[slideshare] a-muslim response to maslow's hierachy of needs(2005)

All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2005)

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,MOST COMPASSIONATE,MOST COMPASSIONATE,MOST MERCIFUL.MOST MERCIFUL.

Extract from course conducted by:Extract from course conducted by:

USTAZ ZHULKEFLEE HJ ISMAILUSTAZ ZHULKEFLEE HJ ISMAIL ( PERGAS )( PERGAS ) SINGAPORESINGAPORE

UNDERSTANDING THE ISLAMIC WORLDVIEWUNDERSTANDING THE ISLAMIC WORLDVIEW

TASAWWUR ISLAMTASAWWUR ISLAM

• In the discourse regarding human motivation, ever since Maslow’s In the discourse regarding human motivation, ever since Maslow’s

“hierarchy of needs” there has been many subsequent theories which “hierarchy of needs” there has been many subsequent theories which

were critical of it and alternatives are being offered. These include: were critical of it and alternatives are being offered. These include:

• Theory X and Theory YTheory X and Theory Y

• Herzberg 2-Factor TheoryHerzberg 2-Factor Theory

• David McClelland's Theory of NeedsDavid McClelland's Theory of Needs

• Cognitive Evaluation TheoryCognitive Evaluation Theory


• Goal-Setting TheoryGoal-Setting Theory

• Management by Objectives (MOB)Management by Objectives (MOB)

• Self-EfficacySelf-Efficacy

• Reinforcement TheoryReinforcement Theory

• Equity and Justice TheoryEquity and Justice Theory

• Expectancy TheoryExpectancy Theory

Yet, Maslow’s observation regarding the human natural preference or Yet, Maslow’s observation regarding the human natural preference or

tendencies towards fulfilment of his basic needs before aspiring towards tendencies towards fulfilment of his basic needs before aspiring towards

being altruistic, hold true in most instances (although there are being altruistic, hold true in most instances (although there are

exceptions). exceptions).


• Due to the popularity of Maslow’s Theory (despite the criticism), we begin

our discussion on motivation using his pyramid as a base comparison.

Hoping that it being familiar to all those engaged in discourse on

motivation, it would aid easy appreciation when compared.

• This presentation, Insha'Allah, intends to present a Muslim’s response of

Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs Theory” including an explanation of what

motivates a Muslim. I have long asserted that a Muslim’s worldview

requires him to focus on different ‘drivers’ (considerations) as motivation.


AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2005*Diagram from Wikipedia5

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a theory in psychology that Abraham Maslow (1908 –1970) proposed in his 1943 paper “A Theory of Human Motivation”



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychology

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Maslow

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs.svg

Maslow’s observation of peoples’ tendencies towards being Maslow’s observation of peoples’ tendencies towards being

self-centred; whose instinct for survival, for self-preservation, self-centred; whose instinct for survival, for self-preservation,

not unlike the animal species - echoes the “not unlike the animal species - echoes the “DarwinianDarwinian” theory ” theory

of the “of the “Origin of Species by means of Natural SelectionOrigin of Species by means of Natural Selection” and ” and

the survival of the fittest. Whether or not Maslow subscribe to the survival of the fittest. Whether or not Maslow subscribe to

Darwinism, is irrelevant. Perhaps it is coincidental. Darwinism, is irrelevant. Perhaps it is coincidental.


Maslow does acknowledge the role of religion which somehow Maslow does acknowledge the role of religion which somehow

motivates man towards self-actualization which he actually motivates man towards self-actualization which he actually

admires, albeit as the exception. Yet, for him and many admires, albeit as the exception. Yet, for him and many

secular-humanists, behavioural psychologists etc. generally, secular-humanists, behavioural psychologists etc. generally,

they view man’s potential towards purely altruistic motivation they view man’s potential towards purely altruistic motivation

can be possible only after most of his basic needs & wants are can be possible only after most of his basic needs & wants are

addressed adequately. addressed adequately.


This equates human still to be on the same level as that of This equates human still to be on the same level as that of

animals, as though naturally, man is unable to resist his primal animals, as though naturally, man is unable to resist his primal

instincts and urges for survival. But are human not instincts and urges for survival. But are human not

distinguished for having free-will and capable of being moral? distinguished for having free-will and capable of being moral?

Surely being human must entail this difference.Surely being human must entail this difference.


