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Journal of Multidisciplinary Islamic Studies eISSN 2785-9223
Articles
Submitted: 2026-11-01
Published: 2026-10-31

Synergy of Al-Ghazali’s Ethics and Servant Leadership: A Conceptual Framework for Volunteer Youth in the Digital Era

Universiti Teknologi MARA, Melaka Branch, Malaysia
Universiti Teknologi MARA, Melaka Branch, Malaysia
Universiti Teknologi MARA, Melaka Branch, Malaysia
Al-Ghazali's Ethics; Servant Leadership; Volunteer Youth; Social Media; Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB).

Abstract

The primary objective of this conceptual paper is to formulate a self-identity development and sustainable commitment framework for volunteer youth in Malaysia navigating the challenges of the digital era. This study draws upon Imam alGhazali’s Theory of Ethics (domain theory), which emphasizes the importance of tazkiyah al-nafs (soul purification) through mujahadah (spiritual struggle) and companionship with righteous peers to foster praised moral behavior. However, this traditional theory exhibits functional limitations in contemporary environments, as it insufficiently accounts for virtual interaction dynamics and the pervasive influence of digital peers on social media exposed to ethical decline. To bridge this theoretical gap, Servant Leadership Theory (method theory) is adapted as an actionable mechanism to build an empathetic volunteer organization environment, thereby stimulating commitment and Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) among youth. This conceptual synergy yields the 'Digital Era Volunteer Youth Conceptual Framework', unifying spiritual self-regulation with dynamic servant leadership practices. This theoretical adaptation offers significant contributions by providing a conceptual bridge between Sufi-based cyber ethics and modern management theory, while serving as a practical guide for non-profit organizations (NPOs) in designing sustainable leadership training programs.

Keywords: Al-Ghazali's Ethics; Servant Leadership; Volunteer Youth; Social Media; Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB).

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How to Cite

Akbar, A. A., Mohd Zin, M., & Mohd Nor, A. R. (2026). Synergy of Al-Ghazali’s Ethics and Servant Leadership: A Conceptual Framework for Volunteer Youth in the Digital Era. Journal of Multidisciplinary Islamic Studies EISSN 2785-9223, 6(1), 22–29. Retrieved from https://majmuah.com/journal/index.php/jmis/article/view/1238