ABSTRACT
Motivation as a concept is an internal process which is derived from the word “motive” and has been categorised as being intrinsic (arising from internal factors) and extrinsic (arising from external factors). The self-determination theory (SDT) is an empirically based, organismic theory of human behaviour and personality development. Instinct theory is also called the evolutionary theory of motivation which is based on the premise that people are programmed with innate biological tendencies that help them to adapt and survive. The main focus of drive-reduction theory is that the reduction of drives is the prime factor behind motivational behaviour. From an Islamic perspective, Allah has endowed human beings with biological needs primarily for the purpose of self-preservation and the survival of the human race. The biological need of hunger, and the need to relax and avoid heat and cold, tiredness and pain are mentioned several times in the Qur’an. The essence of the incentive theory of motivation is that human behaviour is extrinsically motivated by a desire for reinforcement or incentives. Islam also has its own incentive approach to motivation, as rewards and punishments are mentioned often in the Qur’an. The 12th-century Islamic scholar and philosopher, Fakhr al-Dīn al Rāzī, preceded Maslow in his theory of needs. The limitation of Maslow’s approach is the ack of the inclusion of religion as a basic human need. Imam Al-Shatibi mentioned that there are vital needs or motives categorised as essentials, exigencies and embellishments. Ethical intelligence, or ethical intrinsic motivation, is the second component of the spiritual model of motivation. Ethical intelligence is defined as the ability to apply or embody Islamic ethical standards and espoused values (Shari’ah) in behavioural decisions and daily functioning.
