Islamic educational leadership: A systematic review of empirical evidence and a conceptual framework

This study systematically reviewed empirical and conceptual research on Islamic educational leadership to identify its core characteristics and administrative principles. Using a systematic review method, the authors examined 18 peer-reviewed studies (11 empirical and 7 conceptual) retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The findings show that Islamic educational leadership operates through two interconnected dimensions: the Islamic Spiritual Core of Leadership, which includes God-consciousness (Taqwa) and sincerity (Ikhlas), and the Application of Islamic Administrative Principles, which includes trustworthiness (Amanah), honesty (Sidq), compassion (Rahma), patience (Sabr), justice (Adl), and consultation (Shura). These dimensions reflect a progression from internal spiritual values to observable leadership practices. Although leadership practices may differ across Muslim-majority and Muslim-minority contexts, the study concludes that Islamic educational leadership is grounded in universal moral and theological principles that transcend geographical boundaries.