Problem Solving in an Islamic Perspective: A Study of Human Nature and Decision Making

Abstract

Abstract

Problem-solving is an essential skill in human life, whether in personal, social, or organizational contexts. Unlike modern approaches, which tend to emphasize rational and empirical aspects, Islam views problem-solving as a process that also involves spiritual and moral dimensions, as well as revelatory guidance. This study aims to analyze the concept of problem-solving from an Islamic perspective, focusing on the nature of humanity and the decision-making process. The study employs a literature review (library research) using a descriptive-analytical approach through the analysis of the Qur’an, hadith, and relevant scholarly literature. The results indicate that Islam views human beings as khalifah—stewards—who possess problem-solving abilities through the integration of reason (akal), the heart (qalb), human nature (fitrah), and the values of tawhid. The problem-solving process is carried out through the stages of problem identification, consultation (musyawarah), effort (ikhtiar), decision-making, and reliance on Allah SWT (tawakal). The Islamic concept of problem-solving is not only oriented toward the effectiveness of problem resolution but also emphasizes ethics, justice, and the greater good (maslahah). This study offers a novel perspective by positioning Islamic problem-solving as a holistic approach that integrates the intellectual, spiritual, moral, and decision-making dimensions of human existence. This research contributes to the development of problem-solving studies grounded in Islamic values as a holistic approach to addressing life’s challenges.

Keywords: problem-solving, Islamic perspective, human nature, decision-making, Islamic spirituality.

Abstrak

Problem solving merupakan kemampuan penting dalam kehidupan manusia, baik pada aspek pribadi, sosial, maupun organisasi. Berbeda dengan pendekatan modern yang cenderung menitikberatkan pada aspek rasional dan empiris, Islam memandang penyelesaian masalah sebagai proses yang juga melibatkan dimensi spiritual, moral, dan petunjuk wahyu. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis konsep problem solving dalam perspektif Islam dengan fokus pada hakikat manusia dan proses pengambilan keputusan. Penelitian menggunakan metode kajian pustaka (library research) dengan pendekatan deskriptif-analitis melalui analisis Al-Qur’an, hadis, dan literatur ilmiah yang relevan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Islam memandang manusia sebagai khalifah yang memiliki kemampuan problem solving melalui integrasi akal, qalb, fitrah, dan nilai-nilai tauhid. Proses penyelesaian masalah dilakukan melalui tahapan identifikasi masalah, musyawarah, ikhtiar, pengambilan keputusan, dan tawakal kepada Allah SWT. Konsep problem solving Islami tidak hanya berorientasi pada efektivitas penyelesaian masalah, tetapi juga menekankan etika, keadilan, dan kemaslahatan. Kajian ini menawarkan kebaruan dengan menempatkan problem solving Islami sebagai pendekatan holistik yang mengintegrasikan dimensi intelektual, spiritual, moral, dan pengambilan keputusan manusia. Penelitian ini berkontribusi dalam pengembangan kajian problem solving berbasis nilai-nilai Islam sebagai pendekatan holistik dalam menghadapi tantangan kehidupan modern.

Kata Kunci: problem solving, perspektif Islam, hakikat manusia, pengambilan keputusan, spiritualitas Islam.