In Rwanda, there was much bloodshed when Hutus and Tutsis were at war (1962-1994). It is said that the Muslim community, which was in minority there, came forward to bury their dead bodies lying everywhere. Later, their president admitted in his speech: “It was the Muslims who taught us to live respectfully again.” Such a noble initiative of a small group of people brought light into the darkness of hatred. True leadership founded on the basis of Islamic morals emerged.
Ustadh Kamran Kiyani rightfully observed: “Leadership is not imported. It is from among us that leaders shall be developed. Similarly, leadership is not a privileged position. It is a responsibility assigned by Allah (swt) to all of us in different times and phases of our life. Leadership is the cultural heritage of believers, who nurtured emerging leaders deliberately and by design in the past.”
Regretfully, this tradition is lost today. That is exactly why it needs to be revived at all levels with careful deliberation and prioritized investment.
This also questions the truthfulness of the myth that ‘leaders are born naturally’. Leadership comprises a certain set of skills, which can be learned and applied. It needs to be mastered with constant education and practice.
There are two types of leaders: first, Al-Imam Fil-Khair (leaders of the good) – a person who is leading to get closer to Allah (swt) for earning His pleasure; second, Al-Aimarat Fil-Khair – a leader who brings benefit to Allah’s (swt) creation.
Allah (swt) states: “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.” (Al-Anbiya 21:73)
How will it happen? It will begin with us. Firstly, we will self-lead by suppressing our desires and becoming the best version of ourselves. Secondly, we will lead our families with responsibility to build greater support. Thirdly, we will locally lead our teams, subjects, and people under our care. Lastly, we will impact globally by offering and actively acting upon the solutions to the problems and challenges of the world.
The most common types of leadership needed are: family leadership, community leadership, leadership at workplaces, national leadership, leadership during crises, and leadership for innovation and progress.
Leadership is not a science but an art that needs to be learned by every believer. It impacts our life now and in the hereafter. We will always be answerable for someone under our care. Hence, it is not an option but need for our own well-being.
You own only what you add to the world. This is a very profound thought. Allama Iqbal once quoted:
“The world which you create (with your efforts and ideas) is yours,
Not these stones and bricks (the existing world), which you are aiming at.”
We were created to build a better world and reach our final abode in the Akhirah, not to waste our lives in ignorance and purposelessness. The sooner we own our mission with grace, the better it will be for us.
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