Quality of a leader in Islam

Khandaker Nazneen Sultana

Professor of American Chicago University Judom Masserman in his book ‘ Who is the greatest leader of world’ point out that Mohammad (SAW) is the greatest leader of the universe for all time.

The greatest historian Sir William Mur said, He (Prophet Mohammad (SAW) was the master mind not only of his own age but all ages.   He posses all the good qualities like, modesty and kindness, self-denial and occupied the affection of others.

A knowledge-based leader is a pre-requisite for effective leadership. It has already been universally accepted that knowledge is the most priced capital. A leader should no longer be dependent on his subordinates. He is expected to know himself. As the Prophet Muhammad said, "All Muslims must pursue knowledge, pursue knowledge from the cradle to the graves".

This hadith stresses the importance of being knowledgeable. A leader must also be able to articulate and be eloquent in what he does. As a leader, he is expected to make decisions, and decisions could only be made with information and a sound knowledge of the job.

People should be able to freely voice their views or objections and have their questions answered. Obviously this can be seen from the famous inaugural speech by the first Caliph Abu Bakr, "O people! You have selected me as your leader although I am not the best among you. If I do right, support me; if I am wrong set me right. Obey me when I obey Allah and His Messenger. If I go against the injunction of Allah and His Prophet, then no obedience is due from you."

Such is the quality that leaders should all strive for. They should strive to create an atmosphere of freethinking, healthy exchange of ideas, criticisms and mutual advises so that the people feel very comfortable to discuss any matters or issues arising. Therefore, leaders must accept criticism.

If we look at the successful people who really made accomplishments in their lives, we can see that they truly persevere in facing challenges.

For instance, Thomas Edison had 1,350 unsuccessful attempts at creating the light bulb and yet persevered. As the famous Einstein said, "I think and think for months and years. Ninety-nine times, the conclusion is false. The hundredth time I am right." In other words, an effective leader has the self-confidence and vision in facing any kind of risk. The best example of all is the Prophet Muhammad himself. Although his own tribes and relatives had isolated him, yet he made Islam a universal religion.

Good leadership moves people in a direction that is truly in their long-term best interest. An honest leader is one who leads and not the one who manipulate to lead. A successful leader is one who attains his ends in the best possible manner, with the least inconvenience to the team, at the minimum cost, in record time and with a high quality performance. With modern techniques, there are several ways of doing this but the path adopted by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is the best, for it was with the divine guidance of Allah that he became the supreme leader of the human race.

Allah has also described about leadership in many places in the Qur’an, so let us now take a look at what He has in store for the believers.

Leadership is very much important in Islam—From the view of The Al-Qur’an and hadith the quality of a leader in Islam is given below.

Hope is in Allah:

A leader should have the psychology of the believers, Allah-fearing attitude, led by the pattern of leader Muhammad Al-Mustafa.

In Surah Al-Ahzab verses no. 21 Allah says:
33:21. Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of Allah.

Ability:

A Leader has aptitude, skill, capability, facility, talent, and knack. He must make his work meaningful. The root idea is attainment of desires.

In Surah Al-i-Imran verses no. 104 Allah informs:
3:104. Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity.

Calmness:

A Leader has to serenity, quietness, stillness, coolness, tranquility, and composure. In hadith we find that,

The strong man is not the one who overcomes others by his strength, but the one who, though angry, controls himself.
[Sahih al-Bukhari]

Dependability:

A Leader has to have reliability, steadiness, loyalty, fidelity, steadfastness, constancy, soundness, and unreliability. He must have to guard him from any bad works and bad habits.

 In Surah Al- Muminun verses no. 8, 9 Allah mentions:

23:1. The believers must (eventually) win through,-
23:2. Those who humble themselves in their prayers;
23:3. Who avoid vain talk;
23:4. Who are active in deeds of charity;
23:5. Who abstain from sex,
23:8. Those who faithfully observe their trusts and their covenants;
23:9. And who (strictly) guard their prayers;-
As a leader in Islam the person must be a Muminun so he has to have the above qualities.

Fairness:

Leader should have the quality of justice, equality, evenhandedness, sprite, and unfairness.

