Human Motivation

Abstract

This article seeks to elaborate on the Islamic understanding of human motivation. It discusses the importance of understanding motivation as a guide for explaining human behavior. It reviews various conceptions of motivation available within the different schools of psychology. Motivation in Islam, the paper argues, derives from knowledge about human origins, about God and Man’s relationship with God and the world around him. Free will and knowledge are important components of human motivation. Iman (faith), the paper insists, is the most basic of human motivations. It is a profound psychological state that influences all forms of motivations. The article concludes by identifying the implications of motivation to education and learning.