al-Afkar, Journal For Islamic Studies
Vol. 9 No. 3 (2026)

Exploring the Interpretation of the Verses of Meritocracy in the Qur'an: Abdullah Saeed's Contextual Approach

M Irsyad Muhyiddin Abdul Haq (Universitas Ma’arif Lampung)
Muhammad Irsad (Universitas Ma’arif Lampung)
Muhammad Nur Amin (Universitas Ma’arif Lampung)



Article Info

Publish Date
06 Jul 2026

Abstract

Meritocracy is a system of placing individuals in positions or roles based on ability, achievement, and worthiness, not because of kinship, social status, or certain interests. This study aims to explore the interpretation of meritocratic verses in the Qur'an through Abdullah Saeed's contextual interpretation approach and analyze their relevance to the contemporary meritocratic leadership system. This study uses a qualitative method with a library research type. Primary data are in the form of Qur'anic verses related to meritocracy, while secondary data are obtained from Abdullah Saeed's works, tafsir books, books, journals, and relevant academic studies. Data analysis is carried out descriptively-analytically through Abdullah Saeed's four steps of contextual interpretation. The results of the study indicate that meritocracy in the Qur'an does not only emphasize ability and achievement, but also integrity, character, empathy, and moral responsibility. QS Al-Qasas [28]: 26 emphasizes competence and trustworthiness, QS Al-Isra’ [17]:84 emphasizes the suitability of roles to individual character, and QS At-Taubah [9]:128 presents a model of empathetic and compassionate leadership. Thus, meritocracy from the perspective of the Qur’an offers a leadership paradigm that is holistic, ethical, and relevant to contemporary organizational and governmental governance.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

Afkar_Journal

Publisher

Subject

Social Sciences

Description

al-Afkar, Journal for Islamic Studies is published by Association of Secondment Lecturers (Asosiasi Dosen DPK) UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung Indonesia. Focus of al-Afkar, Journal for Islamic Studies is on publishing original empirical research articles and theoretical reviews of Islamic Studies, ...