Islamic-Centred Leadership: Qualifying Leaders For Islamic Banks

Abstract

Islamic banking operates under the principles of Shari’ah law, which governs its financial practices and ethical standards. However, a major challenge facing the industry is the disconnect between the leadership skills required for Islamic banking and those currently in place. In light of this, a research study was conducted to evaluate the alignment between the competencies of leaders in Gulf countries’ Islamic banks and the Shari’ah law’s requirements. The study utilized a qualitative approach, including interviews with eight purposively selected HR managers from various banks in the region. The findings revealed a significant gap between the leadership competencies and the principles of trust and justice emphasized in Shari’ah law. This discrepancy highlights the need for a more thorough assessment of competencies to ensure that they align with the values and goals of Islamic banking. By bridging this gap, Islamic banks can effectively incorporate the principles of Shari’ah law into their leadership competencies and promote a more efficient and successful industry.