Beyond Rational Decision-Making: Istikharah in Islamic Educational Leadership

Abstract

Leadership in Islamic education is not only concerned with administrative and organisational considerations, but also with spiritual values that influence the way leaders understand and make decisions. One spiritual practice present in the Islamic tradition is istikharah; however, the role of this practice in the decision-making process of educational leadership has not yet been extensively explored empirically. This study aims to analyse how istikharah is integrated into the leadership decision-making process within Islamic educational institutions. The research employs a qualitative approach using a case study design at PP Miftahul Ulum Bringin Anom, Pamekasan. Data were collected through interviews, observation and documentation, and were subsequently analysed interactively through data condensation, data presentation and the drawing of conclusions. The research findings indicate that istikharah does not replace problem identification, information gathering or consultation, but is situated after organisational considerations and before the decision is finalised by the head of the institution. Istikharah functions as a space for spiritual reflection that helps leaders consolidate their stance before exercising their leadership authority. These findings contribute a perspective of spiritual discernment to the study of Islamic educational leadership by demonstrating that organisational considerations, deliberation, authority and spirituality can operate sequentially within a single decision-making process.