In Surah Al-Hadid verses no. 25 Allah states:

57:25. We sent aforetime our apostles with Clear Signs and sent down with them the Book and the Balance (of Right and Wrong), that men may stand forth in justice; and We sent down Iron, in which is (material for) mighty war, as well as many benefits for mankind, that Allah may test who it is that will help, Unseen, Him and His apostles: For Allah is Full of Strength, Exalted in Might (and able to enforce His Will).

Genuineness:

A Leader has to have the quality of authenticity, realness, substance, legitimacy, and validity.  In hadith we find that,

“A person is perfect in his religion (Islam) when he leaves alone that which does not concern him.”
[At-Tirmidhi]

Honesty:

Leader should have the quality of sincerity, truthfulness, integrity, frankness, candor, and openness.

In Surah At-Tauba verses no. 119Allah says:

9:119. O ye who believe! Fear Allah and be with those who are true (in word and deed).
In Surah Al-i-Imran verses no. 172 Allah announces:
3:172. Of those who answered the call of Allah and the Messenger, even after being wounded, those who do right and refrain from wrong have a great reward;-

 Leader must not be a hypocrite. In hadith we find that,
There are three signs of a hypocrite: when he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he does not keep it; when he is trusted, he betrays.
[Abu Huraira narrated]

Initiative:

Leaders also should have the quality of plan, proposal, scheme, idea, program, project, project, inventiveness, ingenuity, resourcefulness, originality, creativity, invention, and cleverness. In hadith we find that,
  “Every magnificent and important project not begun with the praise of Allah, remains defective.”
[abu Dawud]

Judgement:

Whenever you judge between people, you should do so with fairness. Leader should have the quality of ruling, making decision, finding goods, verdict ness, drawing conclusion, and creative opinion.

In Surah An-Nisaa verses no. 58 Allah reports:

4:58. Allah doth command you to render back your Trusts to those to whom they are due; And when ye judge between man and man, that ye judge with justice: Verily how excellent is the teaching which He giveth you! For Allah is He Who heareth and seeth all things.

Knowledge:

Leaders must be knowledgeable in order to enable them to develop effective strategies. He should be a thinking man, and be engaged in lateral and innovation thinking. Leader should acquire adequate information, facts, data, acquaintance, awareness, understanding, and comprehension.

In Surah Ta-Ha verses no. 114 Allah notices:

20:114. High above all is Allah, the King, the Truth! Be not in haste with the Qur'an before its revelation to thee is completed, but say, "O my Lord! advance me in knowledge."

Modesty:

 A leader has to be diffidence, reserve, humiliated and reticence.

In Surah An- Nisaa verses no. 36 Allah tells:

4:36. Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him; and do good- to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess: For Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious;-

Nobility:

Leader should have the quality of dignity, graciousness, decency, goodness, nobleness, aristocracy, and be upper class.

In Surah Al- Hujurat verses no. 13 Allah says:

49:13. O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).

Responsibility:

A leader has to be millstone has accountability, dependability and conscientiousness. In hadith we find that, 

“Each one of you is a Guardian and responsible for those of whom he is in charge. The Ruler is a Guardian and thus responsible for his subjects. A man is the Guardian of his family and is responsible for those under his care. In like manner, each one of you is a guardian and is responsible for what he is entrusted with.” --[related by Umar]

Sacrifice:

Leader should have the quality of give up, forgo and forfeit.

In Surah Al-i-Imran verses no. 92 Allah express:
 

3:92. By no means shall ye attain righteousness unless ye give (freely) of that which ye love; and whatever ye give, of a truth Allah knoweth it well.

Teamwork:

Leader should have the quality of cooperation, collaboration, joint effort, solidarity, assistance, support, mutual aid, partnership and alliance.

In Surah Al-i-Imran verses no. 103 Allah announces:

3:103. And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah’s favors on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus doth Allah make His Signs clear to you: That ye may be guided.

In hadith we find that,  “Faithful believers are to each other as the bricks of a wall, supporting and reinforcing each other. So saying, the Prophet Muhammad clasped his hands by interlocking his fingers.” -- [Sahih al-Bukhari]

Understanding:

Leader should have the quality of sympathetic, considerate, caring, kind, accepting, indulgent, perceptive, sensitive, insightful and awareness.

