Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh,
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. We send blessings and salutations upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his noble family, and his righteous companions.
The Importance of Leadership:
Today, we gather to discuss a topic of utmost importance, it is successful leadership.* Leadership, in its essence, is the art of influencing and inspiring others to achieve a common goal. It is a responsibility that carries immense weight, for it shapes the destiny of individuals, communities, and nations.
In the Islamic context, leadership is considered a sacred trust. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) often emphasized the importance of righteous leadership, highlighting its impact on society. He said, “The best of leaders are those who love you and you love them, who pray for you and you pray for them.”
In a narration, Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said, “All of you are shepherds and you will all be questioned on how you led your flocks”. While further explaining this, the narrator said, as a Governor one will be questioned on how he led his people. As an Imam, one will be questioned on how he led his people. As the head of your family, you will be questioned on how you led your family. As a housewife, you will be questioned on how you led in such capacity. Also, the slave (servant) will be questioned on how he served his master. This goes to show how everyone is involved.
What are the Qualities of a Successful Leader?
A successful leader possesses a unique blend of qualities that enable him to guide and motivate others. These qualities include:
STRONG MORAL CHARACTERS: A leader must be a person of integrity, honesty, and justice. They must adhere to a strong moral compass and set a positive example for others to follow.
VISIONARY THINKING: A leader must have the ability to envision a future that is better than the present. They must be able to inspire others with their dreams and aspirations.
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION: A leader must be able to communicate clearly, concisely, and persuasively. They must be able to listen attentively and understand the needs and concerns of others. As a government, you must engage with the people to understand their needs. Constantly being in touch with the people is critical for effective communication.
EMPATHY: A leader must be able to empathize with the feelings and experiences of others. This enables them to build strong relationships and foster trust. One of the excellent examples we have seen in the history of humanity is Umar Ibn Khataab. He used to disguise and walk around at night to hear what his followers say about his governance. One day, he heard children crying as a result of hunger in a particular house and their mother blaming it on the current government of Umar Ibn Khataab. He went and brought a bag of grain to the woman to feed. There are many lessons here to learn as leaders.
DECISIVENESS: A leader must be able to make timely decisions, even in the face of uncertainty. They must be willing to take risks and embrace challenges.
RESILIENCE: A leader must be resilient in the face of adversity. They must be able to bounce back from setbacks and learn from their mistakes. A leader does not run away and leave his followers to suffer.
The Role of the Follower:
While leadership is crucial, the role of the follower is equally important. A successful leader cannot achieve their goals without the support and cooperation of their followers. As followers, we have a responsibility to do the following:
OBEY JUST LEADERS: Islam emphasizes the importance of obeying just leaders. However, it is important to note that obedience is conditional upon the leader’s adherence to Islamic principles.
OFFER CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: A good follower is not afraid to offer constructive criticism when necessary. This can help leaders to improve their decision-making obligations and leadership style. Note that constructive criticism does not require you to condemn the leader, seeing him as an enemy. It requires that you make an observation of what you think is not going well and provide suggestions on how to make it better.
PRAY FOR LEADERS: We should pray for our leaders, seeking Allah’s guidance and protection for them. Remember that there would always be those who wish them failure. Your prayers for them are therefore very important.
SUPPORT POSITIVE INITIATIVES: We should support the positive initiatives of our leaders and work together to achieve common goals. We will not achieve something good if we operate in an atmosphere of crisis with our leaders.
*The Importance of Good Governance*
Good governance is essential for the progress and prosperity of any society. It involves the transparent and accountable use of public resources, the protection of human rights, and the promotion of social justice.
As Muslims, we have a unique perspective on governance. We believe that leaders are accountable to Allah, and that they must govern with justice and fairness. We also believe in the importance of consultation, which is a fundamental principle of Islamic governance. The need to engage with the people is very critical in governance.
THE ROLE OF EDUCATION: A well-educated populace is essential for the success of any nation. Leaders should prioritize education and invest in the development of human capital.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Economic development is crucial for improving the quality of life of citizens. Leaders should implement policies that promote economic growth and create jobs.
SOCIAL JUSTICE: Social justice is a fundamental Islamic principle. Leaders should strive to create a society where everyone has equal opportunities, regardless of their social or economic status. Leaders should remember that they are leaders of all.
By addressing these issues, we can create a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.
*A Call to Action*
In conclusion, let us strive to be both good leaders and good followers. Let us work together to build a better future for ourselves and for generations to come. May Allah grant us the wisdom, courage, and compassion to lead and follow with righteousness.
Ameen.
Mallam Harun Umar writes from the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board’s Central Mosque Benin City.
