A Good Leader
Unfortunately, the world today is ruled by people and countries that not only do not believe in Allah SWT, but also take active steps to go against all religions. These people are forcing the world to accept immoral and unnatural behaviour.
There are so many Muslim countries yet we have no response to this decay.
On the other hand, closer home, our religious organisations have no leadership structures. Anyone can open up an organisation or build a mosque wherever he wants to, even right next to another existing mosque. Even when it comes to family, we do not have good leadership.
The success of any social structure, be it a family, a religious organisation or a country, depends on good leadership and good followers.
Sooner or later we all have to lead. At the very least, we will be leaders to our children and this alone is one great responsibility.
One of the meanings of Islam is submission, not just to Allah SWT but also to His chosen ones; the Prophets, the Aulia Allah, the Caliph and also to one’s parents and elders.
Therefore, the best thing to learn about and to teach in life is to be submissive and to learn to obey. Surprisingly, this ability of submissiveness and willingness to obey is that which will make us excellent leaders.
An excellent leader is submissive to those above him and he is submissive to our religious teachings.
“O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey (His) Messenger and those who are in authority among you (to decide your affairs). And should you differ among yourselves in anything, refer it to Allah and His Messenger (and judge according to their teachings), if indeed you believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is (in your) best (interests) and most commendable in the long run.” Al Quraan 4:59
Failure is a stepping stone to success. A true leader never gives up when he experiences a problem. Life is about facing trials and the only way forward is to overcome these trials.
While others would turn their backs when things get really tough, the true leader would still stand even if he is left alone. The Holy Prophet Muhammad Salallahu Alayhe wa salam marched foward in the battle of Uhud when most of the Muslim army was retreating and in disarray.
There is only one thing that can give anyone such conviction—love. Love, is the superpower, and a true leader loves the man of Allah for the sake of Allah SWT first and also loves his parents and everyone around him.
Another important aspect of a good leader/follower is to ponder about life so as to determine the ultimate goal that he/she wants to achieve at the end of their lives. A good leader has a goal and direction.
In life, there are many short term needs and goals and a good leader is not distracted by such goals. We all need food, shelter and maybe a source of income but such things can never be the main goal of life.
Living to eat… living to enjoy oneself… living to build a fancy house… living to have a successful career or to build a huge bank balance… These can never be the main goals of life.
Searching for the truth, searching for Allah SWT, striving to please our Creator, serving humanity; these are the higher, noble goals of life that a good leader/follower strives towards.
We live in very materialistic times where, even religion is about making money. A true leader is never motivated by money or attaining fame. All he cares about is serving others for the sake of Allah SWT.
As human beings we will all experience the thongs of greed, envy, pride and other vices which all stems from our carnal desires. We simply have to learn to control these passions and kill these desires.
These are the traits that will really harm us and lead us to degradation instead of success. One of the things that our carnal desire loves, is to be on top; the boss; the leader, but when we fight and strive towards this position, for this reason, we will be sure to fail.
We might make it to the top but we will not be able to bring about success for the team. And, O yes, we will certainly be questioned about what we did.
O kings, we have killed the outward enemy, (but) there remains within (us) a worse enemy than he.
To kill this (enemy) is not the work of reason and intelligence: the inward lion is not subdued by the hare. ……….
I pray God to grant me strength and aid and (the right of) boasting”, that I may root up with a needle this mountain of Qáf.
Deem of small account the lion (champion) who breaks the ranks (of the enemy): the (true) lion is he that breaks (conquers) himself.
Matnawi bk 1 verse 1373
A good leader is always open to other peoples ideas. As such, he never really considers himself to be a leader. The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, has said that we should never seek the position of leadership because if we attain this position by seeking it then Allah SWT will not help us with this duty. So, leaders are appointed by Allah SWT, or leaders are elected by the people. In terms of Allah choosing them; His chosen ones will nominate their successors.
Being a good leader is not about coming up with the bright ideas, but it is about getting the input of everyone (“shura”), and going along with the best ideas.
Being a good leader is basically being a good person, with a good character that can listen to others, a person who wants to do what is right.
End.
Published by Anjuman e Waris e Mohammedi.
Anjuman e Waris e Mohammedi was founded by Dr/Hakim Hazrath Khwaja Sayed Shareef Ahmed Ali Shah RA, (lovingly known as Hazrath Poona Wale Shah Saib RA).
Author: Mohammed Hassan Gaffoor. You can contact him on WhatsApp: +27 84 910 1486
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