• We, Muslims differ from this view that human is an specie We, Muslims differ from this view that human is an specie

evolved from the animal (as in “evolved from the animal (as in “DarwinianDarwinian”), because we ”), because we

believe that human is a unique and separate specie altogether, believe that human is a unique and separate specie altogether,

who already possess intellect, free-will and innate moral who already possess intellect, free-will and innate moral

conscience which differentiate us from beasts. A man who conscience which differentiate us from beasts. A man who

denies or by ignoring this in himself, and to merely follow his denies or by ignoring this in himself, and to merely follow his

desires is to stoop into becoming inhuman (to de-humanise).desires is to stoop into becoming inhuman (to de-humanise).


• Yet Maslow and other secular psychologists, may be partly

correct in their observation of human behaviour, perhaps

because those whom they have observed were generally the

immoral, the irreligious and selfish people of his time, even

those who claim to follow religion – because admittedly there

are such human-beings.


““Have you seen the one who takes as his god his own desire? Have you seen the one who takes as his god his own desire?

Then would you be responsible for him? Or do you think that Then would you be responsible for him? Or do you think that

most of them hear or reason? They are not except like most of them hear or reason? They are not except like

livestock. Rather, they are [even] more astray in [their] way.”livestock. Rather, they are [even] more astray in [their] way.”

((Qur’an: Furqan: 25: 43-44Qur’an: Furqan: 25: 43-44))


• In applying his theory on motivation - following strictly his In applying his theory on motivation - following strictly his

hierarchy of needs pyramid – thus it may only be effective

regarding those who are still driven by their desires, ego, selfish

considerations.


• But, this hierarchy of needs theory is irrelevant regarding the

religiously inclined, or those who already subscribe to an altruistic

philosophy in life, the self-actualised – especially the Muslims,

because Islam’s approach to a human (Muslim) development

begins firstly with conscious affirmation or declaration towards

self-actualization (as a Witness - ).

• Islam’s teaching for human development in fact begins by “Self-

actualising” each and every Muslim. So, Maslow’s observations of

an ‘self-actualised’ person is indeed interesting for Muslims to

relate to.


‘Self-actualization’ — a concept Maslow attributed to Kurt Goldstein.

IN ENUMERATING TRAITS OF SELF-ACTUALIZED

PEOPLE, WE TEND TO AGREE WITH MASLOW,

FOR TO US, HE IS AS THOUGH IN FACT ALSO

DESCRIBING A MUSLIM ADHERING TO THE TRUE

TEACHINGS OF ISLAM.



1. Awareness:1. Awareness:efficient perception of reality

freshness of appreciation

peak experiences

ethical awareness

2. Honesty:2. Honesty:philosophical sense of humour

social interest

deep interpersonal relationships

democratic character structure


3. Freedom3. Freedomneed for solitude

autonomous, independent

creativity, originality

spontaneous

4. Trust4. Trustproblem centred

acceptance of self, others, nature

resistance to enculturation - identity

with humanity


17AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2005

“ “an episode or spurt in which the powers of the person come together in an episode or spurt in which the powers of the person come together in

a particularly and intensely enjoyable way, and in which he is more a particularly and intensely enjoyable way, and in which he is more

integrated and less split, more open for experience, more idiosyncratic, integrated and less split, more open for experience, more idiosyncratic,

more perfectly expressive or spontaneous, or fully functioning, more more perfectly expressive or spontaneous, or fully functioning, more

creative, more humorous, more ego-transcending, more independent of creative, more humorous, more ego-transcending, more independent of

his lower needs, etc. He becomes in these episodes more truly himself, his lower needs, etc. He becomes in these episodes more truly himself,

more perfectly actualising his potentialities, closer to the core of his more perfectly actualising his potentialities, closer to the core of his

being, more fully human. Not only are these his happiest and most being, more fully human. Not only are these his happiest and most

thrilling moments, but they are also moments of greatest maturity, thrilling moments, but they are also moments of greatest maturity,

individuation, fulfilment - in a word, his healthiest moments.”individuation, fulfilment - in a word, his healthiest moments.”




