Leadership in Islam – Part 2 of 2

Br Kaushar Tai - Aksaa

Characteristics of a Good Leader

There are many characteristics that made the Prophet pubh a successful leader and there are many
lessons that we can learn from this and apply them in our lives today.

We discussed in part 1 the Islamic perspective of Leadership quoting the Quranic exhortation and the
teachings from our beloved Prophet pbuh in determining who is a successful Leader. This second part
will discuss the traits of a good Leader and what great characteristics the Prophet pbuh possessed to
make him an exceptional Leader. These lessons will help us to strive and apply those characteristics
in our leadership positions and in our lives, and which are pleasing to Allah SWT.

The Key Traits of a Good Leader

1. Be Merciful, lenient, and forgiving

Allah SWT says about the Prophet pbuh: “And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a
mercy to the worlds.” Quran 21:107. Indeed, the Prophet pbuh was the embodiment of peace and
mercy. Whenever he was wronged by anyone, he would forgive them and would refrain from holding
grudges. This shows that the Prophet pbuh was not only merciful and mindful of the Muslims but was
also kind to non-Muslims and forgiving. This means, one of the key characteristics of a good leader is
to be merciful, lenient, and forgiving.

In another verse Allah SWT bestowed mercy on His Rasul. Allah SWT says: “So by mercy from Allah,
[O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart,
they would have disbanded from about you. 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].” Quran 3:159. The verse is clearly referring to people who were around the Prophet
pbuh and could have left him. The verse first highlights the mercy and gentleness with which the
Prophet pbuh treated his Companions.

The lesson leaders can learn from these Quranic verses is that they are required to be lenient, merciful,
and forgiving of any shortcomings from people under their leadership. Leaders need to have qualities
as demonstrated by the example of the Prophet pbuh. Some important points derived from this are:
First, the leader has to have a good heart, wishing goodness for the people whom they lead. Second,
they need to be merciful and mercy becomes the bridge between those who are leading and those
who are led which enables the connection between the two. Third, they to be lenient and gentle as
demonstrated by the Prophet pbuh. Fourth, they have to eradicate harshness in their leadership style.
Five, they need to forgive when things go wrong. Six, they make dua for the people whom they lead.
Seven, they consult and collaborate. Eight they have tawaqul - doing what is possible but also totally
relying on Allah SWT at the same time.

2. Be Just

In Islam, justice has great importance. Justice is to give due and equal rights to others. Doing justice is
also a moral quality and character of a person. Justice implies that a balance in the allocation of rights
and duties is created. The Prophet pbuh highlighted the importance of justice in these words: “There

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are seven categories of people whom God will shelter under His shade on the Day when there will be
no shade except His. (One is) the just leader.” Muslim.

It is the responsibility of the leader to ensure the rule of law is practiced by all and provide justice to
the people. On the day of judgment, Allah SWT will be most merciful and kind to those leaders who
have been kind and just to the people. Allah SWT says: : “…. O you who have believed, be persistently
standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives.
Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So, follow not [personal] inclination, lest you
not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what
you do, Acquainted.” Quran 4:135.

In another verse Allah SWT says: “God commands justice and fair dealing.” Quran 16:90. From this
verse, it can be concluded that Allah directly commands Muslims to do justice and deal fairly with their
fellow human beings. On another occasion, Allah SWT says: “…. O you who believe, stand up as
witnesses for God in all fairness and do not let the hatred of a people deviate you from justice. Be just.
This is closest to piety and beware of God. Surely God is aware of all you do.” Quran 5:8.

As a leader, one should not only do everything in their power to make the lives of their people easier
but should also offer assistance whenever approached. In addition, a leader should be just in such a
way as to not discriminate against anyone based on gender, race, class, status, or religion.

The Prophet pbuh was scrupulously fair, and just, such that during a dispute between a believer and
a Jewish person who had been framed, he gave a verdict in favour of the Jewish person in light of the
evidence. He similarly declined to give leadership roles to companions whom he felt would not be just
in their leadership.

