The Spirit of Leadership

Rahima Nazmin

Introduction

The concept of leadership can be approached through various points of views including administrative, community, spiritual, or from a business perspectives. However, the aim of this article is to discuss the notion of leadership as observed from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his  Sahaba (RA), as well as presenting an analysis and a brief overview of some of the aspects of leadership viewed in the Islamic perception and its importance in the lives of every Leader. 

Allah ﷻ states in the Holy Qur’an:  “There has certainly been for you in the  Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for  anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day  and [who] remembers Allah often.” [Surah Al-Ahzab 33:21] 

What is a Leader?

Leadership is a process of social influence, which maximizes the efforts of others toward achieving a goal. Thus, it can be understood that the general aim of a leader is to motivate and guide people in a manner and direction that is planned and well-prepared toward a common goal.  

To accomplish the determined probable output anticipated out of a leader, it is vital for a leader to have certain qualities such as courage,  determination, eloquence, justice, compassion,  etc. All these qualities and more were found in the characteristics of the Prophet ﷺ which ultimately led him to be the Leader amongst Leaders. 

“Those Messengers! We preferred some of them  over others.” [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:253] 

Leader or Ruler?

It is necessary to clarify the difference between a  leader and a ruler at this stage in order to avoid misconceptions. While the two are often used interchangeably, they are not the same.

A ruler is a person who exerts power and dominion and uses that to have a certain amount of control over others. They dictate the rules, and one has no choice but to follow them. If not, there will be consequences which will be faced.  Whereas a leader has certain inherent qualities independent of the power they may hold. Leaders can arise naturally in any group in any given instance and the assumption that his leadership is accepted holds; he has not imposed himself by physical force or other coercive means.

As a result, there is a hierarchy based on power in the world. On the other hand, Islam regulates this power differentiation so that it does not lead to injustice and corruption in society. It states in the Holy Qur’an and Hadith: 

“Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you  that perhaps you will be reminded.” [Surah Al-Hadid 16:90] 

On the authority of Abu Dharr al-Ghifari (RA)  from the Prophet ﷺ is that among the sayings he  relates from his Lord (may He be glorified) is that He said:

“O My servants, I have forbidden  oppression for Myself and have made it forbidden  amongst you, so do not oppress one another.”  [Sahih Muslim] 

Emergence of a leader

A leader is created through both circumstances and their ability to motivate and guide others towards the manifestation of a particular goal.  Once a group of people accept this vision, it creates a movement for change. The answer lies in the tasks a person performs that propel him into leadership position. Similarly, in Islam leadership entails the process of inspiring and coaching voluntary followers in an effort to fulfill a  clear shared vision.

However, Islam is drastically different from other systems in that it discourages the practice of seeking leadership; if a person desires it for its power and glory, then he is not fit to assume it.  On an occasion, Prophet ﷺ advised `Abdur Rahman bin Samura (RA) saying:

“O `Abdur-Rahman! Do not seek to be a ruler, for  if you are given authority on your demand then  you will be held responsible for it, but if you are  given it without asking (for it), then you will be  helped (by Allah) in it.”[Sahih Bukhari] 

In another instance, Abu Musa (RA) narrated:

“Two men from my tribe and I entered upon the  Prophet. One of the two men said to the Prophet,  O Allah's Apostle! Appoint me as a governor, and so did the second. The Prophet said, We do not  assign the authority of ruling to those who ask for  it, nor to those who are keen to have it.” [Sahih Bukhari] 

The leadership process in Islam focuses heavily on succession. This is evident by examining the example of the Sahaba and righteous leaders. For instance, the first caliph Abu Bakr (RA) became the successor after the companions of the Prophet ﷺ resorted to a two-step procedure for the selection of the caliph: a) consultation, nomination, and designation by the representatives of the society and b) subsequent confirmation by the general public. On the contrary, the Western process of leadership usually has a fixed method of succession,  primarily concentrating on leading and influencing followers.

What is the goal of a Muslim leader vs. a Non-Muslim leader?

It goes without saying that the focal point in which a Muslim leader diverges from a non-Muslim leader is in their goal. That is, a leader recognises that his position is sacred and is there to solve the problems that humanity faces and guide them towards the achievement of success in this world as well as in the hereafter by following the footsteps of the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ,  the Sahaba and the rightly guided. 

