A Grounded Theory Study of the Prophet Muhammad’s Leadership Behaviors: A Model for Islamic School Principals

Abstract

The Muslim population in the United States is expected to double over the next two decades. As the population grows, there will be a corresponding growth in the size and number of Islamic organizations, especially Islamic schools. Islamic schools were first established in the 1930s by the Nation of Islam and were followed by the establishment of Sunni Islamic schools in the 1970s. Islamic schools, similar to traditional schools, are operated by principals. Literature on educational leadership illustrates a vital role that principals play in schools. However, there is no Islamic educational leadership model that assists the work of principals of Islamic schools. The purpose of this study was to identify the leadership behaviors of the Prophet Muhammad and to develop an Islamic educational leadership model to aid principals operating Islamic schools in the United States. Literature on Islamic leadership, in general, is developing, and Islamic educational leadership has not yet been explored. This qualitative grounded theory study used the constant comparative method to examine a selected portion of the Sunnah. Results from the study led to the development of an emerging theory based on two core categories that emerged from the data analysis: Modeling and Directing Behaviors, and Motivating Followers to a Theocentric Worldview. The core categories, related themes, and properties are thoroughly discussed. Lastly, this dissertation discusses the implication of the findings, and makes recommendation for future studies