The Practice of Prophetic Leadership in Strategic Management Process: Reflection of Muslim SME Entrepreneurs

The concept of prophetic leadership, rooted in the exemplary moral principles of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), has gained increasing attention in the context of business management, particularly among Muslim entrepreneurs. This study delves into the reflections of Muslim small and medium enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs on the practice of prophetic leadership within the strategic management processes of their companies. Prophetic leadership is characterized by four key values: siddiq (truthfulness), amanah (trustworthiness), fathonah (intelligence), and tabligh (communication). Through a qualitative research approach, this study conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with seven Muslim SME entrepreneurs in Malaysia. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis facilitated by Atlas.ti software version 8.0. The analysis revealed four major themes that reflect the integration of prophetic leadership principles in the strategic management practices of these entrepreneurs. The findings provide valuable insights for future research and offer guidelines for policymakers aiming to enhance the entrepreneurial performance of Muslim SMEs, contributing to the realization of a Madani nation.