More so, an Islamic leader is not free to do as he chooses, nor comply to the wishes of any group he must only act in submission to Allah and to  earn His pleasure. Allah ﷻ says in the Holy  Qur’an: 

“And We made them leaders guiding by Our  command. And We inspired to them the doing of  good deeds, establishment of prayer, and giving of  Zakah; and they were worshippers of Us.”  [Surah Al-Ambiya 21:73]

Hence, Islamic leadership encompasses both social and psychological contracts that represent trust, doing good deeds for the sake of Allah, and well-wishing for the Muslim community and humankind. Though constantly linking their actions to the Hereafter and emphasizing the reward of the Hereafter. The leadership concept as seen from the West, differs in terms of it being individualistic, since an individual stresses incentive terms for an individual, rather than a  group of people. Moreover, there is less focus on human dynamism, as there is not much thought for human feelings as long as the goals set by the leader are achieved. Oftentimes group priority is also overlooked, there is no community consideration so long as the goals are achieved.  Although, much like the Islamic concept of leadership, there is a concern for organisation and planning.

Attributes of Leadership

In order to have true insight into the attributes required for leadership, it’s necessary to examine the qualities of leadership exemplified by the  Prophet ﷺ and his companions. Some of the core prerequisites of a good leader are mentioned below.

1. Taqwa  

Taqwa simply means God-consciousness and fearing Him at all times, Islam lays great stress on  Taqwa not only for the leader but for every believer; a believer’s rank increases the more  Taqwa they have. Allah ﷻ says: 

“O mankind, indeed, We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and  Acquainted.” [Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13]

Among the many meanings of Taqwa, humility is also included. Humility is especially important for a leader as the position which they are entrusted with, could lead to arrogance. We see from the  Seerah of the Prophet ﷺ that due to his honesty and integrity, he earned the title Al-Ameen (the trustworthy one) even before he had been commissioned as a Prophet of Allah.

Abu Bakr (RA) delivered his first speech full of modesty and humbleness. There was a total absence of arrogance or self-pride, which is often found in modern-day rulers once they assume power. He said:

"I have been appointed as ruler over you although I am not the best among you. I  have never sought this position nor has there ever been a desire in my heart to have this in preference to anyone else... If I do right, you must help and obey me; if I go astray, set me aright...  Obey me so long as I obey Allah and His  Messenger. If I disobey them, then you have no obligation to follow me." [Ibn Hisham: Seeratun Nabawiyya, Vol 4, p.311]

2. Accountability

A leader in Islam constantly bears in mind the  accountability in the Hereafter and the sincerity of  their actions, it is a vital component for leadership  in Islam. Allah ﷻsays,  

“So whoever does an atom's weight of good will  see it. And whoever does an atom's weight of evil  will see it.”  [Holy Qur’an 99:7-8]  

Although, a leader will be responsible for his  deeds, and he is bound to be accountable for his  follower. Prophet ﷺ said,

“Each of you is a  shepherd, and all of you are responsible for your  flocks.” [Sahih Bukhari :212] 

3. Justice and Mercy

In order to flourish as a leader, there must be a  careful balance between justice and mercy. Justice  without compassion leads to tyranny, whereas  compassion without justice creates anarchy. 

Hence, maintaining a balance between both is  vital. Allah ﷻ says in regard to justice: 

“O you who have believed, be persistently  standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and  do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from  being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.  And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with  what you do.” [Surah Al-Maida 5:8]  

On the other hand, Allah also enlightens the  importance of mercy: 

“It was by the mercy of Allah that you (O Prophet)  were lenient with them, for if you had been stern  and hard-hearted, they would have dispersed  from around you, So forgive them and seek mercy for them and  consult with them in the conduct of affairs. And  when you have resolved [on an issue], then put your trust in Allah. Lo! Allah loves those who put  their trust in Him.” [Sura Al-Imran 3:159]  

Islam commands Muslims to be fair and just,  even if the verdict of the circumstances go against  them. As Allah commands: #

“O you who have believed, be persistently  standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and  relatives...” [Surah Al-Nisa 4:135]  

4. Knowledge and wisdom

Knowledge and wisdom grant a person the ability  to bring out the most desirable outcome in any  particular situation.Despite the fact one can gain  knowledge through various means, wisdom  (hikmah), which is a divine gift, comes through inner enlightenment and by seeking sincere  guidance from Allah. It is crucial for a leader to attain these attributes in order to have a sense of  direction and be successful in their role. Allah ﷻ says in the Holy Qur’an:  

“It is He who has sent among the unlettered a  Messenger from themselves reciting to them His  verses and purifying them and teaching them the  Book and wisdom - although they were before in  clear error.” [Surah Al-Jumu’ah 62:2]  

Hence, leadership through knowledge and  removal of ignorance brings wisdom and success.