“ “an episode or spurt in which the powers of the person come together in an episode or spurt in which the powers of the person come together in

a particularly and intensely enjoyable way, and in which he is more a particularly and intensely enjoyable way, and in which he is more

integrated and less split, more open for experience, more idiosyncratic, integrated and less split, more open for experience, more idiosyncratic,

more perfectly expressive or spontaneous, or fully functioning, more more perfectly expressive or spontaneous, or fully functioning, more

creative, more humorous, more ego-transcending, more independent of creative, more humorous, more ego-transcending, more independent of

his lower needs, etc. He becomes in these episodes more truly himself, his lower needs, etc. He becomes in these episodes more truly himself,

more perfectly actualising his potentialities, more perfectly actualising his potentialities, closer to the core of his closer to the core of his

being, more fully human. Not only are these his happiest and most being, more fully human. Not only are these his happiest and most

thrilling moments, but they are also moments of greatest maturity, thrilling moments, but they are also moments of greatest maturity,

individuation, fulfilment - in a word, his healthiest momentsindividuation, fulfilment - in a word, his healthiest moments.”.”





AND WHEN RELIGION OR AND WHEN RELIGION OR

METAPHYSICS CAN BE METAPHYSICS CAN BE

THE MEANS TO ACHIEVE THIS, THE MEANS TO ACHIEVE THIS,

THEREFORE :THEREFORE :


SELF-ACTUALIZATION WITH ‘SHAHADATAIN’ WITH ‘SHAHADATAIN’

GUIDED BY THE “SHARI’AH”GUIDED BY THE “SHARI’AH”

Human perfection

ISLAM BEGINS WITH

22


““O you who have attained to faith! Surrender yourselves wholly unto O you who have attained to faith! Surrender yourselves wholly unto

Allah, and follow not Satan's footsteps, for, verily, he is your open foe.“Allah, and follow not Satan's footsteps, for, verily, he is your open foe.“

((Qur’an: Baqarah: 2-208Qur’an: Baqarah: 2-208))



Esteem,Love / sense of belongingSafety,Physiological,


RIGHTEOUSNESS & PIETY RIGHTEOUSNESS & PIETY ((Bir/ TaqwaBir/ Taqwa))HONOUR & SELF-ESTEEM, HONOUR & SELF-ESTEEM, ((‘Izzat/Ikram‘Izzat/Ikram))SENSE OF BELONGING SENSE OF BELONGING ((Usrah/UmmahUsrah/Ummah))SECURITY, SECURITY, ((Ahkam/Jihad/SalaamAhkam/Jihad/Salaam))BASIC NEEDS BASIC NEEDS ((Halal/HaramHalal/Haram))

Human perfection

ISLAM BEGINS WITH

"Be ye (Robbaniyin) worshippers of Him (Who is truly the Cherisher of all) "Be ye (Robbaniyin) worshippers of Him (Who is truly the Cherisher of all) for ye have taught the Book and ye have studied it earnestly." (Q:3:79)for ye have taught the Book and ye have studied it earnestly." (Q:3:79)

23


ISLAM EMPHASISE FURTHER



Esteem,Love / belongingSafety,Physiological,


RIGHTEOUSNESS & PIETY RIGHTEOUSNESS & PIETY ((Bir/ TaqwaBir/ Taqwa))HONOUR & SELF-ESTEEM, HONOUR & SELF-ESTEEM, ((‘Izzat/Ikram‘Izzat/Ikram))SENSE OF BELONGING (SENSE OF BELONGING (Usrah/UmmahUsrah/Ummah))SECURITY, (SECURITY, (Ahkam/Jihad/SalaamAhkam/Jihad/Salaam))BASIC NEEDS (BASIC NEEDS (Halal/HaramHalal/Haram))

Human perfection


ISLAM BEGINS WITH

24

ISLAM EMPHASISE FURTHER

““SELF-PURIFICATION”SELF-PURIFICATION”Tazkiyyatun-NafsTazkiyyatun-Nafs




RIGHTEOUSNESS & PIETY RIGHTEOUSNESS & PIETY ((Bir/ TaqwaBir/ Taqwa))

Human perfection


ISLAM BEGINS WITH

25


Thoroughly shedding every base, egoistic, animalistic, devilish, materialistic tendencies & desires, for higher angelic spiritual traits – termed ‘selfless Godliness’ - “RobbaaniyIn” modelled after Prophet Muhammad’s noble traits or disposition (Akhlaq).






