Development Actors in the Conventional Development Theory: Analysis Based on Development Actors According to the Qur’anic Worldview

Each development scheme will surely have a development actor(s). In both, Islamic-based and conventional development theories, the actors are humans. However, the function of humans as actors in both these theories differs. Thus, what is the function of humans as development actors in the conventional development theory? Is it in line with the Quranic Worldview? In order to answer these two questions, this working paper had two main objectives. First, to determine the function of humans as development actors in the conventional development theory. Second, to analyse the function of humans as development actors in the conventional development theory based on the Quranic worldview. This study, which used document research and the content analysis method, found that in the conventional development theory, humans were valued for their physical ability and not their spiritual aspect. This theory treats humans as pseudo-humans or incomplete humans. It only refers to physical strength, productivity and the human mind while ignoring the spiritual aspects, such as faith (iman) and God-consciousness (taqwa). This clearly contradicts human functions based on the Quranic worldview, which presumes humans to be the subject and khalifah of Allah SWT.