“Ghulamu ke safu mein khadey hain,
Jin ko sardar hona chahiye tha…”
A leader is born. Leaders cannot be manufactured in a factory. An elected political leader can’t necessarily be called an ideal leader. An ideal leader inspires people. An ideal leader leads by example. Our beloved Prophet (pbuh) was the greatest leader of all times. This fact is acknowledged by non-muslims too. Islamic history has seen some unmatched men of mettle. The Muslim leaders had influenced millions of people across the globe. Unfortunately, the picture hangs topsy-turvy today. Today, Muslim nations are divided. They are after each other. Unity is alien to us. Our plight, subjugation and misery are due to lack of an ideal leadership. Those, whom we look for, are busy in filling their chests with gold and crude. Today, the whole Muslim Ummah is fighting one or the other form of war. From East to West, we are being labelled as terrorists. Our basic rights are being snatched in broad day light. We are being forced to give up our religious values. Novel laws replace the laws of our Sharia. Islamophobia has seeped into everyone. While the powerful countries put sanctions on us, our wealthy brothers shake hands with them. While the oppressors put siege on our lands, our own people–to who we look up to–strike agreements and deals with them. Abraham Lincoln once said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” The long and short of it is that Muslims are in a very bad situation today. We have no unity, no direction, no focus and no leader. We are currently going through a severe leadership crisis. Those who are worried about this are not capable to make any difference due to poverty and other constraints. The solution to all this chaos is to unite under a capable and competent leadership. And this leadership should be the one uniting each and every Muslim on the face of this Earth. Every individual Muslim man and woman, the young and the old should relate to this cause. The need of the hour is to contribute every bit towards this noble end. The million-dollar question that arises here is how can an ideal Muslim leader be chosen? Let us find an answer from the teachings and Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Taking lessons from the life of the Prophet, we come to know that an ideal Muslim leader must have some qualities. First and foremost is the attribute of Integrity and Honesty.
The trust lies in Allah. We hope we receive what is promised. We conclude with a message that we do not hate non-muslims. We do not want to rule over them and subjugate them. We want to strengthen ourselves and regain our lost legacy.
The country that we may look for must have a leader who is honest and doesn’t compromise it for any gains. Likewise, a great Muslim leader must be visionary. He should foresee. This is the reason why Ali Mohammad Jinnah’s predictions are coming true today. He had the power to foresee. Competence and courage are other jewels in the garland worn by a great leader. These two qualities go hand in hand. First, our leader must be knowledgeable and must have the courage to oppose any incorrect or unjust ruling with confidence and courage. Next in the list of attributes comes the power of decision-making. A confident leader must make decisions in consultation with the men who know the matter. Apart from these attributes, a Muslim leader should be compassionate towards his fellow Muslims and his followers. He must provide emotional and spiritual support to all. Simplicity, patience and wisdom are virtues. Taking all these prophetic lessons into consideration, let us analyse our environment and ourselves conclude who to choose. The challenges are massive. The enemies are apparently stronger. Our own brothers are misguided. But, the faith is firm. The trust lies in Allah. We hope we receive what is promised. We conclude with a message that we do not hate non-muslims. We do not want to rule over them and subjugate them. We want to strengthen ourselves and regain our lost legacy.
