[Slideshare] a-muslim response to maslow's hierachy of needs(2005)

All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2005)
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,
MOST COMPASSIONATE,MOST COMPASSIONATE,
MOST MERCIFUL.MOST MERCIFUL.
Extract from course conducted by:Extract from course conducted by:
USTAZ ZHULKEFLEE HJ ISMAILUSTAZ ZHULKEFLEE HJ ISMAIL
( PERGAS )( PERGAS )
SINGAPORESINGAPORE
UNDERSTANDING THE ISLAMIC WORLDVIEWUNDERSTANDING THE ISLAMIC WORLDVIEW
TASAWWUR ISLAMTASAWWUR ISLAM

• In the discourse regarding human motivation, ever since Maslow’sIn the discourse regarding human motivation, ever since Maslow’s
“hierarchy of needs” there has been many subsequent theories which“hierarchy of needs” there has been many subsequent theories which
were critical of it and alternatives are being offered. These include:were critical of it and alternatives are being offered. These include:
• Theory X and Theory YTheory X and Theory Y
• Herzberg 2-Factor TheoryHerzberg 2-Factor Theory
• David McClelland's Theory of NeedsDavid McClelland's Theory of Needs
• Cognitive Evaluation TheoryCognitive Evaluation Theory

• Goal-Setting TheoryGoal-Setting Theory
• Management by Objectives (MOB)Management by Objectives (MOB)
• Self-EfficacySelf-Efficacy
• Reinforcement TheoryReinforcement Theory
• Equity and Justice TheoryEquity and Justice Theory
• Expectancy TheoryExpectancy Theory
Yet, Maslow’s observation regarding the human natural preference orYet, Maslow’s observation regarding the human natural preference or
tendencies towards fulfilment of his basic needs before aspiring towardstendencies towards fulfilment of his basic needs before aspiring towards
being altruistic, hold true in most instances (although there arebeing altruistic, hold true in most instances (although there are
exceptions).exceptions).

• Due to the popularity of Maslow’s Theory (despite the criticism), we begin
our discussion on motivation using his pyramid as a base comparison.
Hoping that it being familiar to all those engaged in discourse on
motivation, it would aid easy appreciation when compared.
• This presentation, Insha'Allah, intends to present a Muslim’s response of
Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs Theory” including an explanation of what
motivates a Muslim. I have long asserted that a Muslim’s worldview
requires him to focus on different ‘drivers’ (considerations) as motivation.

AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2005
*Diagram from Wikipedia5
Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a theory in
psychology that Abraham Maslow (1908 –1970)
proposed in his 1943 paper “A Theory of Human Motivation”

Maslow’s observation of peoples’ tendencies towards beingMaslow’s observation of peoples’ tendencies towards being
self-centred; whose instinct for survival, for self-preservation,self-centred; whose instinct for survival, for self-preservation,
not unlike the animal species - echoes the “not unlike the animal species - echoes the “DarwinianDarwinian” theory” theory
of the “of the “Origin of Species by means of Natural SelectionOrigin of Species by means of Natural Selection” and” and
the survival of the fittest. Whether or not Maslow subscribe tothe survival of the fittest. Whether or not Maslow subscribe to
Darwinism, is irrelevant. Perhaps it is coincidental.Darwinism, is irrelevant. Perhaps it is coincidental.

Maslow does acknowledge the role of religion which somehowMaslow does acknowledge the role of religion which somehow
motivates man towards self-actualization which he actuallymotivates man towards self-actualization which he actually
admires, albeit as the exception. Yet, for him and manyadmires, albeit as the exception. Yet, for him and many
secular-humanists, behavioural psychologists etc. generally,secular-humanists, behavioural psychologists etc. generally,
they view man’s potential towards purely altruistic motivationthey view man’s potential towards purely altruistic motivation
can be possible only after most of his basic needs & wants arecan be possible only after most of his basic needs & wants are
addressed adequately.addressed adequately.

This equates human still to be on the same level as that ofThis equates human still to be on the same level as that of
animals, as though naturally, man is unable to resist his primalanimals, as though naturally, man is unable to resist his primal
instincts and urges for survival. But are human notinstincts and urges for survival. But are human not
distinguished for having free-will and capable of being moral?distinguished for having free-will and capable of being moral?
Surely being human must entail this difference.Surely being human must entail this difference.

