EDITED BY CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Azman Hussin A collaborative project of Dato’ Mustafa Kamal MISG USA & Canada Alumni Dr. Abdul Rahim Md Ghouse CO-EDITOR A humble effort to map the Dr. Rozhan Othman Dr. Abdul Rahman Abdullah various laws, principles and Ahmad Zuhdi roles of modern leadership PATRON Izzati Iznan theories with examples from the Dr. Tareq Al-Suwaidan Kamarudin Sohit history and biography of Prophet Md Taib Pardi Muhammad (SAW). DESIGNED BY Mohd Nazri Mohd Nor Zainuzzaman A Samad Wan Naim Wan Mansor a Zainal Adnan Table of Contents (of the actual book)
Dedication i
Foreword From Editor ii
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Section 1: The Truth About Leadership 2
Section 2: Combining Modern Leadership Science and Leadership Examples From Muslim
History 3
Chapter 2: Leadership Truth: You Make A Difference 9
Section 1: The Most Influential Person in the History of Mankind 10
Section 2: Summary of the Success and Impact of the Prophet’s (SAW) Mission 11
Section 3: Abu Bakr (RA) Showed Leadership On The Day Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Died 15
Section 4: 'Umar (RA) Introduced Many Innovations 18
Section 5: ‘Umar (RA) Confirms Four Great Companions As Equal To A Thousand 21
Section 6: Mus’ab ibn Umair Did All The Hard Work To Prepare For The Eventual
a Migration Of Muslims To Madinah 23
Section 7: The Last Sermon from Prophet Muhammad (SAW) 26
Chapter 3: Leadership Truth: Credibility Is The Foundation Of Leadership 29
Section 1: Khadijah Entrusted Her Trade With Muhammad (SAW) When He Was Only 25
Years Old 30
Section 2: The Evil An-Nadr bin Al-Harith Confirms the Credibility of the Prophet (SAW) 31
Section 3: Even Abu Sufyan Affirmed The Truthfulness of Muhammad (SAW) When He
Was Still Opposed To Islam 33
Section 4: Abu Bakar Confirms His Absolute Belief In The Prophet’s (SAW) Truthfulness
During The Incident of Isra’ and Mi’raj 39
Section 5: Even His Enemies Witnessed On His Honesty And Integrity 41
Section 6: The Prophet (SAW) Never Abused His Authority 42
Chapter 4: Leadership Truth: Values Drive Commitment 44
Section 1: Never Compromise on Matters of Principle 45
Section 2: Even If They Put The Sun In My Right Hand And The Moon In My Left… 47
b Section 3: The Prophet Reprimands His Companions When They Overstep Fundamental
Values 48
Section 4: The Same Justice Applies To Those Closest To Prophet Muhammad (SAW) 51
Section 5: Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Exemplifies The Value of Mercy Even After He
Received The Worst Treatment at Taif 52
Section 6: Showing Mercy Even When The Enemy Was Adamant On Killing Him (SAW)
During Uhud 56
Section 7: Islam Values Freedom 58
Section 8: It Is About Freedom Of Choosing One’s Religion 61
Section 9: Unflinching Faith And Commitment To His Mission 64
Section 10: When The Enemy Transgresses The Prophet (SAW) Never Hesitated To Use
Force 66
Section 11: If It Be Sinful He Would Be As Far As He Could From It 68
Chapter 5: Leadership Truth: Focusing On The Future Sets Leaders Apart 70
Section 1: Painting a Vision of Future Greatness Despite Being In Difficulty 71
c Section 2: ‘Adi ibn Hatim Confirms The Prophet’s (SAW) Vision 73
Section 3: Caliph Ali Insisted that the Vision of the Prophet (SAW) Must Be True 75
Section 4: Vision on the Conquests of Yemen, Sham and Iraq 77
Section 5: Umm Haram Longing To Fulfill The Vision As A Naval Fighter 78
Section 6: Vision on the Conquest of Constantinople 80
Chapter 6: Leadership Truth: You Can’t Do It Alone 84
Section 1: The Early Followers 85
Section 2: The Prophet’s (SAW) Followers Were The best of Followers and Companions 87
Section 3: Ja’far Ibn Abi Talib Becomes The First Foreign Emissary For Islam Even As The
Muslims Were Persecuted In Mecca 88
Section 4: The Companions’ Level of Good Deeds Are Phenomenal 91
Section 5: Tufail bin ‘Amr Embraced Islam and Led the Daus Tribe From Before Hijrah To
the Fifth Year After Hijrah 92
Section 6: The Ansar From Medina Were Prepared To Fight and Die For Prophet Muhammad