5. Patience and Tolerance (Sabr)

It evident that in the life of a person, especially  Muslims, many trials will strike them. After all,  this life is a test, so surely, we will all be tested.  Allah ﷻ states: 

“Do the people think that they will be left to say,  "We believe" and they will not be tried?”  [Surah Al-A’nkabut 29:2]  

Nevertheless, this should not cause hopelessness,  since Allah guides the people to the solution of  any problems one may face. He says: 

“And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not  dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your  strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed,  Allah is with the patient.” [Surah Al-Anfal 8:46]  

There are many instances in the life of the  Prophet ﷺ where he demonstrated this attribute,  for example, following his suffering in Ta’if,  instead of seeking revenge, the Prophet ﷺ prayed  for their guidance.

6. Selflessness

Selflessness involves Leaders putting the welfare  of others above their own. It is a noble virtue that  earns the love and respect of those under them.  This is another area in which Islamic leadership fundamentally differs from the predominant  secular system currently. In the West, the elite live  in luxury whilst exhorting the people to make  sacrifices. Islam, however, disregards these  inequalities in society which lead to conflict and  violence. Allah ﷻmentions in the Holy Qur’an: 

“Eat and drink but be not excessive.” [Surah Al-A’raf 7:31]  

This attribute was often implemented by the  Khulafa al-Rashidoon. For instance, once a  bedouin found Ali (RA) shivering in worn out  sheet. In another case, Ali (RA) in discussing the  qualities of a leader said: 

"O People! You know that it is not fitting that one who is greedy and parsimonious should attain  rule and authority over the honour, lives and  incomes of the Muslims, and the laws and  ordinances enforced among them, and also  leadership of them. Furthermore, he should not  be ignorant and unaware of the law, lest in his  ignorance he misleads the people. He must not be  unjust and harsh, causing people to cease all  traffic and dealings with him because of his  oppressiveness. Nor must he fear states, so that  he seeks the friendship of some and treats others  with enmity. He must refrain from accepting  bribes when he sits in judgement, so that the  rights of men are trampled underfoot, and the  claimant does not receive his due. He must not  leave the Sunnah of the Prophet and the law in  abeyance, so that the community falls into  misguidance and peril." [Nahjul Balagha] 

Prophet ﷺ, the Khulafa al-Rashidoon, and Sahaba  never ordered anything which they themselves  did not practice. They were always conscious of  the Qur’anic verse:  

"O you who are divinely committed! Why do you  say that which you do not practise yourself? The  worst of you in the sight of Allah is he who says  that which he does not practise" [Surah Al-Saf 61:02-3]

7. Consultation and Consultative decision making

A complete leader will possess the characteristic  of discussion with those who follow them.  Rasulullah ﷺ constantly consulted the Sahaba for  many matters and would not impose his personal  opinion. Allah ﷻ says in the Holy Qur’an: 

“So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them  and consult them in the matter. And when you  have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah  loves those who rely [upon Him].” [Surah Al-Imran 3:159]  

The importance of consultation is highlighted in  Islam since consultation gives fruition to the  follower’s trust for their leader and reliability is  gained if their opinions are respected.

Conclusion

In Islam, leadership is a trust and a crucial  position granted by Allah. Their responsibility is  to adhere to the commands of Allah and to  implement His laws to the best of their ability.  Failure to do so will render him liable before Allah  on the Day of Judgement. Rasulullah ﷺ said: 

“Beware. every one of you is a shepherd and  everyone is answerable with regard to his flock.”  [Sahih Muslim] 

Rasulullah ﷺ, his companions and just rulers,  exemplified leadership in all aspects of their lives  as mentioned above, which in turn led them to  have prosperity in this World and the Hereafter.  And if we were true followers of the example set  by Rasulullah ﷺ, we would also seek to do the  same. In the view of the fact that, when leadership  is great, success inevitably follows. Likewise,  when leadership is poor, failure inevitably follows.

Rahima Nazmin

Alimiyyah & University Graduate, Student of Shaykh Faizulhaq Abdulaziz حفظه الله