• We, Muslims differ from this view that human is an specieWe, Muslims differ from this view that human is an specie
evolved from the animal (as in “evolved from the animal (as in “DarwinianDarwinian”), because we”), because we
believe that human is a unique and separate specie altogether,believe that human is a unique and separate specie altogether,
who already possess intellect, free-will and innate moralwho already possess intellect, free-will and innate moral
conscience which differentiate us from beasts. A man whoconscience which differentiate us from beasts. A man who
denies or by ignoring this in himself, and to merely follow hisdenies or by ignoring this in himself, and to merely follow his
desires is to stoop into becoming inhuman (to de-humanise).desires is to stoop into becoming inhuman (to de-humanise).

• Yet Maslow and other secular psychologists, may be partly
correct in their observation of human behaviour, perhaps
because those whom they have observed were generally the
immoral, the irreligious and selfish people of his time, even
those who claim to follow religion – because admittedly there
are such human-beings.

““Have you seen the one who takes as his god his own desire?Have you seen the one who takes as his god his own desire?
Then would you be responsible for him? Or do you think thatThen would you be responsible for him? Or do you think that
most of them hear or reason? They are not except likemost of them hear or reason? They are not except like
livestock. Rather, they are [even] more astray in [their] way.”livestock. Rather, they are [even] more astray in [their] way.”
((Qur’an: Furqan: 25: 43-44Qur’an: Furqan: 25: 43-44))

• In applying his theory on motivation - following strictly hisIn applying his theory on motivation - following strictly his
hierarchy of needs pyramid – thus it may only be effective
regarding those who are still driven by their desires, ego, selfish
considerations.

• But, this hierarchy of needs theory is irrelevant regarding the
religiously inclined, or those who already subscribe to an altruistic
philosophy in life, the self-actualised – especially the Muslims,
because Islam’s approach to a human (Muslim) development
begins firstly with conscious affirmation or declaration towards
self-actualization (as a Witness - ).
• Islam’s teaching for human development in fact begins by “Self-
actualising” each and every Muslim. So, Maslow’s observations of
an ‘self-actualised’ person is indeed interesting for Muslims to
relate to.

‘Self-actualization’ — a concept Maslow attributed to Kurt Goldstein.
IN ENUMERATING TRAITS OF SELF-ACTUALIZED
PEOPLE, WE TEND TO AGREE WITH MASLOW,
FOR TO US, HE IS AS THOUGH IN FACT ALSO
DESCRIBING A MUSLIM ADHERING TO THE TRUE
TEACHINGS OF ISLAM.

1. Awareness:1. Awareness:
efficient perception of reality
freshness of appreciation
peak experiences
ethical awareness
2. Honesty:2. Honesty:
philosophical sense of humour
social interest
deep interpersonal relationships
democratic character structure

3. Freedom3. Freedom
need for solitude
autonomous, independent
creativity, originality
spontaneous
4. Trust4. Trust
problem centred
acceptance of self, others, nature
resistance to enculturation - identity
with humanity

17AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2005
““an episode or spurt in which the powers of the person come together inan episode or spurt in which the powers of the person come together in
a particularly and intensely enjoyable way, and in which he is morea particularly and intensely enjoyable way, and in which he is more
integrated and less split, more open for experience, more idiosyncratic,integrated and less split, more open for experience, more idiosyncratic,
more perfectly expressive or spontaneous, or fully functioning, moremore perfectly expressive or spontaneous, or fully functioning, more
creative, more humorous, more ego-transcending, more independent ofcreative, more humorous, more ego-transcending, more independent of
his lower needs, etc. He becomes in these episodes more truly himself,his lower needs, etc. He becomes in these episodes more truly himself,
more perfectly actualising his potentialities, closer to the core of hismore perfectly actualising his potentialities, closer to the core of his
being, more fully human. Not only are these his happiest and mostbeing, more fully human. Not only are these his happiest and most
thrilling moments, but they are also moments of greatest maturity,thrilling moments, but they are also moments of greatest maturity,
individuation, fulfilment - in a word, his healthiest moments.”individuation, fulfilment - in a word, his healthiest moments.”

