Ma`rifat

Given the principle of meritocracy in selecting individuals and assigning social responsibilities, whether in governmental sectors or private institutions, proper individual selection depends on awareness of traits suited to the responsibilities undertaken. The Holy Qur’an refers to "selection" using terms like istifā and ijtibā for prophets, God's friends, and some righteous individuals. Although the divine prophets represent the highest rank in the Holy Qur’an, others must also possess shared qualifications at a lower level to assume social responsibilities. This descriptive-analytical study aims to outline the Qur’anic criteria for choosing qualified individuals, concluding that faith, piety, trustworthiness, knowledge and expertise, jihadi membership, tolerance, and adherence to divine guardianship (wilāyah) are the key criteria for taking different social positions.