In a hadith narrated by Aisha RA: Usama approached the Prophet pbuh on behalf of a woman who
had committed theft. The Prophet pbuh said: "The people before you were destroyed because they
used to inflict legal punishments on the poor and forgive the rich. By Him in Whose Hand my soul is! If
Fatima (the daughter of the Prophet pbuh) did that (i.e., stole), I would cut off her hand." Bukhari.
This means Justice is for all and everyone should put justice first, even before family.

The Prophet pubh also said: "Not even a single Dinar of my property should be distributed after my
death to my inheritors, but whatever I leave excluding the provision for my wives and my servants,
should be spent in charity." Bukhari. How many leaders and rulers, presidents, prime ministers and
kings would leave their wealth and property to charities upon their death in this way?

3. Consultation - Involving the people in the decision-making process

For an Islamic leader, consultation means to sharing and exchanging views and opinions on every
important matter. An efficient leader is someone who has the quality to discuss every important
matter with his followers. Islam also regulates the formal body of power for mutual consultation in all
the matters and affairs of the society and state. This is known the concept of Shura. It is evident from
the history of Islamic leadership that all important decisions were taken and implemented after doing
consultations with the followers. Allah SWT orders the Prophet pbuh to consult with others to find
out the solutions and then put Trust in Allah. Allah SWT says: “And make counsel with them in the
affair; so, when you have decided, then place your trust in Allah; surely Allah loves those who trust.”
Quran 3:159.

This means Islam does not permit a leader to make decisions without any kind of consultation. In
public affairs, a leader must have general consultation with all of his followers. After consultation, he

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has to justify that decision with the divine law of Islamic Shariah. The Prophet pbuh took his people
and their recommendations seriously. The Battle of Trench is one example of how the Prophet pbuh
took the suggestion of Salman Farsi to dig a trench as a strategy against the enemy and although the
Prophet pbuh could have disagreed, he decided to trust Salman RA and the decision proved fruitful.

Another example, is when the Prophet pbuh consulted with his wife Umm Salama during the treaty of
Hudaibiyah. When the Prophet pbuh had ratified the treaty, he commanded his Companions to get
up, slaughter their sacrificial animals, and shave their heads, but none of them got up. The Prophet
pbuh told his Companions to end the state of ihram which they had entered in order to perform
Umrah. However, they were to wait until the following year to perform Umrah as per the agreement
of the treaty, but they did not want to abandon their hope of performing Umrah. They did not want
to accept the deal that had been struck with the Quraysh, hence they were reluctant to end their
ihram. The Prophet pbuh told them three times to do this, but not one of them responded. Then the
Prophet pbuh went to consult with his wife Umm Salama, and told her what he was facing from the
people. She advised the Prophet thus: “O Messenger of Allah, go out and do not speak to any of them
until you have sacrificed your animal and shaved your head.”

The Prophet pbuh took her advice and did as she suggested. When the companions saw this, they
rushed to sacrifice their animals, pushing one another aside, until they were almost fighting with one
another because of their distress and grief, and their regret for having disobeyed the Prophet pbuh.

Have Integrity and Trust

The Prophet’s integrity was established from a young age given his consistent display of honesty and
truthfulness in his dealings with everyone. During the dispute of the Hajarul-Aswad - The Blackstone,
when the young Muhammad pbuh walked in, the Makkan leaders declared: “Al-Amin has arrived” and
accepted him as their solution provider.

The Prophet pbuh was known as Sadiq and Ameen – honest and trustworthy, and everyone knew that
he could be trusted fully. Even those who did not believe in the message of Islam sometimes gave the
Prophet their assets for safekeeping. For someone, who had so many enemies to be trusted in such
a manner is a testament to the kind of person and leader our beloved Prophet pbuh was.

Ibn Abbas RA reported: The Prophet pbuh went out, climbed the hill of Safa, and shouted to get their
attention. The people said: “What's this?” and gathered before him. He addressed them, saying, “If I
was to inform you that horsemen were in the valley behind this hill ready to attack you, would you
believe me?" They replied, "Yes, for we have never known you to lie”. Then the Prophet pbuh said:
“Indeed, I am a warner to you of severe punishment.” Bukhari. We learn from this the amount of trust
people had in our beloved Prophet pubh.