““an episode or spurt in which the powers of the person come together inan episode or spurt in which the powers of the person come together in
a particularly and intensely enjoyable way, and in which he is morea particularly and intensely enjoyable way, and in which he is more
integrated and less split, more open for experience, more idiosyncratic,integrated and less split, more open for experience, more idiosyncratic,
more perfectly expressive or spontaneous, or fully functioning, moremore perfectly expressive or spontaneous, or fully functioning, more
creative, more humorous, more ego-transcending, more independent ofcreative, more humorous, more ego-transcending, more independent of
his lower needs, etc. He becomes in these episodes more truly himself,his lower needs, etc. He becomes in these episodes more truly himself,
more perfectly actualising his potentialities,more perfectly actualising his potentialities, closer to the core of hiscloser to the core of his
being, more fully human. Not only are these his happiest and mostbeing, more fully human. Not only are these his happiest and most
thrilling moments, but they are also moments of greatest maturity,thrilling moments, but they are also moments of greatest maturity,
individuation, fulfilment - in a word, his healthiest momentsindividuation, fulfilment - in a word, his healthiest moments.”.”

AND WHEN RELIGION ORAND WHEN RELIGION OR
METAPHYSICS CAN BEMETAPHYSICS CAN BE
THE MEANS TO ACHIEVE THIS,THE MEANS TO ACHIEVE THIS,
THEREFORE :THEREFORE :

SELF-ACTUALIZATION WITH ‘SHAHADATAIN’WITH ‘SHAHADATAIN’
GUIDED BY THE “SHARI’AH”GUIDED BY THE “SHARI’AH”
Human perfection
ISLAM BEGINS WITH
22
““O you who have attained to faith! Surrender yourselves wholly untoO you who have attained to faith! Surrender yourselves wholly unto
Allah, and follow not Satan's footsteps, for, verily, he is your open foe.“Allah, and follow not Satan's footsteps, for, verily, he is your open foe.“
((Qur’an: Baqarah: 2-208Qur’an: Baqarah: 2-208))

Esteem,
Love / sense of belonging
Safety,
Physiological,
RIGHTEOUSNESS & PIETYRIGHTEOUSNESS & PIETY ((Bir/ TaqwaBir/ Taqwa))
HONOUR & SELF-ESTEEM,HONOUR & SELF-ESTEEM, ((‘Izzat/Ikram‘Izzat/Ikram))
SENSE OF BELONGINGSENSE OF BELONGING ((Usrah/UmmahUsrah/Ummah))
SECURITY,SECURITY, ((Ahkam/Jihad/SalaamAhkam/Jihad/Salaam))
BASIC NEEDSBASIC NEEDS ((Halal/HaramHalal/Haram))
Human perfection
ISLAM BEGINS WITH

"Be ye (Robbaniyin) worshippers of Him (Who is truly the Cherisher of all)"Be ye (Robbaniyin) worshippers of Him (Who is truly the Cherisher of all)
for ye have taught the Book and ye have studied it earnestly." (Q:3:79)for ye have taught the Book and ye have studied it earnestly." (Q:3:79)
23
ISLAM EMPHASISE FURTHER

Esteem,
Love / belonging
Safety,
Physiological,
SENSE OF BELONGING (SENSE OF BELONGING (Usrah/UmmahUsrah/Ummah))
SECURITY, (SECURITY, (Ahkam/Jihad/SalaamAhkam/Jihad/Salaam))
BASIC NEEDS (BASIC NEEDS (Halal/HaramHalal/Haram))
Human perfection
ISLAM BEGINS WITH
24
ISLAM EMPHASISE FURTHER
““SELF-PURIFICATION”SELF-PURIFICATION”
Tazkiyyatun-NafsTazkiyyatun-Nafs

Human perfection
ISLAM BEGINS WITH
25
Thoroughly shedding every base,
egoistic, animalistic, devilish,
materialistic tendencies &
desires, for higher angelic
spiritual traits – termed ‘selfless
Godliness’ - “RobbaaniyIn”
modelled after Prophet
Muhammad’s noble traits or
disposition (Akhlaq).

