Administration in the Light of Quran

By: Muhammad Naseer Keyani (Regional Director Hira National Education Foundation Regd. Pakistan.

Quran Helps us in almost all walks of life. As school administration we look into a renowned surah of the Holy Quran namely Sorah al Hujraat (26:49). It is in Para No. 26 and its number is 49. It is one of the medium size surahs which consisted on 18 verses. It is Madni Surah as it was revealed on our Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during his stay in Medina. 

The very important and basic principles those extracted from this surah are as under:

i. While making an important decision take into account the orders and teachings of Allah Almighty and His prophet:

Do not make any decision that can avert or damage or violate any of the order, direction or principle of Allah and His Holy prophet. In some cases it would be hard for an administration, principal or the manager to make such a decision which may displease some of the clients but on the long run this decision will be fruitful for the institution, parents and students. So it is must to follow this rule. It is golden rule but mind that the decision maker must be aware of the true sense of the teaching as shallow and surface knowledge of the teaching of Quran and the Sunnah may make a dent to both Islam and institution. 

ii. Take care and respect the saying of the Holy prophet: 

The prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is a respectful personality. His respect is must for all Muslims. It is not lawful to avoid his sayings and directions. Do not raise voices, sounds and slogans higher than that of the Prophet. When Quran, Hadith or the Character of Muhammad (PBUH) is being told and being resented, it is the duty of every one to listen attentively and act accordingly. The saying and actions of the Prophet are very important and guiding stone of us all. So it is important for every administrator to keep his/her tone low and talk to every one with a polite tone.

iii. Investigate the matter before taking a decision:

As administrator and head of institution one has to take decisions and has to set a particular direction. The very basic requirement to take a decision is the source of information and data. It is necessary to take care of this source of information. It should be primary, reliable, verifiable and authentic. An information from a secondary and unreliable source is very injurious and the decision made on this unreliable and unverified source will lead to a wrong decision which may damage the institution. According to Surah Al-Hujrat (26:49) it is must to check the source of information. If the source of information is unreliable and faulty, the decision should not be taken. 

iv. Settle the issue between the conclicting groups or individuals in the institution

It is the duty of the administrator to be neutral and impartial. In case a conflict arises and the groups or individuals, the administrator of head on institution should frame a committee of neutral individuals who are visionary and able to solve the issue. This committee should work in the best interest of the institution. It should first of all decide who is at fault. It should ask the individual or group who is on the wrong footing to step down to sit down to resolve the issue. If the individual or the group at fault does not obey the advise of the resolution committee, it should be forcefully handled with iron hands to come down to settle the issue. When the conflicting groups accept the authority of the committee, these groups should be handled with justice. It is the foremost duty of the administrator or manager to resolve the issues to prevent the organisation or institution from sinking. 

v. Avoid the habits which are dangerous for the organization

For the success of the organization it is must to avoid the habits of backbiting, blaming, giving bad names, peeping into the affairs of the others, degrading the individuals and groups within the organisation, grouping on the basis of place of birth, colour, language and race. All these habits provide fuel for the conflicts and clashes. All of these habits should be banned completely. The organization can work best when all its members enjoy equal status in the organization as human being. The people should be treated equally without taking into account of their ranks, family back ground, relations and the economic status. Every person in the organization is important either he or she is peon or the managing director. No organization can run smoothly unless every one is treated equally and respectfully as human being. 

vi. Equality and fairness

According to Quran, all human beings are equal as they all are the off springs of Adam and Eve. The names given on the bases of race, creed and tribe are only for identification and not for a symbol of status or claiming for a higher status. In the last sermon, the Holy Prophet has clearly announced that all human beings are equal and there is no priority of an Arab over none Arab, white  over black. All are human beings and all are son and daughters of the same parents. Muslims know that Bial (RA) who belonged to a very poor slave family was respected more than the chiefs of Arabs. Asam (RA) son of a slave was raised to such a higher status that he became the general of Muslim Army. In an organisation the promotion is on the basis of performance and loyalty; character and soundness of personality and not on the basis of race, tribe or economic status. An administrator must take care of these golden rules. No influence, pressure and relation should force the administrator and management to violate these rules otherwise the organisation will be ruined.

vii.Action is more imprtant than mare claiming

In an organization there are two types of workers. One who claim that they are very loyal and hard working and the other who do not claim but their action speak that they are loyal and hardworking. The administrator should know the both types of individuals. He or she should give due recognition to the real loyal and hardworking people and those who are cheaters and waster. The assignments should be given to the right people and they should be given due respect, promotion and financial benefits on the basis of their performance. The cheaters should be asked to improve their performance and should be monitored closely. The cheaters should not be override the actual performers.