Allah SWT commands the believers to render trust to whom they are due in the following words:
“Indeed, Allah orders you to render the trusts to their owners, and when you judge between the people
to judge with justice. Indeed, Allah excellently advises you with it. Indeed, Allah is All-Hearing, All-
Seeing.” Quran 4:58. It is important for people to have trust in their leader and hence it is a quality
that must be present in anyone who aims to be a good Leader. Therefore, respect and trust need to
be earned by the leader himself and this can only be achieved if they themselves are trustworthy and
respectful.

On the betrayal of trust, Allah SWT warns in the Holy Quran: “… O you who have believed, do not
betray Allah and the Messenger or betray your trusts while you know (the consequence).” Quran 8.27.

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There are two common ways of making people work. First through the use of trustful relationships.
Second by the use of force. The former is attributed to gaining the respect of the public and is more
helpful, while the latter is thought to be enforcing fear in people and is less effective. Every successful
person in charge achieves the trust and reliance of the group that it is managing or leading, by showing
a sense of belongingness and sympathy for them.

The Prophet pbuh used to remain within proximity of His followers and was fully aware of their
conditions. He had enough empathy to know their sufferings and always used to be a part of them.
Allah SWT also refers to the Prophet pbuh with this leadership aptitude in the Quran. Allah SWT says:
“There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to him is what you
suffer; [he is] concerned over you and to the believers is kind and merciful.” Quran 9: 128. This ayah
clearly demonstrates the Prophet’s concern for his people and it would grieve him when any of his
companions experience any suffering. A good leader will always have concern for his people.

4. Being Visionary – Taking a long-term view

Every organisation needs to have a clear vision and set goals for being able to succeed in the long run.
That is why top-ranked companies in the world make strategic plans for the upcoming two to three
decades in advance. All of this is made possible through the insightful efforts of great figureheads,
who foresee imminent changes in the market and drive their business in their direction. The
Messenger pbuh had unparalleled foresight and could take decisions that at first looked unfeasible,
but proved to be fruitful in the future. For example, when He pbuh decided to offer Umrah at the Holy
Kaaba in Makkah, in the sixth year after migration, He set out from Madina with 1400 companions.
However, Muslims were held back from practicing Umrah from the Quraysh. Thereupon, Muslims
were forced to enter into a pact containing stipulations favouring more the non-believers.

It was decided that the Muslims should not carry out their pilgrimage that year but shall wait till next
year. And no man shall come from Quraysh without the approval of his master seeking shelter with
the Muslims but he shall be returned to Quraysh. And that no man from the Muslims shall come to
Quraysh seeking protection but he shall be permitted to stay with Quraysh. They also agreed to
abstain from fighting for ten years and that whosoever wished to enter into Muhammad’s pact and
treaty could do so, and whosoever wished to enter into Quraysh’s pact and treaty could do so. The
Prophet pubh agreed to this truce which was named “The Truce of Al-Hudaibiyya.”

Initially, Muslims were not happy with this treaty and regarded it as an entirely in favour of the
enemies. But with the passage of time, they realised its larger repercussions which benefited them.
There were two main advantages that were achieved. First, the number of new entrants to Islam
increased many folds when those who were returned to Quraysh escaped from their masters, lived as
outlaws, and attacked Makkans trade caravans. For this reason, the Quraysh allowed Madinans to
keep the escapees with them, which lead to the entry of individuals into the religion of Islam without
any fear of retribution. Second, Muslims were less powerful at that stage than the Quraysh, so it would
not be wise to commit jihad at that time, so the Prophet pbuh entered into a peace pact, and took
some time to increase in number and resources. Finally, when the treaty was broken by the non-
believers, Muslims had a crucial victory in the battle of Makkah. This showed the Prophet`s pbuh
realistic thinking and great vision, paving the way for the final coup of Muslims over non-believers.

