Prophet
Muhammad had all the necessary qualities for success in every aspect
of life. But, more importantly, he was able to lead his community to
success in every field. He is the source from which flowed all later
developments related to command, statecraft, religion, spiritual
development, and so on in the Muslim world.
In
general, leaders should have the following qualities:
•
Realism. They should understand prevailing conditions as they
actually are and be aware of any advantages and disadvantages.
•
Absolute belief in their message. Their conviction should
never falter, and they should never renounce their mission.
•
Personal courage. Even if left alone, they should have enough
courage to persevere. When some of his pursuers reached the mouth of
the cave in which they were hiding, Abu Bakr was afraid something
would happen to the Messenger. However, the Prophet only said, "Grieve not, for God is with us"
(At-Tawbah 9:40).
•
Strong willpower and resolve. They should never experience
even one moment of hopelessness.
•
Awareness of personal responsibility. Everything should be
directed toward fulfilling this responsibility. In no way should
they be seduced by the world's charms and life's attractions.
•
Far-sighted and goal-centered. Leaders should be able to
discern and plan for potential developments. They should know how to
evaluate the past, present, and future to reach a new synthesis.
Those who frequently change their opinions only spread chaos in the
community.
•
Personal knowledge of each follower. Leaders should be fully
aware of each follower's disposition, character, abilities,
shortcomings, ambitions, and weak points. If they lack this
knowledge, how can they fill vacant posts with the appropriate
people?
•
Strong character and praiseworthy virtues. Leaders should be
determined but flexible while carrying out decisions, and know when
to be unyielding and implacable or relenting and compassionate. They
should know when to be earnest and dignified, when to be modest, and
they should always be upright, truthful, trustworthy, and just.
•
No worldly ambitions or abuse of authority. Leaders should
live like the poorest members of their community. They should never
discriminate among their subjects; rather, they should strive to
love them, prefer them over themselves, and act so that their people
will love them sincerely. They should be faithful to their
community, and secure their community's loyalty and devotion in
return.
The
Messenger possessed all of these qualities and many more as well. To
cite only a few examples, he never even thought of abandoning his
mission when confronted with great hostility and tempting bribes.
Instead, he would tell them, "Say: 'There is no god but
Allah,' and prosper (in both worlds)" (Al-Hakim). When his
Companions complained about the harsh conditions and persecution in
Makkah, he answered, "By Allah, Allah will bring this matter
(the establishment of Islam) to its consummation till a rider will
travel from San`a' (in Yemen) to Hadramaut fearing none but Allah,
or a wolf as regards his sheep, but you (people) are hasty"
(Al-Bukhari).
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