In Surah Al-An,am verses no. 155 Allah remarks:
 

6:155. And this is a Book, which We have revealed as a blessing: so follow it and be righteous, that ye may receive mercy:

Versatility

A leader has to have the quality of adaptability, flexibility, resourcefulness, usefulness, helpfulness, convenience, efficacy, effectiveness, suppleness, litheness, elasticity, plasticity, ingenuity,

and inventiveness  .

In hadith we find that, When you see a person seeking an object earnestly, assist him to attain his ends. And never ask for a reward except that given by Allah. -- [hadith of Ash-Shifa]

Zeal:

Leader should have the quality of enthusiasm, passion, fanaticism, fervor, keenness and eagerness.

In hadith we found that, “When three people set out on a journey, they should appoint one of them as a leader.” -- [abu Dawud]

Kindness:

Leader should have the quality of compassion, sympathy, gentleness, kindheartedness, benevolence, thoughtfulness, humanity, consideration, civilization, charity and compassion.

In Surah Al-i-Imran verses no. 159 Allah reports:

3:159. It is part of the Mercy of Allah that thou dost deal gently with them Wert thou severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about thee: so pass over (Their faults), and ask for ((Allah)'s) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment). Then, when thou hast Taken a decision put thy trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).

Faith:

Leader should have the quality of confidence, trust, reliance, assurance, conviction, certainty, belief and devotion.

In Surah An-Nisaa verses no. 59, 173, 175 Allah informs:

4:59. O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if ye do believe in Allah and the Last Day: That is best, and most suitable for final determination.
4:173. But to those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, He will give their (due) rewards,- and more, out of His bounty: But those who are disdainful and arrogant, He will punish with a grievous penalty; Nor will they find, besides Allah, any to protect or help them.
4:175. Then those who believe in Allah, and hold fast to Him,- soon will He admit them to mercy and grace from Himself, and guide them to Himself by a straight way.
In Surah Al-Maidah verses no. 5 Allah relates:
5:5. This day are (all) things good and pure made lawful unto you. The food of the People of the Book is lawful unto you and yours is lawful unto them. (Lawful unto you in marriage) are (not only) chaste women who are believers, but chaste women among the People of the Book, revealed before your time,- when ye give them their due dowers, and desire chastity, not lewdness, nor secret intrigues if any one rejects faith, fruitless is his work, and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good).
In Surah Al-An,am verses no. 155, 158 Allah informs:
6:155. And this is a Book, which We have revealed as a blessing: so follow it and be righteous, that ye may receive mercy:
6:158. Are they waiting to see if the angels come to them, or thy Lord (Himself), or certain of the signs of thy Lord! the day that certain of the signs of thy Lord do come, no good will it do to a soul to believe in them then if it believed not before nor earned righteousness through its faith. Say: "Wait ye: we too are waiting."

Iman:

Leader should have the quality of believe ness of Allah, His messengers, faith of hell and heaven after death, faith in last day of judgments, Kalema , Namaz, Ramadan, Hajj, Zakat and all rules and regulation of Islam  accept as true.

In Surah Al-i-Imran verses no. 125 Allah reports:

3:125. "Yea, - if ye remain firm, and act aright, even if the enemy should rush here on you in hot haste, your Lord would help you with five thousand angels Making a terrific onslaught.

In Surah Al-Kahf verses no. 88, 107 Allah remarks:

18:88. "But whoever believes, and works righteousness,- he shall have a goodly reward, and easy will be his task as We order it by our Command."
18:107. As to those who believe and work righteous deeds, they have, for their entertainment, the Gardens of Paradise,
In Surah At- Taqabun verses no.13 Allah explains:
64:13.Allah. There is no Allah but He: and on Allah, therefore, let the Believers put their trust.

War Strategy:

Leader should be skilled in war strategy, hostilities, approach and line of attack. He has to control the battlefield and war costume.