Esteem,
Love / belonging
Safety,
Physiological,
Human perfection
ISLAM BEGINS WITH
26

Esteem,
Love / belonging
Safety,
Physiological,
Human perfectionFurther ‘MUJAAHADAH’ , emulating
Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w
with TAUFIQ from Allah - to attain
ISLAM BEGINS WITH
27
““INSAN KAAMIL”INSAN KAAMIL”
““INSAN ROB-BANI”INSAN ROB-BANI”

Esteem,
Love / belonging
Safety,
Physiological,
Human perfectionFurther ‘MUJAAHADAH’ , emulating
Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w
with TAUFIQ from Allah - to attain
ISLAM BEGINS WITH
28
““INSAN KAAMIL”INSAN KAAMIL”
““INSAN ROB-BANI”INSAN ROB-BANI”

"Be ye (Robbaniyin) worshippers of Him (Who is truly the Cherisher of all)"Be ye (Robbaniyin) worshippers of Him (Who is truly the Cherisher of all)
for ye have taught the Book and ye have studied it earnestly." (Q:3:79)for ye have taught the Book and ye have studied it earnestly." (Q:3:79)

“LET IT NOT deceive thee that those who are bent on
denying the truth seem to be able to do as they please on
earth: it is [but] a brief enjoyment, with hell thereafter as
their goal - and how vile a resting place! -”
(Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 196-197)

““Seek instead, by means of what Allah has grantedSeek instead, by means of what Allah has granted
thee, [the good of] the life to come, without forgetting,thee, [the good of] the life to come, without forgetting,
withal, thine own [rightful] share in this world; and dowithal, thine own [rightful] share in this world; and do
good [unto others] as Allah has done good unto thee;good [unto others] as Allah has done good unto thee;
and seek not to spread corruption on earth: for, verily,and seek not to spread corruption on earth: for, verily,
Allah does not love the spreaders of corruption!””Allah does not love the spreaders of corruption!””
((Qur’an: Qasas: 28: 77Qur’an: Qasas: 28: 77))

““Work for your worldly needs, as though you are goingWork for your worldly needs, as though you are going
to live forever, and strive (also to prepare) for yourto live forever, and strive (also to prepare) for your
Hereafter, as though you are going to die tomorrow.”Hereafter, as though you are going to die tomorrow.”
((Hadith reported by BaihaqyHadith reported by Baihaqy))

““What I have forbidden to you, avoid; what I have orderedWhat I have forbidden to you, avoid; what I have ordered
you [to do], do as much of it as you can. It was only theiryou [to do], do as much of it as you can. It was only their
excessive questioning and their disagreeing with theirexcessive questioning and their disagreeing with their
Prophets that destroyed those who came before you.”Prophets that destroyed those who came before you.”
((Hadith reported by Bukhary & MuslimHadith reported by Bukhary & Muslim))

““There will come a time for mankind (in future),There will come a time for mankind (in future),
when they (people) will not care how they work (towhen they (people) will not care how they work (to
get their wealth), whether it is Halal (through legalget their wealth), whether it is Halal (through legal
means) or Haram (through illicit ways)”means) or Haram (through illicit ways)”
((Hadith reported by Bukhary and an-Nasa-iHadith reported by Bukhary and an-Nasa-i))

““Verily, the flesh and blood which grew from partakingVerily, the flesh and blood which grew from partaking
food which are Haram (forbidden) will never enter thefood which are Haram (forbidden) will never enter the
Paradise. The fire (of Hell) is most appropriate forParadise. The fire (of Hell) is most appropriate for
such.”such.”
((Hadith reported by Tirmidzi and Ibnu HibbanHadith reported by Tirmidzi and Ibnu Hibban))

““Blessed is He (Allah) in whose hand is dominion, and He isBlessed is He (Allah) in whose hand is dominion, and He is
over all things competent -[He] who created death and life toover all things competent -[He] who created death and life to
test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is thetest you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the
Exalted in Might, the Forgiving -.”Exalted in Might, the Forgiving -.”
((Qur’an: Mulk: 67: 1-2Qur’an: Mulk: 67: 1-2))

““Allah keeps firm those who believe, with the firm word, inAllah keeps firm those who believe, with the firm word, in
worldly life and in the Hereafter. And Allah sends astray theworldly life and in the Hereafter. And Allah sends astray the
wrongdoers. And Allah does what He wills.”wrongdoers. And Allah does what He wills.”
((Qur’an: Ibrahim: 14: 27Qur’an: Ibrahim: 14: 27))

““Have you not considered those who exchanged theHave you not considered those who exchanged the
favour of Allah for disbelief and settled their people [in]favour of Allah for disbelief and settled their people [in]
the home of ruin?”the home of ruin?”
((Qur’an: Ibrahim: 14: 28Qur’an: Ibrahim: 14: 28))

AND WITH ALLAH
IS THE GUIDANCE
AND TRUE SUCCESS

40
””All praise is due to Allah, who has guided us unto this;All praise is due to Allah, who has guided us unto this;
for we would certainly not have found the right pathfor we would certainly not have found the right path
unless Allah had guided us!”unless Allah had guided us!”

