Leadership in Islam

Leadership in Islam is a trust. Often, it takes the form of an explicit

contract between a leader and his followers that he will try his best to
guide them, to protect them and to treat them fairly and with justice.
On this chart, we will examine what leadership is from an Islamic
perspective, discuss
the moral dimensions of leadership and uncover the characteristics of
leaders and followers as suggested by Islam.

Muslims base their behavior as leader and/or as follower upon the Word of
God as revealed in the Qur’an and their belief that Prophet of Muhammad
(p.b.u.h) has modeled the way for Muslim leaders and followers for all times.
• The two primary roles of a leader are:
Servant-leader and guardian-leader.

"And We appointed from among them Leaders giving

guidance under Our command " [Qur’an, 12: 46]

• Characteristics of a muslim leader / follower

Justice - Trust - Righteousness – Promise keeping -
Struggle within oneself towards self-improvement - Honesty - Inspiration
- Patience - Humility – Knowledge - [Shura] mutual consultation -
Initiate, guide and control - Satisfaction - Organized - Determined - Hard-
working - Punctuality Good conduct - Good habit - Sincere - Ability to
command with respect -Trusted on sincerity of purpose - Confidence
on ability –
Approachable for suggestion - Obedience –
Dynamic leadership/ followership

• Islamic Leaders should be aware of the diseases

that affect
Them. As : Pride and arrogance - Boast - Faulty Intention -
Self-love Jealousies - Suspicion - Slander - Imbalance of
attitude – stubbornness - Narrow-mindedness - Weak
determination

• All Muslims must mimic prophet Muhammad[p.b.u.h]

in all his actions & saying
 A-Z Steps to Leadership in Islam
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 is the best, for it was with the divine guidance of Allah that he became
the supreme leader of the human race. "Truly, in the Messenger of Allah, you have an excellent
example." [33:21].
Ability
Let there become of you a nation that shall call for righteousness, enjoin justice and forbid evil.
Such men will surely triumph. [3:104]
Calmness
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
Those who faithfully observe their trusts and their promises...are the heirs of Paradise; they shall
abide in it forever. [23:8]
Fairness
We gave sent our messengers with explanations and sent the scriptures and the scales of justice
down with them, so that men may conduct themselves with fairness. [57:25]
Genuineness
A person is perfect in his religion (Islam) when he leaves alone that which does not concern him. [at-
Tirmidhi]
Honesty
You who believe, heed God and stand by those who are truthful. [9:119]
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
Every magnificent and important project not begun with the praise of Allah, remains defective. [abu
Dawud]
Judgment
Whenever you judge between people, you should do so with fairness. [4:58]
Knowledge
Do not be quick to recite the Qur'an before its revelation has been accomplished, but rather say:
"Lord, increase my knowledge." [20:114]
Modesty
Now whatever ye have been given is but a passing comfort for the life of the world, and that which
Allah hath is better and more lasting for those who believe and put their trust in their Lord. [4:36]
Nobility
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
honored 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) [49:13]
Responsibility
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
Ye will not attain unto piety until ye spend of that which ye love. And whatsoever ye spend, Allah is
aware thereof. [3:92]
Teamwork
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 favor 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.
[3:103]
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
And this is a blessed Scripture which We have revealed. So follow it and ward off (evil), that ye may
find mercy. [6:155]
Versatility
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
When three people set out on a journey, they should appoint one of them as a leader. [abu Dawud]