Human perfection


ISLAM BEGINS WITH

26







Human perfectionFurther ‘MUJAAHADAH’ , emulating Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w with TAUFIQ from Allah - to attain

ISLAM BEGINS WITH

27


““INSAN KAAMIL”INSAN KAAMIL”““INSAN ROB-BANI”INSAN ROB-BANI”







Human perfectionFurther ‘MUJAAHADAH’ , emulating Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w with TAUFIQ from Allah - to attain

ISLAM BEGINS WITH

28

““INSAN KAAMIL”INSAN KAAMIL”““INSAN ROB-BANI”INSAN ROB-BANI”

"Be ye (Robbaniyin) worshippers of Him (Who is truly the Cherisher of all) "Be ye (Robbaniyin) worshippers of Him (Who is truly the Cherisher of all)

for ye have taught the Book and ye have studied it earnestly." (Q:3:79)for ye have taught the Book and ye have studied it earnestly." (Q:3:79)




“LET IT NOT deceive thee that those who are bent on

denying the truth seem to be able to do as they please on

earth: it is [but] a brief enjoyment, with hell thereafter as

their goal - and how vile a resting place! -”

(Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 196-197)


““Seek instead, by means of what Allah has granted Seek instead, by means of what Allah has granted

thee, [the good of] the life to come, without forgetting, thee, [the good of] the life to come, without forgetting,

withal, thine own [rightful] share in this world; and do withal, thine own [rightful] share in this world; and do

good [unto others] as Allah has done good unto thee; good [unto others] as Allah has done good unto thee;

and seek not to spread corruption on earth: for, verily, and seek not to spread corruption on earth: for, verily,

Allah does not love the spreaders of corruption!””Allah does not love the spreaders of corruption!””

((Qur’an: Qasas: 28: 77Qur’an: Qasas: 28: 77))


““Work for your worldly needs, as though you are going Work for your worldly needs, as though you are going

to live forever, and strive (also to prepare) for your to live forever, and strive (also to prepare) for your

Hereafter, as though you are going to die tomorrow.” Hereafter, as though you are going to die tomorrow.”

((Hadith reported by BaihaqyHadith reported by Baihaqy))


““What I have forbidden to you, avoid; what I have ordered What I have forbidden to you, avoid; what I have ordered

you [to do], do as much of it as you can. It was only their you [to do], do as much of it as you can. It was only their

excessive questioning and their disagreeing with their excessive questioning and their disagreeing with their

Prophets that destroyed those who came before you.”Prophets that destroyed those who came before you.”

((Hadith reported by Bukhary & MuslimHadith reported by Bukhary & Muslim))


““There will come a time for mankind (in future), There will come a time for mankind (in future),

when they (people) will not care how they work (to when they (people) will not care how they work (to

get their wealth), whether it is Halal (through legal get their wealth), whether it is Halal (through legal

means) or Haram (through illicit ways)”means) or Haram (through illicit ways)”

((Hadith reported by Bukhary and an-Nasa-iHadith reported by Bukhary and an-Nasa-i))


““Verily, the flesh and blood which grew from partaking Verily, the flesh and blood which grew from partaking

food which are Haram (forbidden) will never enter the food which are Haram (forbidden) will never enter the

Paradise. The fire (of Hell) is most appropriate for Paradise. The fire (of Hell) is most appropriate for

such.”such.”

((Hadith reported by Tirmidzi and Ibnu HibbanHadith reported by Tirmidzi and Ibnu Hibban))


““Blessed is He (Allah) in whose hand is dominion, and He is Blessed is He (Allah) in whose hand is dominion, and He is

over all things competent -[He] who created death and life to over all things competent -[He] who created death and life to

test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the

Exalted in Might, the Forgiving -.”Exalted in Might, the Forgiving -.”

((Qur’an: Mulk: 67: 1-2Qur’an: Mulk: 67: 1-2))


““Allah keeps firm those who believe, with the firm word, in Allah keeps firm those who believe, with the firm word, in

worldly life and in the Hereafter. And Allah sends astray the worldly life and in the Hereafter. And Allah sends astray the

wrongdoers. And Allah does what He wills.”wrongdoers. And Allah does what He wills.”

((Qur’an: Ibrahim: 14: 27Qur’an: Ibrahim: 14: 27))


““Have you not considered those who exchanged the Have you not considered those who exchanged the

favour of Allah for disbelief and settled their people [in] favour of Allah for disbelief and settled their people [in]

the home of ruin?”the home of ruin?”

