The Concept of Leadership in Islam

The concept of leadership in Islam is based on legitimacy, authority, power and compassion. The concept can be best understood by encompassing a thorough knowledge of Holy Quran and Seerah. Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) is the best ever example of accurate leadership. A deep insight in his life in Medina is all that is needed to get accustomed with the qualities needed to become a good leader. In today’s critical time of Muslim suppression and oppression by the non believers, it’s only a clear perceptiveness of Muslim leadership that can help them to overcome the darkness that surrounds them.   

There are certain qualities and requirements that are imposed by Islam for becoming the rightful leader of an Islamic state. The foremost requirement is that no oppressor can become a leader. It can be understood from the following dialogue between Allah SWT and Hazrat Ibrahim: "What about my progeny?" asked Ibrahim. "My covenant does not include the dhalimeen (oppressors)", came the divine reply (Al-Qur'an 2:124). The other two points interpreted from the dialogue are that Islam rejects the concept of hereditary leadership; a person must qualify for this post and must possess divine legitimacy. An Islamic leader should implement Allah’s law on earth- he should not comply with the wishes or commands of any group; whether it may be a majority of highly influential people or a minority of his favorites. The qualities possessed by a leadership are further illustrated in this ayah. "It was by the mercy of Allah that you (O Prophet) were lenient with them, for if you had been stern and hard-hearted, they would have dispersed from around you. So forgive them and seek mercy for them and consult with them in the conduct of affairs. And when you have resolved [on an issue], then put your trust in Allah. Lo! Allah loves those who put their trust in Him" (Al-Qur'an 3:159). The numbers of points highlighted in the ayah are: a leader should be kind, sympathetic, compassionate, forgiving, seeking their conformity in a certain matter which have been finalized in agreements of Allah SWT.

A leader should have proper vision about the goals he wants to achieve for a particular society. He should have clear idea about what he is going to do and how to do. He should motivate and lead the people towards the realization of the goal. The leader must work for maintaining the culture and norms of the society. A leader is considered as a servant of the nation therefore he should do everything to bring about uplift both morally and socially in an Islamic society. No hypocrisy and negative approach should be implied to achieve any sort of objective because a leader would not only be responsible to his people but also to Allah Almighty. Lastly, Leadership in Islam is a trust and a moral obligation which requires a leader to guide, protect and treat the followers fairly with justice.