Islamic Grounding of Governance Principles in Light of the Executive Regulations for Human Resource in the Civil Service

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the concept of governance and define its principles within modern administrative thought, as well as to examine the Islamic foundations of governance principles—particularly transparency and accountability—in light of the Executive Regulations for Human Resources in the Civil Service of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and to clarify the extent to which these principles align with Islamic and regulatory frameworks.

The study employed the descriptive–analytical approach based on content analysis by examining modern administrative literature, relevant Qur’anic verses and authentic Prophetic traditions, and linking them to the provisions of the Executive Regulations for Human Resources.

Study Population: The study population consisted of Islamic legal texts (the Holy Qur’an and authentic Sunnah), academic literature related to governance, and the articles of the Executive Regulations for Human Resources issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

Research Instrument: Content analysis was used as the primary research tool to derive the Islamic foundations of the principles of transparency and accountability and to connect them with the administrative practices and regulatory provisions stipulated in the executive regulations.

The findings revealed that governance principles in modern administrative thought—particularly transparency and accountability—have deep and well-established roots in Islamic law. Islam preceded contemporary administrative systems in establishing the foundations of good governance through values such as justice, trustworthiness, self-accountability, and responsibility. The results also indicated that the Executive Regulations for Human Resources explicitly and implicitly incorporate the principles of transparency and accountability, contributing to administrative discipline, reducing financial and administrative corruption, and promoting integrity and job commitment.