(SAW) and His Cause 94
d Section 7: The Unique Brotherhood In The History Of The World 98
Section 8: The Fighters of Badr Showed That They Were Special 100
Section 9: The Companions' Extraordinary Love for the Holy Prophet 106
Section 10: Examples of Courage By The Martyrs of Uhud 109
Section 11: The Women Followers Displayed Their Love For The Prophet (SAW) After The
Calamities of Uhud 111
Section 12: Not Even A Thorn Can Hurt The Prophet (SAW) Except That I Prefer To Be In
That Place 113
Section 13: A Lion Of A Follower Takes On The Enemy Single Handedly 116
Section 14: The Prophet (SAW) Also Had False Followers 118
Section 15: But The Prophet (SAW) Never Abused Any Of His Companions 123
Chapter 7: Leadership Truth: Trust Rules 125
Section 1: Al-Ameen (The Trustworthy) Has Come 126
Section 2: The Christian Rulers of Najran Insisted That Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Send
To Them Someone Who Is Trustworthy 128
e Section 3: Honoring Treaties To The Letter 130
Chapter 8: Leadership Truth: Leadership Truth: Challenge Is The Crucible For Greatness 136
Section 1: The First Open Call for Islam Challenged The Very Root of The Meccan Society 137
Section 2: In the Battle of Uhud The Prophet (SAW) and Some Companions Showed
Courage At The Critical Moment 139
Section 3: The Prophet (SAW) Even Accepted The Challenge To Wrestle As An Effort
In Da’wah 147
Section 4: The Greatest Challenge Came Upon The Conquest of Mecca When Revenge
Was Expected 148
Chapter 9: Leadership Truth: Either Lead By Example Or Don’t Lead At All 155
Section 1: Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Worked Hard Despite Hunger During The Battle
of Al-Khandaq 156
Section 2: Leading By Example During The Difficult Period at Al-Hudaybiyah 160
Section 3: The Servant Leader 162
Chapter 10: Leadership Truth: The Best Leaders Are The Best Learners 164
f Section 1: The Prophet (SAW) Prepared His People Physically by Encouraging Good
Competitive Behavior and He Involved with Them 165
Section 2: Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Explained How Fellow Prophets Also Sought
For Knowledge 166
Section 3: Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Was Always Open To New Ideas 168
Chapter 11: Leadership Truth: Leadership Is An Affair Of The Heart 171
Section 1: The Prophet (SAW) Gave Everyone Some Material Gain From The Spoils of
The Battle of Hunain But Reserved The Best for The Ansar 172
Section 2: Amr bin Taghlib Attests To How The Prophet (SAW) Won Over His Heart 178
Section 3: Many of the Prophet’s (SAW) Speeches and Sermons Led His Followers
To Tears 179
Section 4: All True Believers Truly Love The Prophet (SAW) 180
Chapter 12: Prophet Muhammad (SAW): The Hallmark of Leadership 182
Section 1: Foundations of Leadership in Adversity 186
Section 2: Depersonalizing Leadership 194
g Section 3: Keeping the Big Picture in Perspective 198
Section 4: Leading From the Front 202
Section 5: Lead by Learning 205
Section 6: Leveraging the Uniqueness of People 209
Section 7: Conclusion 211
Chapter 13: Conclusion 212
Reference 215
Appendix 219
Section 1: Brief Explanation on The Sealed Nectar (Al-Raheeq Al-Makhtum) 220
Section 2: Natural Leaders From Among The Companions 221
Section 3: Imam Ibn Kathir on Khawarij 228
Best Selling Books by Dr. Tareq Al-Suwaidan 230
h Dedication Contributors
Editor Co-Editor Kamarudin Sohit Izzati Iznan
Dr. Azman Hussin
Dr. Rozhan Othman Dato’ Mustafa Kamal Patron Wan Naim Wan Mansor Mohd Nazri Mohd Nor
Designer
Dr. Abdul Rahim Md Ghouse Zainal Adnan Dr. Tareq Al-Suwaidan Dr. Abdul Rahman Abdullah
Zainuzzaman A Samad Md Taib Pardi i Foreword From Editor
All great social movements leave behind a legacy. A contribution to knowledge based on the interests and experiences of the movement is indeed a very valuable legacy. MISG of US and Canada offered and continues to offer its activists something extremely valuable, the chance to practice leadership at various levels and in various capacities at a young age.
