The Moon then said, "Power is a contingent, multifaceted resource which involves the ability to influence or control others. Authority, can be characterized as the right to wield power or to influence people. A leader has power and authority. Both attributes are useful to influence the followers or people. A good leaders, able to manage the power accordingly and authority appropriately. In Islamic perspective, the leaders in Islam must deliver the mandate or amanah to whom suppose receiving it and enforce the law with justice. Both outcome of amanah and justice are the most difficult duties of the leaders and with that, the people can be governed proportionately and professionally.
In selecting the leaders, the people must do it carefully and seriously because the leaders have to protect the religion and not play with it. The leaders in Islam are encourage to learn and understand the concept of Islamic teachings, thus they keep the interests of Islam as a priority.
The ultimate power is possessed by Allah, Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, while the power of the leaders is for temporary moments which will end after certain period. The power in Islam is useful in bringing prosperity for the Ummah (society) and protecting people from harmness.
As an example shown by the second caliphs of Islam; Umar bin Khattab, radhiyallahu 'anhu. Although he has dominant power in some continents but he always to take care each individual and ensure that he/she receives an adequate food or decent place to live. The power makes Umar bin Khattab more down to earth and humble person. The more power he has, the more lower he put himself in front of others or adherents. Everyone knows how strong he is, how tough he is and how sturdy he is but he will use those superiorities only for the opponent of Islam and not for his people. He never abuse his power for individual or family matters. All of these contributions of Umar bin Khattab acknowledged by our beloved Prophet (ﷺ), particularly on how he used his power according to the Islamic teachings which then our beloved (ﷺ) told the Companion that 'If there is an upcoming Prophet after me, he will be Umar bin Khattab.'
Numerous researches of leadership emphasize on specific attributes. Those attributes can be used to distinguish the effective and ineffective leaders. Therefore, some researchers focus on social and historical relations and based on a relational and perceptual phenomenon as the important contexts in leadership concept. That is why the Muslim Ummah always refers to 'Khilafah' as the concept of Leadership. But somehow, many people feel phobia when they hear it.
The authority of the Prophe (ﷺ) and four caliphs comprises many aspects, not only as a leader who in charge of government administration, but include religion, education, financial, sciences, agricultural, water, and economy affairs. Their authority is legitimated and monitored by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'la and the adherents, means that they are responsible in this world and the here after. Authority is related to Amanah which is an important element in Islamic leadership concept.
Our beloved Prophet (ﷺ) was an extraordinary human being : spiritual leader, judge, political reformer, governor, orator and arbiter. The hadith obviously captures the struggles, triumphs, wit and humanity of the man - and his charisma shines through the texts. Muslims consider the Prophet(ﷺ) to be the perfect example of a human being, and the greatest of all leaders, as proved by the genuine zeal and astonishment with which adherents around the world excerpt His words and examples.
One of the caliphs, Abu Bakar As-Siddiq, radhiyallahu 'anhu, who always hold an amanah. Although he only leads the Muslim for 2 years (632–634 H) but he left a legacy of proceeding the mandates of disseminating Islamic teachings in sad and bad situations after the death of our beloved Prophet (ﷺ). He is a companion and adviser to the Prophet (PBUH) who spent his life in distress and pleasure moments. He received and kept the authority accordingly till he was handed over to Umar bin Khattab. This is a good reference for Muslims leaders in their approaches, decisions and actions or called as referent authority.
A reasercher revealed the importance of traits and qualities of leaders in Islamic thoughts. He elaborated based on the past history in the Islamic state that the Muslim leaders possess distinctive attributes as follow :
Ability to reason or act rationally; Not appointing the non-faithful as deputies; Free from hatred and envy; Not listening to slanderers and backbiters; Knowledgeable (Ma’rifah); Generous; Flexible; Clever; Mentally stable; Wise (wisdom); Abiding by promises; Patient (Sabr) and endurance; Courage and determination; Forgiving; Honest; Thankful; In control of desires; Caring; Able to keep secrets; Diplomatic; Acting decisively; Humble; In control of his temper; Relying on evidence; Following-up and processing work; Receptive and willing to give advice; Attentive; A good organizer; Rewarding and recognizing achievers; Respectable in their appearence; Begin from the possible; Enterprise (Iqdam); See advantage in disadvantage; Turn minus into plus; Eloquence (Fasah); Justice (Al-'Adalah) and compassion; Superior communication; Humility; Leniency (Lin); Conviction (Yaqin); Gradualism instead of radicalism; Morality and piety (honesty and trust); Equality (al-Musawat); Self-sacrifice (Tadhiyah); Mutual consultation and unity (fraternity and brotherhoos); Faith and belief; Sovereignity (Al-Siyadah); Lifelong endeavor; To be pragmatic in controversial matters; Freedom (al-Hurriyah); Commitment and sacrifice; Gratitude and prayers; Enjoining the right and forbiidding the evil; Make a friend out of an enemy; Encourage the power of peace; Not to be a dichotomous thinker.
Meanwhile, in the commercial context, there are two categories of traits and qualities that a leader must have moral discipline. The moral encoragement are,
- Patience
- A sense of responsibility
- Selflessness
- An ability to make peace among conflicting parties
- Tenderness and kindness in conversation
- Goodness
- Forgiveness
- Cooperative
However, these attributes associated with moral, must be accompanied by the attributes related to the avoidance. The moral avoidance are,
- Lies
- Anger
- Arragance
- Suspicion
- Spying
- Enviousness
Most of the mentioned qualities and traits, used to help the leaders in attaining their objectives. The qualities of the leaders in Islamic thoughts meant for nurturing healthy organizations and resulted the followers or people become united and faithful. The identified qualities seem to be crucial leadership traits, although not all leaders show these qualities simultaneously. In fact, the history of successive Muslim states had been adopted essential qualities of mercy, kindness, and justice."
The Moon then wrapped up, "O Owl! All the leaders’ qualities in Islam, dedicated to serve the adherent or followers, and this is an ibadah to gain Allah's pleasure. It is true that the leaders reflect the quality of their people. One possible trigger that can create qualities among the leaders is, by possession the knowledge. A qualified leader through education may have decent quality to lead the followers. They can learn the situation and handle many problems calmly, especially when they always see all matters are under their responsibility that one day will be asked by Allah in the Hereafter."
[Part 4]
