ADAB, SELF-GOVERNANCE, AND LEADERSHIP
This six-series discourse explores the moral ambiguity embedded within modern Western values and ideologies like postmodernism, liberalism, and pluralism, which have been absorbed into contemporary governance and leadership models. These frameworks, while dominant, have led to psychological dissonance and existential crises that threaten the foundations of human civilization. The discourse also examines how these ideologies have shaped the worldview of Muslims, often distorting the original vision of Islām as the fundamental framework for governance and leadership. It highlights the concept of adāb as intrinsically linked to the exercise of power and the fulfilment of amānah. Essentially, the discourse offers critical education for Muslim leaders which is not merely anchored in professionalism or technical competence, but rather on deep understanding of the nature of man and the psychology of the human soul. This workshop is in collaboration with the Centre of Islamic Economics (CIE), IIUM Graduate School of Management (GSM) and Raja Zarith Sofiah Centre for Advanced Studies on Islam, Science, and Civilization (RZS CASIS), UTM.
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01 Modern Paradigm of Values and Leadership Crisis
02 Worldview of Islam as the Fundamental Framework for Governance and Leadership
03 Worldview of Islam as the Fundamental Framework for Governance and Leadership (Part II)
04 Adab as the Interpretive Element and the Fulcrum of Good Governance and Leadership
Modern Paradigm of Values
and Leadership Crisis
14th July 2025
This session contains a brief overview regarding the moral ambiguity of the modern-Western values and assorted ideologies which abundantly flowed and intimately absorbed into various forms of governance and modern leadership, thereupon causing the psychological crisis leading to the collapse of human civilization. This session also highlights several elements of the concepts of postmodernism, liberalism, and pluralism that have influenced the mind of the Muslims; some perspectives of the individual in the modern secular framework and how they relates to the present pervading theme of the ethical duality; and, the paradox and the moral ambiguity of the secular doctrine of leadership.
Worldview of Islam as the Fundamental Framework for Governance and Leadership
(Part I) - 28th July 2025
This session affirms that any endeavor towards perfection by Muslim, individually and collectively, is invariably determined by the worldview that projects the vision of the one Reality and confirms the affirmation of the same Truth. The worldview of Islām emphasizes al- tawḥīd and īmān as the basis of action, and therefore prepares one’s self to discharge his duties and responsibilities as a true and trustworthy leader. This session also explains a significant relation between the temporal life of human beings on earth, their spiritual identity of the primordial world, and their ultimate eschatological destiny. A major point of the worldview of Islam is: an individual is not considered the central principle in legislating and governing, whereas the larger social existence is not the only thing to which the leader must pay attention.
Worldview of Islam as the Fundamental Framework for Governance and Leadership
(Part II) - 11th August 2025
This lecture emphasizes that true Islamic leadership and governance must be rooted in the worldview of Islam, rather than being influenced by the destructive and meaningless values of the Western secular worldview. The speaker argues that modern leadership, often driven by market forces focusing on efficiency and effectiveness, neglects essential intellectual and moral foundations. To counteract this, Muslim leaders must cultivate a spiritual mission based on a comprehensive understanding of Islam and its core principle of Tawhid. This involves not only affirming the truths of Islam but also actively denying the false ideologies of the secular West, which often lead to confusion and erroneous attitudes by leveling incomparable concepts. Ultimately, genuine Islamic leadership aims to foster a society that embodies spiritual, moral, and intellectual dynamism, leading to true Falah (success and flourishing), unlike the transient and uncertain progress offered by Western models.
Adab as the Interpretive Element and the Fulcrum of Good Governance and Leadership
25th August 2025
This session asserts that adab is a comprehensive and unified notion because it advocates the meaning and the concept of leadership on the broadest scale based on the worldview of Islām. Adab also provides the best opportunity for the self-realization and construction of the proper realm of good governance. This session also highlights issues pertaining to adab and its link to power and fulfilment of amānah. Therefore, a fundamental aspect to be conscious of by one who is being entrusted with leadership is the purpose of his existence and his eternal place of return. He also must understand the intimate interrelationship between physics and metaphysics, ontology and theology, ‘amal and īmān; and makhlūq and Khāliq.
Good Man (Insān Adabī) as an Antecedent to Adab in Leadership (Part I) - 25th August 2025
This session focuses on the nature of man’s action and its impact on leadership and governance. Act of leading is deemed to be closely-related to human act of ikhtiyārī. It indicates that God bestows on man the freedom to act or not to act, and such freedom is informed by consciousness of one self. Therefore, all of man`s action is both motivate by and implicate his akhlāq. Nevertheless, despite the freedom to choose, man is duty bound to choose the virtuous, not the blameworthy. Therefore, the leading themes are the omnipotence of God and the complete dependence of man. This leads to the chief means to man’s salvation which is dealing with the cultivation of virtues and inward purification. Therefore, the utmost attention in this session is on nurturing and strengthening a leader with elements that would qualify him to be endowed with praiseworthy qualities by Allah SWT. Acquiring them will set to revive religious-spiritual significance to every phase of leadership action and fortify the virtuous character of the possessor of command, creating excellence and establishing justice in leadership.
