Leadership and Development

Islam looks at the idea of human development as a continuous movement through the lifetime of a human being. The development serves the purpose of man in his strive for excellence and perfection. It is part and parcel of the life of a Muslim and naturally should be a driving force in the life of every human being. Without acknowledging it, learning how to use it, and incorporating it into one's life, there is surely something missing. Human development is the gateway to excellent leadership, whether it is in one's home, organization, or community. The concepts of leadership and development go hand in hand, as shown by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s) and his immaculate disciples. This book shows us how they stressed a lifestyle of leadership through development and how one can attain their own personal excellence. Islam emphasizes that human development is meant for, and is driven by, individuals because of their dynamic personalities, ever-increasing body of knowledge, and endless potential. Development is an incentive for diligence, persistence, excellence, precision, and other growth facets. It is comprehensive growth that affects and is affected by the movement of society. Consequently, human development is not novel in Islam, although it was not coined as a term of art until recent history.

Jalal Moughania
Jalal Moughania is an American lawyer, lecturer, and researcher. He has authored and translated original works on Islamic history and thought, religious authority in Shi’ism, and Shia Muslim identity and society. He serves as Director at the Mainstay Foundation — an NGO working in the space of research, education, and development. Moughania holds a Juris Doctorate in Law.