Islamic Politics Research

Islamic Politics Research

Designing a Resilient Governance Model Based on the Teachings of Prophet Moses (AS) through Thematic Analysis

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 َAssociate Professor, Human Resource Management, dept. of HRM and MBA, Faculty of Management, Kharazmi University
2 Department of Business Management, Faculty of Management, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/ipr.2026.553181.2318
Abstract
This study aimed to design a comprehensive model of resilient governance based on the teachings of Prophet Moses (AS). The research employed a qualitative method with an inductive approach, utilizing thematic analysis for data analysis. A significant aspect of this research is that previous studies on resilient governance have primarily focused on modern societies, revealing a notable gap in examining historical patterns of resilience relying on religious narratives, particularly the conduct (Seerah) of the Prophets as practical models of societal leadership. This study consequently sought to answer the following question: what are the components of resilient governance in the leadership conduct of Prophet Moses (AS), and how can they be presented as a conceptual model for modern governance? The governance approach of Prophet Moses (AS) in leading a society faced with numerous challenges and shocks can serve as a model for governance resilience in modern societies. The results of the study delineate a coherent conceptual model titled "Moses-Inspired Resilient Governance." At a macro level, this model rests on three fundamental pillars: the level of governance requirements in the domain of idealistic and legitimacy-giving foundations, the level of governance requirements in the domain of strategic management and adaptation, and the level of governance requirements in the domain of institution-building and development of human and social capital. These components can provide a model for implementing resilience in governance systems of modern societies.
Keywords
Subjects

Hakak, M., Salehi, H., & Forqani, Y. (2018). Designing an Islamic conceptual model for justice in the compensation system based on the teachings of Nahj alBalaghah. Management in Islamic University, 7(16), 341–358.
Hershey, H. & Friedman, L. W (2018). Even great leaders make mistakes: Learning leadership from Moses. Journal of Leadership and Management, 13(3), 1-12.
Hokmabadi, S. H., & Salimifar Falahi (2024). Investigating the effect of good governance on economic resilience of selected oilexporting countries with a focus on corruption control. Economic Analyses of Iran’s Development, 9(2), 219–250.
Holling, C. S (1973). Resilience and stability of ecological systems. Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics, 4, 1-23.
Kharaqani, K., & Qorbani, M. Z. (2023). Symbol and its role in the timelessness of Quranic stories (Case study: The story of Prophet Moses). Quranic Teachings, 36(19), 99–119.
Lakzaei, S., Hosseinpour Asl Kelashani, & Haddadi (2025). The four dimensions of governance in the Quran: An analysis of the narratives of preIslamic prophets. Political Science, 27(4), 6–53.
Lebel, L. Anderies, J. M. Campbell, B. Folke, C. Hatfield-Dodds, S. Hughes, T. P. & Wilson, J (2006). Governance and the capacity to manage resilience in regional social-ecological systems. Ecology and Society, 11(1), 19.
Nejatbakhsh Esfahani, A. (2020). The crisis management model of Prophet Moses in the verses of the Holy Quran. Science and Civilization in Islam, 2(5), 34–55.
Nowbari, A., & Bayat, H. (2024). The pattern of Pharaoh’s confrontation with Moses and his Israelite followers based on content analysis of relevant Quranic verses. Quranic Studies and Islamic Culture, 8(4), 115–141.
Pieraccini, M (2019). Towards just resilience: representing and including new constituencies in adaptive governance and law. Journal of Environmental Law, 31(2), 213-234.
Pirouz, A. A. (2021). Basic elements of administrative governance from the perspective of Islamic teachings. Islamic Policy Research, 9(20), 165–192.
Raghib Isfahani, H. M. (1034 CE). Mufradat alfaz alQuran. Beirut: Dar alQalam. (Original work published 425 AH)
Rangriz, H. (2019a). Designing a sustainable governance model based on Imam Ali’s governmental decree to Malik alAshtar. Islamic Policy Research, 7(15), 55–84.
Rangriz, H. (2019b). Designing the Alawi government model based on the teachings of Nahj alBalaghah. Alawi Research Journal, 10(2), 23–46.
Rangriz, H. (2022c). Designing a comprehensive model of religious government based on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad using thematic analysis approach. Islamic Policy Research, 20(9), 104–135.
Saikia, P. & Jiménez, A. (2023). Governance attributes for building water resilience: a literature review. Water International, 48(7), 809-838.
Seyed Jafari, S. A. (2025). Mechanisms and consequences of optimism bias in governance decisions from the perspective of the Holy Quran and Nahj alBalaghah. Islamic Policy Research, 13(27), 90–121.
Sheikhi Aliabad (2024). Behavioral characteristics of a leader from the Quranic perspective (with emphasis on the behavioral characteristics of Prophet Moses). Islam and Management Research, 28(14), 8–20.
Stirling, J (2001). Thematic networks: An analytic tool for qualitative research. Qualitative Research, 1(3), 385-405.
Stoker, G (1998). Governance as theory: five propositions. International Social Science Journal, 50(155), 17-28.
Walker, B. Holling, C. S. Carpenter, S. R. & Kinzig, A (2004). Resilience, adaptability and transformability in social-ecological systems. Ecology and Society, 9(2), 5.
Volume 13, Issue 28
December 2026
Pages 43-71

  • Receive Date 13 October 2025
  • Revise Date 11 February 2026
  • Accept Date 19 February 2026