Dr Azman Hussin The importance of leadership is currently stressed by one of our model. We intend to later on update and amend the model based dearest brothers and teachers (while he was in the US and until on better insights. this very day), Dr. Tareq Al-Suwaidan. He came to conduct a We also took a collaborative effort to develop the original drafts of leadership workshop in Malaysia in February 2014. Following up the book. We invited our fraternity of former and current MISG on his strong views about the importance of leadership, some of activists to contribute by providing one Hadith or one excerpt us thought about a project to develop a reference work on the from Seerah for the content, providing editing and layout inputs, leadership of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW). and other improvement ideas as the end product took shape. We The ultimate vision of the project is to write a reference book(s) on were inspired by the innovative approach of leadership from an Islamic perspective especially the leadership www.businessmodelyou.com. of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Other objectives include: We hope to set a small example of learning the state of the art 1. Creating and maintaining a repository portal of Hadith, ideas and techniques from the West and applying it for the excerpts from Seerah, excerpts from the history of the four great interests of Islam. We hope this humble effort will be a lasting Caliphs and other notable leaders throughout the history of Islam legacy and contribution to knowledge on the important subject of arranged based on some laws and principles of leadership based leadership. We hope this book will make all of us better leaders to on modern studies and research help us personally and to help us provide much better leadership for the Muslim Ummah. 2. Identify and pursue different areas of study and research on leadership from an Islamic perspective May Allah (SWT) accept this humble effort as a practical sign of our love for His beloved Prophet and Messenger Muhammad We thought of the obvious approach of synthesizing the (SAW). advanced knowledge in modern leadership science with leadership examples of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the Wassalamualaikum. history of the generation of the Companions. The approach taken Dr. Azman Hussin is to start with a known modern leadership reference model that is well documented. We then collected and collated evidences from Hadith and Seerah based upon the classifications of the
iii Chapter 1 Introduction
We are all aware that the Islamic civilization started from the time of the Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the first generation of Muslims in the year 632. Since then it has grown in strength and provided leadership to the world despite some periods of minor decadence during which the Muslim ummah still showed political and civilization leadership. Today, we are far from that position of leadership in almost all aspects of civilization; governance, justice and fairness, education, health, wealth creation, individual freedom, and social manners, science and innovation. Section 1 The Truth About Leadership
It is obvious that we need to change and regain our position of being an exemplary civilization as alluded to in Al-Quran,
And thus have We made you a group in the middle, so that you be an ultimate witness (of God’s guidance) on (other) people and the Messenger be an ultimate witness (of God’s guidance) on you. [2:143]
But what are the priority areas of change? Dr. Tareq Al-Suwaidan, a contemporary Muslim scholar and activist, summarizes five major crisis factors that the Muslim ummah faces today [16].
1. Behavior and ethics
2. Backwardness
3. Effectiveness
4. Leadership
5. Thought/Ideology and Identity Dr Tareq Al-Suwaidan
Upon further analysis, he concludes that the first three crises are a reflection of the crises in thought and leadership. Poor leadership and some flaws in our thought and ideology are the two cornerstones of our crisis. Thus the priority is to solve our thought and leadership crisis. There needs to be a serious effort in developing quality leaders among those committed to the Islamic work and the Islamic movement for reviving the ummah. It is important to start with some theory or model of leadership. 2 Chapter 2 Leadership Truth: You Make A Difference
Kouzes and Posner assert, “You have to believe that what you do counts for something” (p.1). They assert that the reader already has the capability to be a leader and make a difference, no matter his or her age or experience. Section 1 The Most Influential Person in the History of Mankind
The greatest accolade to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) making a difference is his ranking as the most influential person in the history of mankind in the 1978 book The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History by Michael H. Hart, reprinted in 1992 with revisions. Hart asserted that Muhammad was “Supremely successful" in both the religious and secular realms. Hart’s work shows both similarities and differences in thrust from Skiena and Ward’s 2013 book Who’s Bigger: Where Historical Figures Really Rank. Hart and Skiena & Ward both put two religious figures in the top three (Hart has Muhammad first, Jesus third; Skiena & Ward the converse).
It is interesting to note that ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab, the second Caliph of Islam and one of the closest Companions of the Prophet (SAW), was ranked number 51 by Hart (1992). This is another testimony of the great generation of people that were trained and developed by Prophet MUhammad (SAW). They were leaders in their own right and made a great difference in the history of mankind.
Excerpts from the Table of Contents - The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History by Michael H. Hart
4 Section 2 Summary of the Success and Impact of the Prophet’s (SAW) Mission
A major source of reference in studying the leadership of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is of course his life story normally referred to Seerah (journey) in the Islamic literature. There are many excellent references on Seerah and in this book we will mainly refer to the award winning book “The Sealed Nectar” due to its authenticity and wide availability. The book provides a beautiful summary of the Prophet’s (SAW) achievements after almost 23 years of struggle and sacrifice.
