Everyone shoulders the responsibility of leadership, though not as leaders in his or her region, but one remains as the leader of his or her own physical body. Realizing upon the huge responsibility burdened upon a leader, hence the requirement of possessing praiseworthy characteristics in becoming a leader is definitely a condition and a must, and to be further developed. At this very opportunity, I would like to share with you the description of the Characters (akhlaaq) of a leader, as manifested by the First Khalifah of Islam, Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq (RA). He had given his inaugural speech after being appointed as the khaleefah, which was mentioned by ibn Hishaam in his book Seerah an-Nabawiyyah (also in ibn Katheer’s al-Bidaayah wan- Nihaayah): “O people, I have been appointed over you, though I am not the best among you. If I do well, then help me; and if I act wrongly, then correct me. Truthfulness is synonymous with fulfilling the trust, and lying is equivalent to treachery. The weak among you is deemed strong by me, until I return to them that which is rightfully theirs, insha Allah. And the strong among you is deemed weak by me, until I take from them what is rightfully (someone else’s), insha Allah. No group of people abandons military/armed struggle in the path of Allah, except that Allah makes them suffer humiliation. And evil/ mischief do not become widespread among a people, except that Allah inflicts them with widespread calamity. Obey me so long as I obey Allah and His Messenger. And if I disobey Allah and His Messenger, then I have no right to your obedience. Stand up now to pray, may Allah have mercy on you.”
From the inaugural speech, we can conclude that there are seven matters pertaining to the akhlaaq (Characters) of a Muslim leader that must be embedded in those that will assume the leadership position, even if at a lower level within the society, so what more as the leader of a nation.The important matters that were greatly emphasized by Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq (RA) in his inaugural speech were:
1- Humility (tawaddu)
There are many leaders who were very people-friendly at the beginning, always seen down on the ground, mixing and integrating with the weak ones, but after attaining stature, then they became known as one who forgets his own roots, or previous state. The characteristics of proud, arrogant, and snobbish all began to manifest, and not only that, they have no qualm in abandoning and undercutting those that had assisted them to prominence. Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq (RA) had mentioned that in reality, the status of the leader is no different than the ordinary citizen. It is not that they have been privileged but instead they have been put forward, and given the trust and mandate of the people. Upon his shoulder is the burden of a tremendous and heavy responsibility upon the Muslim ummah, so what more with Allah (SWT). Having humility and remaining humble does not lower the stature of a leader even by a tiny bit, but instead elevates his rank and degree in the eyes of the society and general public.
2- Hoping for support and remaining open for criticism
Every leader is in need of the backing and support of the people. They will not be able to accomplish their tasks without the involvement of the masses. If the general public is disinterested and unconcerned with all the measures and actions taken, then such predicament pose heavy challenges. Hence, the leader must be open in accepting criticism, for as long as it is healthy and constructive. Never deem those criticizing as adversaries that must be kept shut and silenced. Moreover, those that are brave enough to voice criticisms and point out the mistakes and shortcomings of the leader, are indeed true citizens that truly love and care for their homeland.
3- Honest and fulfilling the amaanah (trust)
Having amaanah means to be trusted by others. Fulfilling the trust of the general public is from among the important characteristics of Islamic leadership. Islam requires for every Muslim and Muslimah to safeguard and preserve his or her amaanah. Allah Subhaanahu Wata‘aala mentions in al-Qur’an:
“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you. Indeed, Allah is ever Hearing and Seeing.” (an-Nisaa’ 4:58)
Amaanah can be divided into three, namely:
1- Amaanah towards Allah (swt)
2- Amaanah towards the creations especially humans
3- Amaanah towards oneself
Safeguarding the amaanah is like the artery (i.e. cornerstone) in building relationship. When the amaanah is broken, then all the strings of goodness would unravel, lives interrupted, and community building efforts disintegrated. The misappropriation of amaanah not only harms those directly affected, but it will create bad links and connotations within community living. Preserving the amaanah also means to surrender an affair or responsibility upon those that are capable, competent, and having fulfilled its preconditions. Narrated Abu Hurayrah (RA): Rasulullah (SAW) said:
“When the trust is lost, then wait for the Hour.” It was said, “O Messenger of Allah, how will it be lost?” The Prophet said, “When authority is given to those who do not deserve it, then wait for the Hour.”(Bukhaari)
That is why the leader must be one that is honest. Imam al-Ghazzaali (RA) had divided honesty into six different types, namely honesty in words, desire, intention, resoluteness, actions, upholding truth, and implementing the Sharee‘ah of Islam.
4- Being just (‘adl)
Being just (‘adl) means to place something at its proper place. Its opposite is oppression. Islam regards the matter of upholding justice and preventing oppression as a basic and significant principle. Allah (SWT) mentions in al-Qur’an:
“Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.” (an-Nahl 16:90)
Justice must be applied and upheld in all aspects of lives irrespective of a person’s background or affiliations, including being just to one’s own self. Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq (RA) asserted that the weak must be defended and protected. Those that are strong or influential cannot be cruel and freely do whatever it is that they wish.
5- Commitment in the struggle
The leader must remain consistent in the struggle, which is to remain continuous and steadfast in the wake of all circumstances. Do not become like to get all hyped up from the get go, only to lose interest few minutes later.
6- Obeyed and being professional
The leader must subdue himself to the mission and cause that was entrusted upon his shoulders. He should have authority upon the ummah that he leads. Do not easily give in and become a yes-man while in front of one’s own supporters, due to fear or unpopularity. While behind them, he bravely rejects and declines their views. The leader must be ready and willing to retreat and step down when he has committed any wrongdoing, and to not continue defending his position.
7- Dedication and full devotion to Allah (SWT)
The affair of leadership is human in nature, with shortcomings and advantages. The guiding principles in arriving to decisions are based upon Divine Guidance and guidelines stipulated.
The lessons that can be derived from the above discussions are:
1- The leader must always connect himself with Allah, in full service unto Him, fulfilling all that is pleasing to Him, and abstaining from everything that incurs His Wrath.
2- The leader must have a balanced approach and remain istiqaamah at all times and circumstances.
3- The leader must be content and satisfied in accepting his achievements, being grateful when achieving the intended goals and objectives, and remain patient when faced with challenges and adversity.
“[And they are] those who, if We give them authority in the land, establish prayer and give zakaah and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. And to Allah belongs the outcome of [all] matters.” (al-Hajj 22:41)