Islam and Forced Conversion: A Misunderstood Concept

Religion and marriage are two vital components of an individual’s life. Major world religions have guided human beings not only in theology but also in the matter related to marriage. Islam recognizes the need of its adherents for having matrimonial relationship with the women of the people of scripture in a pluralistic society. It has permitted its males followers for getting married with Christian females and vice versa is not permitted. In history, Muslims have been practicing such interfaith marriages and some of Muslim rulers also availed this relaxation. This paper discusses the marriages of Muslim rulers with Christian ladies enumerating various married couples. Among such rulers are included Umayyads caliphs, Spainish amirs, Ottoman sultans, Mughal emperor and some contemporary rulers. The effects of these interfaith marriages have also been analyzed.

Factors Affecting Talent Management in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Suggesting Organizational Response

Purpose – This study was conducted to identify factors affecting talent management in the context of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan their causal relationship. The study expected to facilitate policymakers and human resource managers to formulate and implement exclusive talent management strategies, in order to attract and engage talented individuals for sustainable competitive advantage. Research methodology – The study was correlational and descriptive (quantitative) in nature. The population comprised, students and Heads of Department (HoD) of medical and engineering universities charted by Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a province of Pakistan and overseas Pakistani medical doctors/engineers. Total 845 questionnaires were distributed, 376 amongst students, 71 in HoD’s and 398 amongst overseas doctors/engineers. Total 670 questionnaires were received, 351 from students, 68 from HoDs and 251 from doctors/engineers. The data was analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software. The analysis comprised Descriptive Statistics, Exploratory Factors Analysis and Confirmatory Factors Analysis with Structural Equation Modelling. Research findings – Study found seven factors affecting talent management in the context of KPK, Pakistan. The most significant positive predictor was found workplace environment. However, recruitment and selection, technological advancement and talent demand & supply were also found significant positive predictors of talent management.Practical implications – This study provides systematic management process for employees’ management starting from fair and quick recruitment & selection process, provision of conducive working environment, appropriate development opportunities and remuneration & reward system. This study also provides starting point to researchers in the context of talent management. Policy level implications – To revamp education system, educational institutes launch career counseling services, ensure equal employment opportunities, also discourage discrimination of local v/s foreign qualification, encourage local and foreign investors, overcome issues such as, energy crises, unemployment, poor law and order situation, justice denied or delayed, poverty (lack of food, shelter), favoritism, broken family bonds and breakdown of civic facilities. Originality/value – The research identified factors affecting in the context of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan based on data collected through survey questionnaire. The findings of research study are strategically important for organizations to attract, develop, engage and beneficially utilize the talent for sustainable competitive advantage. This study provides reference for future research studies on talent management, specifically those aims to investigate the formulation and implementation of talent management strategies.