Good Man (Insān Adabī) as an Antecedent to Adab in Leadership (Part II) - 8th September 2025
This session delves into the intricate psychology of the human soul as a foundational element for understanding effective leadership and governance. It emphasizes the need to view human life as a "whole aggregate," encompassing physical, spiritual, intellectual, moral, individual, and social aspects, rather than a reductionist approach. The core argument highlights two fundamental aspects of the human soul: the rational/articulate soul (nafs an-natiqah) and the vital/animal soul (nafs al-hayawaniah). The rational soul, equipped with theoretical and practical reason, is presented as the organizing principle that, when properly nurtured through knowledge (especially "fardu 'ayn"), can cultivate virtues and lead to intellectual and practical wisdom. This holistic understanding of the self, extending beyond mere animalistic desires and imaginative theories, is crucial for fostering "siyasah diniyah" or civilizational governance that aligns with divine principles and ultimately seeks human flourishing in both this world and the hereafter, as exemplified by the teachings and perfect example of Prophet Muhammad.
The Nature of Sharī’ah
and Social Order (Part I)
22nd September 2025
This lecture presents an in-depth discussion on the nature and scope of shari'ah, defining it as the greatest and most upright of all laws intended for the benefit of all creation, not just humankind. A key distinction is drawn between shara', which represents the sacred law or general commands of God meant for establishing His being and the reality of things, and shari'ah, which is the embodiment of shara' detailed and elaborated through the Prophet Muhammad's Sunnah. The discussion emphasises that shari'ah is rooted in hikam (wisdom) and asbab (causes) that entail universal goodness and is meant to fulfil the ultimate end of human existence. Furthermore, the lecture divides the judgments concerning shari'ah (al-ahkam as-syariah) into two main branches: 'amaliyah (practical duties) and i'tiqadiah (matters of belief/faith), stressing that true efficacy in practice requires a foundation in belief, as exemplified by the importance of kalam (theology) for proper leadership and governance.
The Nature of Sharī’ah
and Social Order (Part II)
22nd September 2025
This discourse outlines the essential qualifications and responsibilities of a "keeper of trust" in relation to shari'a, emphasising the need for deep thinking and a sound understanding of its diverse dispositions. Key to this understanding is identifying the three attributes of shari'a—effective causes, medium objectives (fundamental universal), and ultimate objectives (sublime universal)—which serve as the rationale for legal judgments. Furthermore, the lecture addresses the principle of equality in shari'a, noting that while it is fundamental, it can be suspended due to a valid impediment arising from inherent nature, shari'a-specific requirements, social considerations, or political necessity, particularly when strict adherence would result in a greater evil or obstruct a greater good. Dr. Roslan strongly advocates that positions of authority, especially those concerning religious affairs, must be held by individuals possessing not just knowledge but a spiritual experience of Sharia and high moral sensitivity to ensure justice and protect the greater welfare of the Muslim community.
Iṣlāḥ in Leadership and
Governance of Society
22nd September 2025
This lecture emphasises that true Islamic reform, or Islah, must be rooted in reality and truth (Haqiqa), not merely in imagination or illusion, which can be influenced by worldly intoxication or self-serving desires. The lecture stresses that actions based on sensory or rational imagination—such as creating concepts like the unicorn or adopting modern ideologies like pragmatism and postmodernism—lack true basis because they are disconnected from reality and thus cannot lead to genuine righteousness (Salah) or remove corruption (fasad). Dr. Roslan advocates for grounding all activities, including business and governance, in true knowledge and the quality of righteousness (solihun), which is a great favor bestowed by God, so that everything is set right and maintains cosmological order. Finally, the discourse outlines a comprehensive six-element conception of leadership, emphasizing a clear vision of truth, the acquisition of right and true cognitive content, recognising the limit of truth, possessing intellectual and practical disciplines, embodying excellent character, and engaging in right action at both personal and societal levels.
Closing Remarks
22nd September 2025
Closing remarks from "Training of Trainers" (TOT) program on Adab, Self-governance and Leadership, organised by the Department of Business Administration together with several academic centers. The speakers provided a brief overview of the six-discourse workshop, which spanned three months and was funded by a Ministry of Higher Education grant. Puan Jasmiza Jamalluddin, a participant, shares her heartfelt testimonial, emphasising the program's profound impact by providing a theological framework missing from Western management views. Dr. Mohd. Hilmi Ramli and Prof. Dr. Gairuzazmi Mat Ghani then delivered remarks that stress the importance of value-based education and adab (Islamic etiquette/discipline) for effective leadership and personal virtue, asserting the program's role in guiding participants toward a proper understanding of knowledge.