1.8 Islamic management and its characteristics

Islamic management means looking at the management of organizations from the Islamic worldview which implies using divine revelation, senses and reason, and other Islamic sources of knowledge while conventional management looks at the management from western worldview-scientific approach.

Due to difference in worldviews, Islamic management is different from conventional management.

Islamic management does not totally contradict conventional management-as in organizational objectives with respect to both economic and non-economic in nature - but only on those areas that contradict objectives of Syariah, basic Islamic concept relating to management must be seriously understood by manager or leader.

As Muslim managers we believe that:

	We are to be accountable in this life (to boss) and hereafter (to Allah S.W.T).
	We must adopt Prophet (S.A.W) and his companions (RA) as our mentor in management practices.
	Economic development and activities aimed at welfare in the hereafter are the exceptional characteristic of Islamic management.

In Islamic management, the organizational objectives are both economic and non-economic and subservient to the larger purpose of human existence, whereas in conventional management, organizational objectives are also both economic and non-economic in nature, but are subservient to organizational interests.

1.8 Islamic management and its characteristics

Islamic management or management in the light of revealed sources (Qur'an and Hadith) is the process of planning, organizing, leading and controlling the efforts of organizational members and of using all other organizational resources depending upon the guidance of Allah (SWT) and his Prophet (SAW) with an accountable mentality, integrity and skill to achieve the predetermined objective.

The characteristics of Islamic management could be described as follows:

	The original model of Islamic management is that of the Prophet (S.A.W) and his companions (RA).
	Only economic development is not the final target of Islamic management.
	Activities aimed at welfare in the hereafter are the exceptional characteristic of Islamic management.
	This management procedure is guided by exemplary leadership.
	In this system the employees should maintain cordial relationship and team spirit.
	The accountability in Islamic management is twofold: Firstly to immediate boss, and secondly to Almighty Allah (SWT).
	In Islamic management the manager considers himself as a vicegerent of Allah (SWT).
	In Islamic management property is thought to be trusted by Allah (SWT) to the users and managers.
	In this system decisions are made through consultation (Mashwara).

1.8 Islamic management and its characteristics

	In this system of management the manager does not have any greed to misuse the powers of the post.
	Wherever Islamic management will be applied there must prevail peace, development and other benefits.
	Islamic management is applicable to personal, familial, social, state, economic and political organizations.
	Hypocrisy, forgery, activities adverse to religion and morality are not tolerated.
	In Islamic system of management emphasis is given on the great objective of Islam.
	In this system, management is thought to be universal concept.
	Islamic management is an auto management system. Here Allah (SWT) is the master and to follow His order in every sphere of life is the driven force.
	Islamic management has scientific basis.
	In this system managers rely on Allah (SWT).
	In Islamic management there is freedom of thinking and expression.
	In Islamic management competition is a common strategy in good deeds.