Category: Timeless Stories

The risks of leadership

On By MuhammadIn Timeless StoriesLeave a comment

There is no position that is more challengeing than that of being the head of a state.
Very few throughout human history made it through as fair. For certain most rulers were not only corrupt, but helped the spread of corruption.
You can read it in any culture, past and present.
Indeed, the risks to one’s soul in leadership are extremely high.
Uthman Ibn Affan [died age 83 on 38 Hijra / 656 CE] was a successful businessman.
He had a charitable soul and did a lot of good with his wealth.
However, he was not a warrior nor was he a good ruler.
Indeed, he was too weak to stand-up against his corrupt blood relations, the clan of Banu Umayya.
Most of the great companions of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, were against his unfair policies.
Ali bin Abi Talib, the greatest companion of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, advised him several times, but his advice fell on deaf ears.
He also advised Uthman’s opponents, but his advice also fell on deaf ears.
At the end there was a revolution in Medina and Uthman’s blood was spilt by an angry mob.
Ali bin Abi Talib, peace be upon him, summarised that episode with the following words:

“If I had commanded [the taking of Uthman’s life], I would have been a killer;
If I had forbidden [people from criticising him], I would have been a supporter.
However, the one who supported him cannot say: He was abandoned by someone better than me.
And whoever abandoned him cannot say: He who is better than me supported him.
And I summarise for you his issues:
“He took control and was misled! You became alarmed and mismanaged!
And Allah has a law that applies to the one taking unfair control and to the intolerant!”

May Allah forgive him and forgive us.

A step in the right direction

On By MuhammadIn Quran - Understanding, Timeless StoriesLeave a comment

The current world politics and especially that of the Middle East, have shown the ugly face of many in positions of leadership. That which is hidden from the public sphere is probably worse. However, I have no doubt that:

“The meek shall inherit the earth!”

This old verse is found in the Bible as well as the Quran.

So let those leaders not be your role model.

We all saw during the covid pandemic that the people who saved the country were the actual workers.

We all also saw that the source of the problems were the failures in decision-making by those in positions of authority. It may appear they got off scot-free, but the reality may be otherwise.

The people who really did the work came from all walks of life.

Indeed, we have an assurance from the Quran that what matters is not your appearance/s, but your sincere belief and your good deeds:

“Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans – those [among them] who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness – will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.” Quran 2:62

Let there be a space in your heart for the above verse.

Let no wrongdoer be your role model. Struggle to be fair:

“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.” Quran 5:8