41
And salutations of Allah and Peace be upon the
Messenger of Allah and upon His household
and Companions .

42
"Our Lord! Make of us Muslims bowing to Thy (Will) and of our"Our Lord! Make of us Muslims bowing to Thy (Will) and of our
progeny a people Muslim bowing to Thy (Will) and show us ourprogeny a people Muslim bowing to Thy (Will) and show us our
places for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn unto us (inplaces for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn unto us (in
Mercy); for Thou art the Oft-Returning Most-Merciful.Mercy); for Thou art the Oft-Returning Most-Merciful.
((Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 128Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 128))

43
““Our Lord ! Grant that our spouses and our offspring be a joy toOur Lord ! Grant that our spouses and our offspring be a joy to
our eyes, and cause us to be foremost amongst those who areour eyes, and cause us to be foremost amongst those who are
conscious of Thee! (as ‘mut-taqqin’).”conscious of Thee! (as ‘mut-taqqin’).”
((Qur’an : al-Furqan: 25: 74Qur’an : al-Furqan: 25: 74))

44
"Our Lord! pour out constancy on us and make our steps firm;"Our Lord! pour out constancy on us and make our steps firm;
Help us against those that reject faith."Help us against those that reject faith."
((Qur’an: Baqarah: 2:250Qur’an: Baqarah: 2:250))

45
““Our Lord ! Let not our hearts swerve from the truth after YouOur Lord ! Let not our hearts swerve from the truth after You
have guided us; and bestow upon us the gift of Thy Gracehave guided us; and bestow upon us the gift of Thy Grace
(Mercy): verily, You are the (true) giver of Gifts (bestowals).”(Mercy): verily, You are the (true) giver of Gifts (bestowals).”
((Qur’an : Aali ‘Imran : 3 : 8Qur’an : Aali ‘Imran : 3 : 8))

46

47
““Our Lord ! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; OurOur Lord ! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; Our
Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay onLord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on
those before us : Our Lord ! Lay not on us a burden greaterthose before us : Our Lord ! Lay not on us a burden greater
than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, And grantthan we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, And grant
us forgiveness, Have Mercy on us. You are our protector :us forgiveness, Have Mercy on us. You are our protector :
Help us against the unbelievers.”Help us against the unbelievers.”
((Qur’an : al-Baqarah : 286Qur’an : al-Baqarah : 286))

48
"Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter"Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter
and save us from the torment of the fire!"and save us from the torment of the fire!"
((Qur’an : al-Baqarah: 2 : 201Qur’an : al-Baqarah: 2 : 201))

49
““(May) Allah grant His Reward upon Muhammad, salutations(May) Allah grant His Reward upon Muhammad, salutations
of Allah and Peace be upon him and his family, in accordanceof Allah and Peace be upon him and his family, in accordance
with what he deserves (in Allah’s knowledge & estimation).”with what he deserves (in Allah’s knowledge & estimation).”

50
And salutations of Allah and Peace beAnd salutations of Allah and Peace be
upon our Leader Muhammad, and uponupon our Leader Muhammad, and upon
His household and Companions .His household and Companions .

51
”Glory to thy Lord the Lord, of Honour and Power! (He is free) from what
they ascribe (to Him)! And Peace on the Messengers! And praise to
Allah, the Lord and Cherisher of the Worlds.”
(Qur’an : Saffat: 37 : 180-182)

““Grant us (these our supplication),Grant us (these our supplication),
by Your Mercy, (O Allah, You are) theby Your Mercy, (O Allah, You are) the
Most Merciful of those who show Mercy!”Most Merciful of those who show Mercy!”
52

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[Slideshare] a-muslim response to maslow's hierachy of needs(2005)

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