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Introduction
Muslims in the world are increasingly becoming inspired by the principles of Islam. In general, the principles of Islamic work ethics (IWEs) focus on the relations between human beings and their Creator. They provide guidelines to an organization to improve its administrative practices to maintain success and quality in a sustainable manner. To create a healthy and harmonious work culture, Islam has outlined the guidelines to form successful cooperation between employer and employee and among co-workers at the workplace.
The Arab spring movements spread across the Middle East in early 2011 were also generally inspired by Islam. In some countries, this effort led to political transitions, and some Islamists have been more concerned with enforcing strict religious norms. The effort to instill the values of Islamic ethics is important to improve the efficiency and quality of an organization. In fact, this approach must be emphasized, as moral and ethical crises are escalating at an alarming rate in developed and developing nations (Darwish, 2011). Most nations apply their own work ethics principles, like the USA which bases its work ethics on the Protestant–Calvinist [protestant work ethics (PWE)] values, and Japan which relies on the samurai Bushido principle. However, a number of obstacles face organizations in the Islamic world such as low qualification workforce, the decline of education and training, and low efficiency. Nevertheless, the ethical side remains a significant factor in improving the management effectiveness. The concept of an IWE has its origin in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Mohamed. The Quran states, (6:132) “ to all are ranks according to their deeds”. The Quran instructs the faithful that involvement and commitment to work, rather than dreaming, enable people to realize their goals.
IWEs are based on the principles and teachings of Islam. Islam is supposed to be a complete way of life (Ahmad, 2003). For Muslims, the sources of Islamic principles and teachings are the Quran and Hadith (Sunnah). The Quran contains verbatim words of Allah (God) revealed to Prophet Mohamed, while the Hadith (Sunnah) includes the words, actions and approvals of Prophet Mohamed (Zaidan, 1969, p. 56). The most prominent characteristic of Islamic work values is that it emanates from the sources of Islam, and it is based on...