Management within the religious system functions as a lamp illuminating the path of faithful living and making the organisation of individual and social life possible under the guidance of divine teachings. This treatise, relying on lectures delivered among military managers, educators, and female administrators, elucidates the principles of religious management. These principles not only pertain to organising social and organisational affairs but also have their roots in regulating personal and familial life. Just as a clear river flows from a pure source, successful management likewise originates from a disciplined and balanced personal life. Accordingly, the discussion centres upon two fundamental principles: firstly, the necessity of organising personal life as the foundation of social management; and secondly, modelling on the conduct of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in religious management, which is intertwined with three characteristicsGod-centricity, belief in the hereafter, and continuous divine remembrance.
Religious management is akin to a tree whose roots are firmly embedded in the soil of personal life. Without order and health in individual existence, the branches of social management will bear no fruit. This section clarifies the principle that the organisation of personal life is a prerequisite for success in social management.
The worldly life resembles a sea whose waves of problems incessantly pound its shores. These difficulties are sometimes internal and related to the soul, and at other times stem from external factors. Some of these issues are fundamental and inevitable, rooted in history, culture, and social laws. Such problems lie beyond an individual's control and require large-scale reforms and cultural development at the societal level. However, the second category encompasses challenges that, through prudent management and proper planning, can be controlled and resolved. A successful manager is one who identifies these problems meticulously and strives diligently to resolve them.
Marriage represents a turning point in life which can signify either the commencement of success or failure. In our society, many marriages are shaped under the influence of social traditions rather than religious criteria. This situation sometimes leads to instability in conjugal life. A religious manager must, being aware of these challenges, build their family life upon the pillars of love, trust, and balance. Problems caused by mismanagement in family life resemble cracks in the edifice of management which, if not repaired, will cause the entire structure to collapse.
Life is like a battlefield from which no one is exempt from its challenges. The slightest negligence in the face of problems can result in the collapse of ones life. According to a scholar, Life does not jest with us, and every problem, no matter how minor, requires attention and prudent management. A successful manager, through a psychoanalytical perspective, identifies the peaks and troughs of the lives of those under their supervision so that, by appropriate interaction, effective management may be achieved.
Religious management begins with personal life. A successful manager, by organising family life and resolving solvable problems, draws upon principles conduct of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), which emphasise three key attributes: God-centricity, belief in the hereafter, and continuous divine remembrancedistinguishing a religious manager from a secular one.
Religious management is like a bridge extending from personal life towards social success. This treatise demonstrated that organising family life is a prerequisite for effective management and that emulating the conduct of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), with the characteristics of God-centricity, belief in the hereafter, and continuous divine remembrance, illuminates the path of monotheistic management. A religious manager, relying on these principles, is not only successful in their work but also cultivates a balanced and spiritual life for themselves and their subordinates.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
