The Four Dimensions of Governance in the Quran: An Analysis of the Narratives of Pre-Islamic Prophets

This study aims to present a comprehensive analysis and conceptualization of the governance framework in the Holy Quran through a systematic study of the narratives and experiences of pre-Islamic prophets and divinely guided leaders. In a world where dominant governance models are primarily grounded in secular principles and face challenges such as legitimacy crises, systemic corruption, and inefficiency, turning to religious sources for alternative or complementary models becomes increasingly significant. The central research question is: What are the conceptual foundations, structural dimensions, and key components of governance from the Quranic perspective—particularly through reflections upon the lives and missions of earlier prophets—and how can these elements be organized into a coherent theoretical framework? The ultimate goal is to extract and formulate a comprehensive conceptual model of governance rooted in a monotheistic worldview—one that not only highlights its fundamental differences from non-theistic models (in terms of legitimacy, objectives, values, and mechanisms) but also serves as an interlinked set of concepts for understanding, analyzing, and evaluating systems of governance, especially in relation to holistic justice and the material and spiritual well-being of humanity. The study employs a qualitative methodology that combines two complementary approaches: thematic analysis and conceptual analysis with an emphasis on contrasting concepts (e.g., monotheism / polytheism, justice / injustice, reform / corruption), alongside an interpretive and interrogative hermeneutic approach. The dataset consists of Quranic verses related to governance, leadership, legislation, justice, and the stories of nine pre-Islamic prophets. These verses were identified, collected, and coded through open, axial, and selective coding processes, resulting in the extraction and classification of key themes across three levels: basic, organizing, and overarching. Findings were validated through comparison with authoritative Quranic exegeses. The study finds that the Quranic model of governance, as drawn from these narratives, is a dynamic and multidimensional system founded on four interrelated pillars: a) Doctrinal foundations: This dimension provides the ontological and value-based bedrock of the entire governance system. Central themes include monotheism, belief in the unseen, and recognition of divine sovereignty. Governance, in this view, is a divine trust and a form of khilāfa (succession of God), whose legitimacy derives not merely from public consent but primarily from conformity to divine will and law. It emphasizes the ruler’s deep accountability before God and the necessity for political direction to align with divine objectives—such as rejecting tyrannical rule, as seen in the missions of Moses and Abraham. b) Moral principles: This dimension stresses the indispensability of moral virtues in all layers of political and social conduct. Core values include justice, trustworthiness, honesty, courage, patience, humility, compassion for the people, and avoidance of oppression and arrogance. Ethics here is not a private concern but an essential part of both the structure and function of ideal governance. c) Sharia-based framework: This aspect highlights the necessity of a divine legal system and adherence to it as the regulatory foundation for social relations, lawmaking, judicial processes, and justice enforcement. Sharia delineates the boundaries of authority and the rights and responsibilities of both rulers and citizens, acting as a safeguard against arbitrariness and authoritarianism. d) Practical rationality and empirical wisdom: This dimension underscores the importance of knowledge, reason, experience, practical wisdom, effective management, planning, deployment of tools and techniques, and consideration of social facts as well as spatial and temporal demands in administrating the society’s affairs. Quranic examples such as Joseph’s economic planning and strategic planning during famine, David’s expertise in armor-making, Solomon’s use of diverse forces and knowledge, and Moses’ leadership during the exodus of the Israelites all point to the importance of this dimension. These four dimensions are not isolated but interact dynamically to form an integrated model of governance whose ultimate aim is not merely the provision of order, security, or material prosperity—but the realization of comprehensive justice and the material and spiritual elevation of humanity in pursuit of divine servitude. This model, emphasizing the inseparable link between political authority, moral accountability, legal commitment, and operational efficiency, offers valuable insights for rethinking theoretical foundations of governance and addressing contemporary political challenges—especially regarding legitimacy crises, injustice, corruption, and dysfunction.