5. Honesty and being free of corruption

Leaders and rulers of nations need to rule not only with justice but with honesty and without
corruption. Allah SWT says: “The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger,
and strive to spread corruption through the land is: execution, or crucifixion, or the cutting off of hands

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and feet from opposite sides, or exile from the land: that is their disgrace in this world, and a heavy
punishment is theirs in the Hereafter.” Quran, 5:33.

Studies have shown that corruption is associated with poverty by means of poor economic growth
and or bad governance. An economic model assumes that corruption discourages foreign
investments, decreases tax revenues and in turn, induces poverty. In addition, the governance model
asserts that poverty increases due to rampant corruption practices which erode institutional capacity
to deliver quality public services.

A corrupt Leader of a nation is seen as dishonest and not concerned about their nation’s prosperity
and development. Honesty in aspects of life is paramount and when authority is passed on to
dishonest leaders then a dire warning is stressed in this hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah RA that
Allah’s Messenger pubh said, “When honesty is lost, then wait for the Hour.” It was asked, “How will
honesty be lost, O Allah’s Messenger pbuh?” He said, “When authority is given to those who do not
deserve it, then wait for the Hour.” Bukhari.

Corruption has corroded people and institutions across the world. Ingesting bribery, laundering
money, selling fraudulent goods, gaining advantage through nepotism, breaching trust, stealing public
property, and engaging in similar corrupt behaviours are rife in many countries. These are common
among government officials, businesses, political parties, and administrators, and in some countries,
this is even true among ordinary people.

In many countries, nepotism is so rife that close relatives and family members are appointed to
positions of authority without any skills or knowledge of the role undertaken. This is completely un-
Islamic and a great sin and the people involved will be accountable on the day of Resurrection.

6. Consider Leadership as an act of worship and Instilling Brotherhood among the people

Leadership from the Islamic perspective should be performed as a form of worship - Ibadah. Today,
within the Ummah there is a clear lack of brotherhood that was a cornerstone of Islam as existed in
early Islam in Madinah where the Ansar (helpers) and the Muhajirun (immigrants) became one. They
become brothers and sisters to each other and the true fundamentals of brotherhood were
established and cemented. How many leaders of today’s Ummah draw on this fundamental aspect of
brotherhood in Islam?

In fact, with regard to this brotherhood, the Messenger of Allah pbuh said: “Do not envy one another,
and do not inflate prices for one another, and do not hate one another, and do not turn away from one
another, and do not undercut one another in trade, but [rather] be slaves of Allah and brothers
[amongst yourselves]. A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim: he does not oppress him, nor does he fail
him, nor does he lie to him, nor does he hold him in contempt. Taqwa (piety) is right here [and he
pointed to his chest three times]. It is evil enough for a man to hold his brother Muslim in contempt.
The whole of a Muslim is inviolable for another Muslim: his blood, his property, and his honour.”
Muslim.

A good leader will instil brotherhood and sisterhood in society, and help each other in time of need.
There is great emphasis on this in the Islamic scriptures. The Prophet pbuh said: None of you truly
believes until he loves his brother what he loves for himself” Bukhari & Muslim. Allah SWT says: “The
believers are nothing else than brothers. So, make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear Allah,
that you may receive mercy.” Quran 49:10.

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7. Wisdom

The Prophet pbuh was wise but practical at the same time. Once a Bedouin came to the Masjid of the
Prophet pbhu and when the call of nature came, he began urinating within the Masjid and the prayer
area. Naturally, this infuriated the other worshippers and companions who started marching toward
him in anger. The Prophet pbuh intervened, not only by stopping the possibility of the Bedouin getting
beaten up but actually told the worshippers to let the Bedouin finish urinating!

This was not only very considerate of our beloved Prophet pbuh but also most wise. The Prophet pbuh
recognised that this was not an act of aggression but rather the simple Bedouin did not know about
the etiquettes of the Masjid and needed to be taught. This was the wisdom of the great leader and
teacher and advised the Bedouin accordingly.

