Essential Requirements of Motivational Leadership in the Educational Process from the Perspective of the Qurʾān

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
Mona Afzali Qadi 1
Nikoo Dialameh 2
Akram Goodarzi 3
Zohreh Mousa Zadeh 2
1 PhD in Islamic Studies and Educational Management, Imam Sadiq University, Sisters Campus, Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Islamic Studies and Educational Sciences, Imam Sadiq University, Sisters Campus, Tehran, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies and Educational Sciences, Imam Sadiq University, Sisters Campus, Tehran, Iran
10.30497/qhs.2026.249593.4301
Abstract
Motivation constitutes the driving force behind human action and represents a fundamental element in the educational process. Accordingly, the Qurʾān accords it a central role in the cultivation and moral development of human beings. The present study aims to identify the essential requirements of motivational leadership as derived from the Qurʾān. Employing a qualitative analytical approach to the Qurʾānic text, the study identifies four principal categories of requirements. The first comprises foundational requirements, including the worthiness of educational objectives and the adoption of appropriate motivational strategies. The second encompasses contextual requirements, such as maintaining balance, adopting a process-oriented approach, optimizing opportunities, tailoring motivational strategies to individual characteristics, recognizing the role of divine lordship in human success, managing unforeseen changes, implementing exceptional measures when required by higher interests, providing wise guidance, observing priorities, presenting exemplary models, preserving the leader's independence, and demonstrating patience and perseverance. The third category concerns learner-oriented requirements, including cultivating constructive emotional relationships with learners, articulating a practical vision, facilitating learners' understanding, and fostering collective motivation. The fourth consists of goal-oriented requirements, namely the cultivation, refinement, and preservation of desirable motivations. The findings indicate that, from the Qurʾānic perspective, successful motivational leadership requires adherence to comprehensive principles governing all aspects of educational practice, particularly those related to the learners' personal and developmental dimensions. Furthermore, motivational efforts lacking worthy objectives and appropriate strategies are devoid of educational value. Finally, the cultivation, refinement, and preservation of motivation constitute not only indispensable prerequisites for the educational process but also its fundamental objectives.
Keywords
Qurʾān
motivational leadership
foundational requirements
contextual requirements
educational process
Islamic education
Subjects
The Holy Qurʾan.
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