Are Human Resources Merely Resources? A Study in Light of the Qurʾān

Authors

  • Amir Hayat University of Lahore, Sargodha Campus, Pakistan
  • Muhammad Tariq Ramzan University of Lahore, Sargodha Campus, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31436/alburhn.v3i1.120

Keywords:

Human resources, human dignity, Islamic organisational behaviour, Qurʾān and management, organisational goal

Abstract

Abstract: Collective knowledge, creative abilities and skills actually or potentially available in a society are termed as ‘human resources’. The intangible resources are considered to be the most important factor in social and economic development of a nation. In organizational context, the capacities and capabilities available to the organization to achieve its goals are called its ‘human resources’. This ‘human resource’ concept is the latest evolutionary stage of long traditions of preparing individuals for more works and enabling them to be more productive and prosperous. The concept of human resources is a synthesis and mixture of many social philosophies such as materialism, secularism, capitalism, and utilitarianism. This approach is aimed at well-being of individuals as well as achievement of social and organizational goals. The Qurʾān -the word of God according to Muslim faith- also speaks about man, his status in this world and his success in this world and in the hereafter. In this paper, effort has been made to clarify the viewpoint of Qurʾān regarding management and development of human beings as resources to achieve organizational as well as social goals. A qualitative approach based upon extensive review of literature has been used to study the concept of human beings in the light of Qur’an. The findings explicitly elaborate that the Qurʾān sets two-fold objectives and goals for human and social welfare. On the one hand, it emphasises on capacity building to achieve material well-being. On the other hand, it prepares individuals to excel morally and spiritually. It has been observed that man is not merely a resource to satisfy organizational objectives. He is much more than just a nut and bolt of machinery. While defining his role as productive member of an organization and society, his dignity, prestige, and status in the universe must be observed.

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Published

2019-07-01

How to Cite

Hayat, Amir, and Muhammad Tariq Ramzan. 2019. “Are Human Resources Merely Resources? A Study in Light of the Qurʾān”. AL-BURHĀN: JOURNAL OF QURʾĀN AND SUNNAH STUDIES 3 (1). Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.:18-37. https://doi.org/10.31436/alburhn.v3i1.120.

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Articles