Teachers Practicing to Develop Islamic Leadership Qualities among University Students

Abstract

Leadership is a vast subject, especially when it is linked to Islamic leadership. Islamic leadership is viewed not simply as holding authority, but as a trust granted by Allah. The study outlined the literature found on fundamental components and characteristics of the Islamic concept of leadership and role of teachers to develop those qualities among students in behavioral and religious aspects. This quantitative study identifies the practices of university teachers for developing Islamic leadership qualities among university students. The study employed survey methodology and a self-developed questionnaire was used to gather data from 800 students studying in eight public sector universities of the province of Punjab, that is 1 university from each of the 8 divisions of Punjab province of Pakistan and 1 university from 9th division was selected for the pilot study. The questionnaire is consisted of two factors: behavioral qualities (self-control, resilience, tolerance) and faith-based guidance (reliance on Allah and gratitude to Allah). The findings based on the results of these two factors showed a moderate mean score of 3.30 (SD=1.01) and mean score 3.42 (SD=0.95), respectively. Based on the results of the study teachers on average give moderately positive encouragements of the behavioral qualities and religious consciousness of the students. However, in this case teachers seem to emphasize the emotional development of faith in studnets rather than translating them into consistent outward behaviour and reflection. It is recommended that the provision of practical training or guidance to strengthen teachers’ ability to integrate holistic Islamic leadership development among students.