A Qurʾānic Model of Human Needs and Its Motivational Functions in Organizational Contexts

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. student in Qur'an and Management, Graduate School of Qur'an and Hadith, Al-Mustafa International University, Afghanistan

2 Faculty member of Al-Mustafa International University, Department of Qur'an and Hadith, Qom, Iran

3 Corresponding Author, Faculty member of the Department of Management of the Research Institute of Hazah and University Qom, Iran

Abstract

Purpose: The present study aims to develop a comprehensive model of human needs and their motivational functions in organizations from the perspective of the Holy Qur’an, in order to achieve a deeper understanding of the factors influencing employee motivation and productivity. Given the critical importance of motivation in enhancing organizational performance and the challenges managers face in identifying the diverse needs of the workforce, this research seeks to propose an indigenous and spiritually grounded framework.
Method: This study adopts a qualitative approach and employs the grounded theory method based on the systematic analysis of supplicatory (du‘ā’) verses of the Holy Qur’an.
Findings: The key findings indicate that the Holy Qur’an presents a comprehensive and integrated perspective on human needs, which can be categorized into a seven-dimensional model. These dimensions include: biological needs, psychological needs, existential and belonging (spiritual) needs, supportive–incentive (spiritual) needs, security-providing (spiritual) needs, social needs, and managerial–governance needs. The most significant innovation of this model lies in highlighting the extensive and less-explored spiritual dimensions (such as worship, guidance, mercy, forgiveness, and rewards in the Hereafter), as well as demonstrating the role of ethical principles (such as justice and honesty) as fundamental motivational drivers. Moreover, managerial–governance needs (including competent leadership and managerial forbearance) are introduced as dimensions influencing systemic motivation, which have received limited attention in conventional management theories.
Conclusion: The study concludes that the model derived from the Holy Qur’an, by presenting comprehensive and distinctive dimensions, can assist managers in designing and implementing indigenous and sustainable motivational systems. Such systems can create a healthy and dynamic work environment grounded in spiritual and ethical values, ultimately leading to increased motivation, job satisfaction, and organizational productivity

Keywords

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 23 October 2024
  • Revise Date: 26 May 2025
  • Accept Date: 26 December 2025

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