The sun had just risen above the rows of palm trees, casting a golden glow over the mill. Hana, the young plant manager, walked slowly through the compound. Her heart felt heavy. Overnight, a serious breakdown had occurred in one of the boilers — a problem that could cause delays, financial loss, and even safety concerns for her team.
Her workers looked at her anxiously. Some whispered, some frowned, and others waited in silence. Everyone wanted answers.
Hana paused, took a deep breath, and whispered quietly:
“Ya Allah, give me sabr and hikmah (wisdom) to guide my people.”
1. Self-Awareness (Muraqabah)
Instead of reacting in anger or panic, Hana reminded herself that emotions are contagious. If she showed fear, the workers would lose hope. She recalled her ustazah’s advice: “When you are mindful that Allah is watching, your ego and anger will melt away.”
She smiled gently and said:
“Don’t worry, we will investigate together. Mistakes and challenges are part of this dunia. What matters is how we respond.”
2. Self-Management (Sabr & Taqwa)
The technicians presented conflicting opinions about the cause. Some raised their voices, others blamed each other. Hana resisted the urge to shout. She remembered the Prophet’s ﷺ words:
“The strongest person is the one who controls anger.”
She lowered her tone and said calmly:
“Let’s not blame. Let’s focus on solutions. We are one team, and Allah is witness to our sincerity.”
Her calmness softened the room.
3. Social Awareness (Rahmah & Empathy)
Hana noticed one of the junior workers, Amir, standing quietly in the corner. His eyes were filled with guilt. She walked over and asked kindly:
“Amir, did you notice something before the breakdown?”
Amir hesitated. Hana placed her hand gently on his shoulder:
“Don’t be afraid. We are here to solve, not punish. Speak honestly.”
With courage, Amir explained a small leak he had noticed earlier but was too scared to report. Instead of rebuking him, Hana thanked him.
“Your honesty is valuable. Next time, always speak up. We learn together.”
4. Relationship Management (Shura & Ukhuwwah)
That evening, Hana gathered her workers for a shura (consultation). She encouraged everyone to give input on preventive measures. Together, they created a new monitoring system.
Before dismissing them, Hana reminded:
“Remember, we are not just workers chasing profit. We are khalifah — caretakers of amanah. Every action is seen by Allah. Let’s work with ihsan.”
The workers nodded, their spirits uplifted.
🌟 Epilogue
The crisis became a blessing. The team grew stronger, more united, and more honest. Hana realized that true leadership was not about being feared, but about guiding hearts with sabr, rahmah, and shura — principles deeply rooted in both emotional intelligence and Islamic values.
That night, as Hana stood by the river near the mill, she gazed at the moon and whispered:
“Merdeka is not just about a nation’s freedom, but about freeing the heart from ego and anger. Ya Allah, make me a leader who pleases You.”
📌 Footnote
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Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books.
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Cherniss, C. (2000). Emotional intelligence: What it is and why it matters. Consortium for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organizations.
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Al-Qur’an 42:38 – “…and their affairs are [determined] by consultation among themselves…”
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Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim – Hadith on controlling anger.
🔑 Emotional Intelligence in Islam
1. Self-Awareness (Muraqabah – Consciousness of Allah)
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In EI: Knowing one’s emotions, triggers, and inner state.
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In Islam: This aligns with muraqabah (being mindful that Allah ﷻ is always aware of us).
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Example:
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Qur’an: “And do not walk upon the earth arrogantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth [apart], and you will never reach the mountains in height.” (Qur’an 17:37)
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This verse calls for humility and awareness of one’s own ego and limitations.
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2. Self-Management (Sabr & Taqwa)
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In EI: Managing impulses, controlling anger, staying calm under stress.
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In Islam: This is central to sabr (patience) and taqwa (God-consciousness).
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Example:
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Hadith: “The strong man is not the one who is good at wrestling, but the strong man is the one who controls himself in a fit of rage.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
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Emotional discipline is seen as true strength.
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3. Social Awareness (Rahmah & Empathy)
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In EI: Understanding others’ emotions, empathy, compassion.
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In Islam: This is tied to rahmah (mercy) and ihsan (excellence in dealing with others).
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Example:
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Qur’an: “And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” (Qur’an 21:107)
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The Prophet ﷺ embodied empathy — caring for orphans, the poor, even showing mercy to animals.
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4. Relationship Management (Ukhuwwah & Shura)
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In EI: Building bonds, managing conflict, inspiring others.
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In Islam: Relationships are based on ukhuwwah (brotherhood/sisterhood) and shura (consultation).
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Example:
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Qur’an: “…and those who have responded to their master and established prayer, and their affairs are [determined] by consultation among themselves…” (Qur’an 42:38)
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Managing relationships with wisdom and mutual respect is part of Islamic leadership.
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🌿 Integration: Islamic Emotional Intelligence (IEI)
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EI in Islam is not just about psychological well-being but also about spiritual well-being.
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The Prophet ﷺ demonstrated the highest form of emotional intelligence, combining empathy, patience, forgiveness, and resilience with deep faith in Allah.
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Example from Seerah:
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After Ta’if, when rejected and stoned, the Prophet ﷺ chose patience and dua rather than revenge — a model of self-management and compassion.
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📑 Key Takeaways
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Self-awareness = Muraqabah (mindfulness of Allah).
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Self-management = Sabr & Taqwa (patience and discipline).
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Social awareness = Rahmah (mercy and empathy).
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Relationship management = Ukhuwwah & Shura (brotherhood and consultation).
So, emotional intelligence in Islam is not just about “success at work” — it’s about aligning emotions with akhlaq (good character) and iman (faith), leading to both worldly success and eternal reward.
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