamic Motivational Theory
- Entrepreneurship and Islamic Leadership
- Leadership in the Islamic Finance Industry
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Differentiate between conventional and Islamic leadership theories.
- Identify Qur’anic and Prophetic foundations of leadership in Islam.
- Analyze historical and contemporary models of Islamic leadership.
- Apply Islamic motivational principles to organizational and entrepreneurial contexts.
- Assess the leadership strategies of pioneers in the Islamic finance industry.
- Design culturally rooted leadership development strategies for Muslim communities.
Part 1: Conventional Theories of Leadership
An overview of leadership theories from Western traditions, including transformational and transactional models.
📖 Reading:
- Ciulla, J. B., Price, T. L., & Murphy, S.E. (2005). The Quest for Moral Leaders. Edward Elgar.
- Winkler, I. (2010). Contemporary Leadership Theories. Springer.
Part 2: Concepts of Leadership in Islamic Thought
Explores Islamic metaphysics and ontology, including Qur’anic verses and Sunnah that define leadership, authority, and moral responsibility.
📖 Reading:
- Ali, Abbas J. (2005). Islamic Perspectives on Management and Organization. Edward Elgar.
- Safi, L. (1995). “Leadership and Subordination: An Islamic Perspective.” AJISS, 12(2).
Part 3: Prophetic Leadership
Case-based study of Prophet Muhammad’s leadership during early Islamic community formation in Medina.
📖 Reading:
- Adair, J. (2010). The Leadership of Muhammad. Kogan Page.
- Beekun, R.I. & Badawi, J. A. (1999). Leadership: An Islamic Perspective. Amana Publications.
Part 4: Islamic Leadership in Muslim History
Examines classical Islamic political thought and historical figures such as the Sahaba and Islamic statesmen.
📖 Reading:
- El‐Merheb, Mohamad (2019) Islamic Political Thought: Competing Conceptions of the Rule of Law in the Middle Period. PhD thesis. SOAS University of London.
- Alawneh, S. F. (1998). “Human Motivation: An Islamic Perspective.” AJISS, 15(4).
Part 5: Principles of Islamic Leadership Models
Synthesizes normative Islamic sources into a coherent, applicable leadership model for today’s contexts.
📖 Reading:
- Ali, Abbas J. (2009). “Islamic Perspectives on Leadership: A Model.” IJIMEFM, 2(2).
- Egel, E. & Fry, L. W. (2017). “Spiritual Leadership as a Model for Islamic Leadership.” Public Integrity, 19(1).
- Randeree, K. (2012). Leadership Lessons from Early Islamic Literature. In K. Ahmad, R. Islam, & Y. Ismail (Eds.), Issues in Islamic Management: Theories & Practices (pp. 228–242). IIUM Press.
Part 6: Islamic Motivational Theory
Connects leadership development to intrinsic motivations grounded in Islamic teachings and psychology.
📖 Reading:
- Abdel-Kawi, O. & Kole, J. (1991). “Expectancy-Valence Theory.” AJISS, 8(3).
- Khan, M. B., & Sheikh, N. N. (2012). “Human Resource Development, Motivation and Islam.” Journal of Management Development, 31(10).
Part 7: Entrepreneurship and Islamic Leadership
Analyzes how Islamic leadership can empower entrepreneurial initiatives in Muslim societies.
📖 Reading:
- Davis, M. K. (2013). Entrepreneurship: An Islamic Perspective. International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 20(1), 1–16.
- Halimuzzaman, M., & Sharma, A. (2024). The Application of Islamic Principles on Entrepreneurship Competence Development Framework. International Journal of Engineering and Business Management, 8(4), 10–16.
- Rashi, M. M. (2024). Principles, Practices and Potentials of Entrepreneurship from Islamic Perspective. International Journal of Engineering and Business Management, 8(4), 17–24.
Part 8: Leadership in the Islamic Finance Industry
Profiles the leadership characteristics of Islamic finance pioneers and their influence on global finance.
📖 Reading:
- Abdul Alim, E. (2013). Global Leaders in Islamic Finance. Wiley.
- Fozia, M., Rehman, A. & Farooq, A. (2016). “Entrepreneurship and Leadership: An Islamic Perspective.” IJEMA, 24(1).
- Harrison, P. & Roomi, M. A. (2018). “Islamic Insights on Entrepreneurial Leadership.” Research Handbook on Entrepreneurship and Leadership.