Toward a Sharia-Based Human Resource Development Framework: Integrating Islamic Epistemology and Organizational Ethics

Abstract

In the contemporary landscape of organizational management, human resource development (HRD) is increasingly influenced by ethical, cultural, and spiritual values. This study explores the integration of Sharia-based principles within HRD, positioning Islamic teachings not merely as moral supplements, but as foundational frameworks for nurturing human potential. Amid growing critiques of secular HRD models for their lack of moral grounding, Sharia-based paradigms offer holistic alternatives rooted in divine accountability and communal welfare. The objective of this research is to construct a conceptual model of HRD grounded in Sharī‘a, synthesizing classical Islamic scholarship with contemporary organizational needs. The study investigates how Sharia values such as ‘adl (justice), amānah (trust), shūrā (consultation), and ihsān (excellence) can be recontextualized into HRD practices in Muslim organizations, ensuring both spiritual fulfillment and institutional productivity. Methodologically, this is a qualitative study employing textual analysis of classical and modern Islamic sources, complemented by academic literature from HRD and organizational behavior. The discussion integrates the maqāṣid al-sharī‘a (higher objectives of Islamic law) with strategic HR development theory to produce a normative-ethical framework that supports sustainable employee growth. The findings reveal that Sharia-based HRD is not only theoretically sound but practically applicable across various Muslim socio-cultural contexts. It promotes a balance between economic efficiency and ethical responsibility, offering an alternative to materialist HR models. This research contributes to both Islamic management thought and global HRD discourse by re-centering ethical-spiritual dimensions.