In Surah Al-Baqarah verses no. 249 Allah mentions:

2:249. When Talut set forth with the armies, he said: "(Allah) will test you at the stream: if any drinks of its water, He goes not with my army: Only those who taste not of it go with me: A mere sip out of the hand is excused." but they all drank of it, except a few. When they crossed the river,- He and the faithful ones with him,- they said: "This day We cannot cope with Goliath and his forces." but those who were convinced that they must meet Allah, said: "How oft, by Allah.s will, Hath a small force vanquished a big one? Allah is with those who steadfastly persevere."
In Surah Al-i-Imran verses no. 121- 125 Allah notices:
3:121. Remember that morning Thou didst leave Thy household (early) to post the faithful at their stations for battle: And Allah heareth and knoweth all things:
3:122. Remember two of your parties Meditated cowardice; but Allah was their protector, and in Allah should the faithful (Ever) put their trust.
3:123. Allah had helped you at Badr, when ye were a contemptible little force; then fear Allah. thus May ye show your gratitude.
3:124. Remember thou saidst to the Faithful: "Is it not enough for you that Allah should help you with three thousand angels (Specially) sent down?

Patience:

Leader should be endurance, tolerance, lack of complaint, persistence, fortitude and serenity.

In Surah Al-i- Imran verses no. 120 Allah tells:

3:120. If aught that is good befalls you, it grieves them; but if some misfortune overtakes you, they rejoice at it. But if ye are constant and do right, not the least harm will their cunning do to you; for Allah Compasseth round about all that they do.
Aim full Target:

A leader must have to poses right and specific target. His arrow may not miss to hit the target or mark. His strategies have to be soft and flexible. A leader who does not know his destination, purpose, objective and intention cannot really lead.

In Surah Al-i- Imran verses no. 153 Allah express:
3:153. Behold! ye were climbing up the high ground, without even casting a side glance at any one, and the Messenger in your rear was calling you back. There did Allah give you one distress after another by way of requital, to teach you not to grieve for (the booty) that had escaped you and for (the ill) that had befallen you. For Allah is well aware of all that ye do.
Braveness:
Leader should have the quality of courageousness, spiritedness, valiant ness, fearlessness, plucky ness, intrepidness and unafraid ness.
In Surah Al-i- Imran verses no. 122 Allah announces:
3:122. Remember two of your parties Meditated cowardice; but Allah was their protector, and in Allah should the faithful (Ever) put their trust.
Economical:

A leader should be inexpensively, cheaply, cost-effectively, reasonably, efficiently, expensively, thriftily, and carefully about his expenses.

In Surah Al-i- Imran verses no. 92 Allah notices:

3:92. By no means shall ye attain righteousness unless ye give (freely) of that which ye love; and whatever ye give, of a truth Allah knoweth it well.
In Surah An- Nisaa verses no. 5, 37 Allah remarks:

4:5. To those weak of understanding Make not over your property, which Allah hath made a means of support for you, but feed and clothe them therewith, and speak to them words of kindness and justice.

4:37. (Nor) those who are niggardly or enjoin niggardliness on others, or hide the bounties which Allah hath bestowed on them; for We have prepared, for those who resist Faith, a punishment that steeps them in contempt;-
In Surah An-Nur verses no. 22 Allah says:
24:22. Let not those among you who are endued with grace and amplitude of means resolve by oath against helping their kinsmen, those in want, and those who have left their homes in Allah.s cause: let them forgive and overlook, do you not wish that Allah should forgive you? For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

To conclude, the qualities of the best leader are many. No leader can have all of them. Suffice if some of these qualities are found in or are internalized by our present leaders. It is equally important that the leader eschews bad qualities, unconsciously or consciously.

All prophets’ was also the leader of their period. They led the kingly power, the gifts of wisdom, justice, psalmody and prophet’ hood were bestowed on him as a trust.

The qualities of leadership are actually the gift of Allah. Islamic leaders are holding strongly the massage of Al-Quran and Hadith. They believe the revelation, which commands well and forbids evil, justice, which gives to that person his due and the strong arm of the law. 

(This article have published in the monthly magazine ‘Life Today’ of ‘The News

Today’ on the issue of January, 2007)