A Thematic Analysis of Nahj al-Balagha to Formulate a Model of Distributed Leadership Rooted in Islamic Teachings

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Faculty of Philosophy and Islamic Theology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran.

2 PhD in Educational Management, Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.

Abstract

Distributed leadership has garnered significant attention as a modern paradigm emphasizing the distribution of leadership responsibilities and stakeholder participation. However, the majority of existing models are rooted in Western literature. This research was conducted with the aim of thematically analyzing Nahj al-Balagha to develop a distributed leadership model based on Islamic teachings.

Research methodology: In terms of purpose, this research is a fundamental-theoretical study, employing a qualitative approach.The analytical method utilized is a hybrid (inductive-deductive) thematic analysis. The research population comprised the complete text of Nahj al-Balagha, from which ten letters of Imam Ali (AS) were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via an in-depth review of these letters and subsequently analyzed across three stages: open, axial, and selective coding.

Findings: The thematic analysis resulted in the extraction of 94 initial codes, which were systematically categorized within the framework of the five dimensions of Spillane’s (2006) distributed leadership model. These dimensions include: mission and vision (centered on justice), shared decision-making (emphasizing consultation), professional development (based on the principle of meritocracy), leadership practices (with a service-oriented perspective), and organizational culture (founded on ethical values). The findings indicated that the letters of Imam Ali (AS), particularly the epistle to Malik al-Ashtar, demonstrate significant richness regarding the components of distributed leadership.

Conclusion:The extracted model elucidates distributed leadership as a divine trust, centered on service and collective participation for the realization of justice. Rooted in religious foundations this model can be utilized as an indigenous and effective framework for educational systems.

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Main Subjects

Applied Educational Leadership
Volume 7, Issue 3
October 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 19 December 2025
  • Revise Date: 23 June 2026
  • Accept Date: 05 July 2026

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