8. Tolerant, Patient and Resilient

One of the most apparent qualities of the Prophet pbuh was his incredible patience. For thirteen years
he endured abuse and persecution at the hands of his fellow Makkans, including the times when his
companions were beaten, tortured, and in some cases killed.

Even the Prophet pbuh was not spared from having animal entrails thrown at him as he prayed. One
of his most perilous moments was in Taif when the people and their children stoned the Prophet pbuh
until he was bleeding extensively. Yet he remained patient and resilient through the suffering while
painfully seeing his beloved followers grossly mistreated. His internal strength and patience, gave his
followers strength and patience until Allah gave them some ease.

Patience and tolerance are important qualities of an Islamic leader. Islam is a religion of tolerance and
gives freedom of expression. Allah SWT loves and praises this virtue. The Prophet pbuh is the best
example of tolerance and patience of an Islamic leader.

Allah SWT says very clearly about tolerance and patience in the Quran. Allah SWT says: “To every
People have We appointed rites and ceremonies which they must follow, let them not then dispute
with you on the matter, but do invite (them) to your Lord: for you are assuredly on the Right Way. If
they do wrangle with you, say, ‘God knows best what it is you are doing’. God will judge between you
on the Day of Judgment concerning the matters in which you differ.” Quran 22:67.

9. Self-Awareness and Humility

While this is a more inwardly focused trait, self-awareness and humility are paramount for leadership.
The better you understand yourself and recognize your own strengths and weaknesses, the more
effective you can be as a leader.

Hadrat AbdAllah ibn Masud RA says that once the Prophet pbuh slept on a mat made of date palm
leaves and when he awoke, the impressions of the mat were visible on his body. We said: “O Allah’s
Messenger pbuh, may we prepare soft bedding for you?” He said: I have got nothing to do with the
world. I am in this world like a rider who halts in the shade of a tree for a short time and after taking
some rest, resumes his journey leaving the tree behind. Tirmidhi.

10. Be Accountable

Accountability is emphasised in the Quran. Allah SWT says: “And every man’s fate, We have fastened
on his neck: on the Day of Judgement we shall bring out for him a scroll that he will see spread wide
open (13), “Read your scroll! You will suffice this day as a constant reckoner against you.” Quran
17:13-14.

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A leader is first answerable to Allah SWT and then to the people. Allah SWT states: “To Allah belongs
all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth, and whether you disclose what is in your own
selves or conceal it, Allah will call you to account for it. Then He forgives whom He wills and punishes
whom He wills. And Allah is Able to do all things.” Quran 2:284. Therefore, if a leader adheres to the
teaching of the Quran and Sunnah and knows that they are answerable to Allah for every action they
take then they will be successful in their role in this Dunya but also in the Akhira.

Allah SWT repeatedly warns and reminds us that one day they will be standing in front of Allah for
their accountability. For instance, Allah says: “O you who believe! Fear Allah, and let every soul
consider what it has forwarded for tomorrow (The Day of Judgment), and fear Allah. Allah is aware of
what you do.” Quran 59:18. The Prophet pbuh also mentioned that it is a great sin for a leader to
assign a person who is not qualified for the position while another is more qualified to do the job.

Conclusion

The beautiful character of our beloved Prophet pbuh is the best way leaders emulate. Then and only
then, the leader, whether they lead a nation, company, organisation, an institution, a Masjid and so
on, will they be successful both for himself and his followers and to attain success in this life and in
the hereafter.

Sadly, our mosques are so often paralysed by power struggles, battles for control, clashes of ego, and
ruthless attempts to dominate and squash other voices and opinions. This makes our mosques unable
to offer their communities the services which would truly benefit and empower them.

Those in positions of authority and influence must learn and apply the traits of our beloved Prophet
pbuh to the best of their abilities and have integrity and honesty in all affairs with the people,
otherwise, there are dire consequences for those who take up the leadership positions but do not
fulfil them according to shariah.

May Allah SWT grant all leaders the taufiq to put into practice the teachings of the Quran and Hadith
in all matters and in particular when discharging their leadership duties.