A new study published in the journal *Military Sciences and Arts* (علوم و فنون نظامی) is challenging conventional military leadership models by examining the strategic and managerial insights of the Prophet Muhammad, as outlined in the Holy Quran. The research, led by Ahmad Dehdar of the Department of Quran and Sciences at the Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (AS) Faculty of Quran Specialized Center in Qom, Iran, identifies key components of the Prophet’s military management and explores their relevance to contemporary warfare and leadership.
Dehdar’s study, titled *The Components of the Military Management of the Great Prophet from the Perspective of the Holy Quran and Its Implications for the Contemporary World*, argues that Islamic teachings offer a unique framework for modern military strategy. By analyzing Shia and Sunni commentary books on the Quran, the research identifies eight core principles that defined the Prophet’s approach to warfare and leadership.
“The findings showed that the Qur’anic components of the Prophet’s military management include: the divine motive of Jihad; encouragement to jihad; observance of justice and equality; field presence in wars and battle scenes; patience, stability, and resistance; simple living and socializing; order, discipline, and supervision; and remembrance and worship,” Dehdar explains.
The study suggests that these principles—rooted in justice, discipline, and adaptability—could provide valuable lessons for modern military leaders. For instance, the emphasis on field presence and direct leadership during battles aligns with contemporary leadership theories that stress the importance of situational awareness and hands-on command. Similarly, the Prophet’s commitment to justice and equality resonates with modern ethical frameworks in military operations, where fairness and accountability are increasingly prioritized.
One of the most compelling aspects of the research is its potential to bridge cultural and strategic divides. As global conflicts become more complex, understanding diverse leadership models—including those rooted in religious and historical contexts—could offer new perspectives on conflict resolution and military strategy. The study’s focus on patience and resilience, for example, could inform long-term strategic planning in an era of protracted conflicts.
“This research is not just about revisiting history; it’s about extracting timeless leadership principles that can be applied to modern challenges,” Dehdar says. “The Prophet’s approach was deeply human—rooted in faith, but also in practical wisdom and adaptability.”
The implications for military leadership are significant. As defence organizations seek to modernize their command structures, incorporating principles of justice, discipline, and adaptability could enhance operational effectiveness. The study also highlights the importance of ethical leadership, a growing priority in an era where military actions are increasingly scrutinized by global audiences.
While the research is grounded in Islamic teachings, its findings are presented in a way that transcends religious boundaries, offering insights that could be valuable to military strategists, policymakers, and scholars of leadership. By examining the Prophet’s military management through a Quranic lens, Dehdar’s work contributes to a broader conversation about how historical and religious wisdom can inform contemporary defence strategies.
As the world navigates an increasingly complex security landscape, studies like this one remind us that the best leadership principles often have deep historical roots. Whether in the context of military strategy, corporate leadership, or geopolitical decision-making, the lessons of the past can provide a roadmap for the future.