LEADERSHIP IS A GREAT BURDEN
The Prophet (SAW) said, with regards to leadership:
"You are eager for leadership and it is truly a regret and a sorrow on the Day of Judgement,..." (reported by Ibn Hibban).
The Prophet (SAW) said, with regards to leadership:
"You are eager for leadership and it is truly a regret and a sorrow on the Day of Judgement,..." (reported by Ibn Hibban).
He (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) also said:
"O Abu Dharr, you are weak, and it is an 'Amanah (trust), and on the Day of Judgement it will be a disgrace and a regret except (for those) who take it by its right and perform its duties correctly" (Saheeh Muslim).
"O Abu Dharr, you are weak, and it is an 'Amanah (trust), and on the Day of Judgement it will be a disgrace and a regret except (for those) who take it by its right and perform its duties correctly" (Saheeh Muslim).
Leadership is never a leisure, not a money-making venture. It is not a business that you invest in, so that you get a return & make profits. Far from that. In Islaam, it is a position of trust & enormous responsibilities.
Imam An-Nawawi (RH) said with regards to this Hadith:
Imam An-Nawawi (RH) said with regards to this Hadith:
"This is a great reason to avoid positions of authority especially when you are weak. This refers to those who are not suitable & those who do not act justly in the position. They will regret their negligence when they are being humiliated on the Day of Resurrection.
The scholars say, as a position of trust and great responsibility, it should only be given to those who are capable of carrying that responsibility & fulfilling that trust. If Umar Ibn Khattaab (RA) would weap for fear that someone among his subjects might ve gone to bed hungry,
what should our leaders do today, knowing well that thousands of innocent people are being killed daily & not just going to bed hungry?
A LEADER must show compassion, empathy & care. A caring leader is one who gives his followers moral support needed to navigate personal loss;
A LEADER must show compassion, empathy & care. A caring leader is one who gives his followers moral support needed to navigate personal loss;
A LEADER must be consistently responsible & dedicated in carrying out his duties in protecting the interest and dignity of his flock; and,
A LEADER is accountable for what he does and should be able to give an agreeable reason for it.
A LEADER is accountable for what he does and should be able to give an agreeable reason for it.
A leader in Islam gives priority to the legitimate needs of his followers over his own needs, serve them as though he is their servant & not the other way round. It is our responsibility as followers to support a leader, obey him (so long as he didn't call us to disobey Allah),
advice him where necessary & bring to his notice what he can't see. While we keep praying & reminding the leadership of its responsibilities, we pray that Allaah brings succor to us in this trying times.