((Qur’an: Ibrahim: 14: 28Qur’an: Ibrahim: 14: 28))


AND WITH ALLAHIS THE GUIDANCE

AND TRUE SUCCESS


40

””All praise is due to Allah, who has guided us unto this; All praise is due to Allah, who has guided us unto this;

for we would certainly not have found the right path for we would certainly not have found the right path

unless Allah had guided us!”unless Allah had guided us!”


41

And salutations of Allah and Peace be upon the

Messenger of Allah and upon His household

and Companions .


42

"Our Lord! Make of us Muslims bowing to Thy (Will) and of our "Our Lord! Make of us Muslims bowing to Thy (Will) and of our

progeny a people Muslim bowing to Thy (Will) and show us our progeny a people Muslim bowing to Thy (Will) and show us our

places for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn unto us (in places for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn unto us (in

Mercy); for Thou art the Oft-Returning Most-Merciful. Mercy); for Thou art the Oft-Returning Most-Merciful.

((Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 128Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 128))


43

““Our Lord ! Grant that our spouses and our offspring be a joy to Our Lord ! Grant that our spouses and our offspring be a joy to

our eyes, and cause us to be foremost amongst those who are our eyes, and cause us to be foremost amongst those who are

conscious of Thee! (as ‘mut-taqqin’).” conscious of Thee! (as ‘mut-taqqin’).”

((Qur’an : al-Furqan: 25: 74Qur’an : al-Furqan: 25: 74))


44

"Our Lord! pour out constancy on us and make our steps firm; "Our Lord! pour out constancy on us and make our steps firm;

Help us against those that reject faith." Help us against those that reject faith."

((Qur’an: Baqarah: 2:250Qur’an: Baqarah: 2:250) )


45

“ “Our Lord ! Let not our hearts swerve from the truth after You Our Lord ! Let not our hearts swerve from the truth after You

have guided us; and bestow upon us the gift of Thy Grace have guided us; and bestow upon us the gift of Thy Grace

(Mercy): verily, You are the (true) giver of Gifts (bestowals).” (Mercy): verily, You are the (true) giver of Gifts (bestowals).”

((Qur’an : Aali ‘Imran : 3 : 8Qur’an : Aali ‘Imran : 3 : 8))


47

““Our Lord ! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; Our Our Lord ! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; Our

Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on

those before us : Our Lord ! Lay not on us a burden greater those before us : Our Lord ! Lay not on us a burden greater

than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, And grant than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, And grant

us forgiveness, Have Mercy on us. You are our protector : us forgiveness, Have Mercy on us. You are our protector :

Help us against the unbelievers.” Help us against the unbelievers.”

((Qur’an : al-Baqarah : 286Qur’an : al-Baqarah : 286))


48

"Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter "Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter

and save us from the torment of the fire!" and save us from the torment of the fire!"

((Qur’an : al-Baqarah: 2 : 201Qur’an : al-Baqarah: 2 : 201))


49

““(May) Allah grant His Reward upon Muhammad, salutations (May) Allah grant His Reward upon Muhammad, salutations

of Allah and Peace be upon him and his family, in accordance of Allah and Peace be upon him and his family, in accordance

with what he deserves (in Allah’s knowledge & estimation).”with what he deserves (in Allah’s knowledge & estimation).”


50

And salutations of Allah and Peace be And salutations of Allah and Peace be

upon our Leader Muhammad, and upon upon our Leader Muhammad, and upon

His household and Companions .His household and Companions .


51

”Glory to thy Lord the Lord, of Honour and Power! (He is free) from

what they ascribe (to Him)! And Peace on the Messengers! And

praise to Allah, the Lord and Cherisher of the Worlds.”

(Qur’an : Saffat: 37 : 180-182)


““Grant us (these our supplication),Grant us (these our supplication),

by Your Mercy, (O Allah, You are) the by Your Mercy, (O Allah, You are) the

Most Merciful of those who show Mercy!”Most Merciful of those who show Mercy!”


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[slideshare] a-muslim response to maslow's hierachy of needs(2005)

Technology

theory management

popularity of maslows

theory ytheory x

theory y herzberg

basic needs wants

human natural preference

animal species

tothe survival