Management Principles in Islam

What makes an effective manager? Why are some managers more successful than others? It may be that effective managers usually have a certain style of management which sets them apart from their peers. Part of that style may include abiding by certain principles which in turn provides better results than those offered by their counterparts. Many successful managers have written countless books, articles, and opinion pieces while some have given numerous hours of lectures and interviews regarding this matter. While everyone may differ in their opinion as to which principles make a manager more successful, diversifying one’s sources of information will help expand one’s view on the topic while increasing the chances of success.

As with many other key aspects of life, Islam has offered workable solutions when it comes to management principles. Here we will take a closer look at some of these principles and what Islam has to say about them.

Teamwork and Seeking Advice

The effects of teamwork and seeking counsel are all around us. We have seen it in sports, schools, business and government operations. Without the two, the world would probably be in a heavily chaotic state and we certainly would not be where we are today.

The Prophet Muhammad once said: “Faithful believers are to each other as the bricks of a wall, supporting and reinforcing each other.”

One of the most important examples of teamwork in Islam is the daily congregational prayers. Additionally, Muslims recite the first chapter of the Qur’an, Al-Fatihah (The Opening), several times a day, referring to themselves as “we” when addressing God.

In verse 36 of the 42nd chapter of The Qur’an, Ash-Shura (The Consultation), one of the characteristics of the believers or those who have faith in Allah is that they “conduct their affairs by mutual consultation”.

There is a general principle in Islam that people who seek counsel from each other will be guided to sound judgment.

One of the basic teachings in Islam, Allah The Almighty even commands The Holy Prophet (PBUH) to seek counsel: “(O Muhammad!) Consult your friends in social and political affairs.”

Unity of Command After Consultation

While many people may have a hard time seeking counsel to begin with, the opposite is also true. There are many people who constantly seek counsel, but are unable to make a decision. Equally important to seeking counsel is the ability to be able to make a decision. Depending on the situation and the task at hand, this can be quite difficult at times.

Humans are not immune to making tough decisions throughout their life; in fact, they will be making plenty of them. Trust in God, a critical element of being a believer in Islam, is not only required by Muslims, it can drastically help the decision making process. Those who are able to put their trust in God after seeking counsel on tough decisions, have an easier time making tough decisions.

In the Qur’an, Allah tells The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), “consult them in affairs. And when thou art resolved, trust in God; truly God loves those who trust.”

After reaching a decision on his own, either through consulting others or not, The Almighty Allah tells The Prophet (PBUH) to shift his attitude to one of trust in God and not human deliberations. This path helps ensure a unified decision making process.

Kindness to Subordinates

How often do you see subordinates treated fairly by their bosses? The chances that someone has seen subordinates mistreated by their superiors can be a lot more often than we may think.

In the Qur’an, in regards to the Prophet’s (PBUH) companions and followers who fell short in their duties during battle, Allah commands The Prophet (PBUH) to: “Pardon them, ask forgiveness for them, and consult them in affairs.”

Based on one analysis, the verse reassures the Prophet’s companions that they were not only forgiven, but that the all-merciful God still has a favorable view of them by telling the Prophet to consult them. Furthermore, the Prophet is told to pardon them if they have violated his rights and to ask forgiveness for them if they have violated God’s rights.

Information Verification

“And pursue not that of which thou hast no knowledge;” (17:36)

Misinformation has always been a major problem throughout history. Even during the information age, we are still suffering from the problem of misinformation. Whether it’s fake news, gossiping, or accusing someone of something they did not do, false information can be very destructive. It can ruin relationships, cause injustice, lead to war, cause major financial losses, and lead to countless other detrimental consequences.

Information verification is one of the matters which have been taken extremely seriously in Islam. Allah warns against such behavior in the following verse of the Qur’an: “O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, with news,  investigate, verify the news, so that you do not harm people unknowingly, and become, over what you have done, regretful.”

Also, the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) has warned us: “It is enough of a lie for someone to narrate all that he hears.”

Optimum Capacity Utilization

Too often, we let our potential go to waste. In fact, this is not only the case on an individual basis, but even on a larger scale as with companies or governments not utilizing their resources and potential properly.

According to the Quran, “No soul shall have a burden laid on it greater than it can bear”. Islamic laws are in accordance with human beings natural capacities, making each person responsible for their own actions. The laws and responsibilities commanded by God have taken human being’s capacities and weaknesses in mind. It is, therefore, critical to make the most of our potential wherever we are and to not let it go to waste.

While Islam has plenty of information to offer in regards to management principles and other key aspects of life, evaluating our strengths and weaknesses in these five points and pondering on them can help give us an edge in becoming a more successful manager.