Islamic Work Ethic in Organizations: Principles, Practices and Contemporary Challenges

Adila Abdullah; Norazmi Anas; Wan Saudah Wan Azli; Mohd Erfino Johari; Mohammad Khairuddin Majidillah; Humairaa Hasan; Anis Abdullah; Jonathan Newton

doi:10.21834/e-bpj.v11i36.7817

Authors

Adila Abdullah Center for Islamic, General and Languages Studies, Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Norazmi Anas Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, Tapah Campus, Tapah Road, Perak, Malaysia
Wan Saudah Wan Azli Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, Seri Iskandar Campus, Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia
Mohd Erfino Johari Center for Islamic, General and Languages Studies, Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Mohammad Khairuddin Majidillah Center for Islamic, General and Languages Studies, Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Humairaa Hasan Institute of Professional Studies, Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Anis Abdullah Munif Hijjaz Marketing Sdn. Bhd., Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Jonathan Newton Faculty of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v11i36.7817

Keywords:

Islamic work ethic, principles, practices, challenges

Abstract

Qualitative case study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with seven Malaysian experts to explore the principles, practices, and contemporary challenges of the Islamic work ethic in organizations. The Islamic work ethic is rooted in tawhid, which emphasizes work as worship (ibadah) and as a sacred trust (amanah) for which every human is accountable. Practically manifested through professionalism, integrity, trustworthiness (amanah), benevolence (ihsan), precision (itqan), and its practice faces internal and external challenges. Consequently, the appreciation of Islamic values and their deep embedding in an organizational work culture can strengthen governance, integrity, and the effectiveness and sustainability of an organization's performance.

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