Allah (SWT) addressed His Prophet in some of the earliest verses to be revealed:
O you wrapped in garments (i.e Prophet Muhammad (SAW))! Stand (to pray) all night, except a little.” [73:1,2]
O you (Muhammad (SAW)) enveloped (in garments). Arise and warn!” [74:1,2]
So he arose and kept on like that for over twenty years. During those years he undertook to carry the burdens of the great expectations on his shoulders for the sake of the whole mankind and humanity.
5 The Messenger of Allah (SAW) undertook the burdens of struggle who were seeking security through ceaseless toil and great in the conscience of mankind which was then drowning in the patience. illusions of Al-Jahiliyah (ignorance and being astray) and its The Companions acted perpetually and patiently by day and they images that were loaded with the ground weights and spent the night worshipping their Lord, reciting and memorizing gravitations. He took upon his shoulder to free man’s conscience the Quran glorifying and magnifying Allah and imploring Him by which was chained with desires and lusts. As soon as he had night; all that at the behest of their Lord, the All-Mighty. freed the conscience of his Companions from the burdens and heaps of Al-Jahiliyah and earthly life, he started another battle in For over twenty years the Messenger of Allah (SAW) had been another field or rather successive battles against the enemy of leading that progressive steady battle, disregarding any other Allah’s Call, and against those who conspired against it. It was a affairs that kept him off that noble goal. He went on that way till battle against those who conspired against the believers and the Islamic Call proved to be successful on a large scale that against those who were so careful to tend that pure plant in its puzzled all men possessed of good reason. implantation before it grew up and stretched its roots in soil and extended its branches up into the air and thus dawned upon The Islamic Call eventually prevailed all over Arabia. It removed all other areas. No sooner had he finished the battles in the Arabian traces of Al-Jahiliyah from the horizon of the peninsula. The sick Peninsula than the Byzantines began preparations to destroy this new nation on the northern borders.
The first battle, the battle of conscience, was not over yet. It was in fact a perpetual one. Satan, who was its leader did not spare a moment without exercising his activity in the depth of human conscience. Muhammad (SAW), on the other hand was attending on calling to Allah’s religion there and he was keen on fighting that perpetual battle in all fields in spite of their hard circumstances and the world’s conspiracy against him. He went on calling effectively and actively surrounded by the believers
6 minds of Al-Jahiliyah grew healthy “An Arab is no better than a non- in Islam. They did not only get rid Arab. In return a non-Arab is no of idol-worship, but they also better than an Arab. A red faced knocked them down. The general man was not better than a black atmosphere began to echo “There one except in piety. Mankind are is no god but Allah.” The calls to all Adam’s children and Adam prayers were heard five times a was created from dust.” day penetrating space and Thanks to the Islamic Call, the breaking the silence of the dead Arab unity had become a reality, desert and bringing back life and so was the case with human through the new belief. Reciters unity and social justice as far as and memorizers of the Quran set their earthly and heavenly affairs out northwards and southwards were concerned. The time course reciting verses of the Quran and of events had changed, the carrying out Allah’s injunctions. features on the earth’s surface Scattered people and tribes were and the crooked line of history united and man moved from had grown straight and the man’s worship of man to man’s mentality had been rectified. worship of Allah. There were no The spirit and the corrupted conscience of people, the distorted more oppressors nor oppressed; no masters nor slaves, nor valand measures of Al-Jahiliyah had overwhelmed the whole people bound to other people, nor aggressors that would practise world during that period of Al-Jahiliyah. The prevalence of slavery, aggression. All people were slaves of Allah. They were beloved injustice, extravagant luxury, adultery, depression, deprivity, brothers obeying Allah’s rules. Thanks to Allah they disposed of disbelief, stray from the straight path and darkness; all of those arrogance and the boastful spirit: were fait accomplis in spite of the existence of the heavenly religions. The teachings of those religions had grown weak and
7 lost all influence on men’s souls and spirits and became mere lifeless ritual traditions.
When this Call had accomplished its role in human life, it freed mankind’s spirit of superstitions, illusions, white slavery, corruption and man’s worship of man. Islam had freed the human society of filth, dissolution, injustice and tyranny. There were no more social distinctions, nor clergymen’s or governors’ dictatorship. Islam had set up a world built on solid virtuous and clean foundations, it was based on positivity, righteous construction, freedom and renewal. Truth, faith, dignity active steady deeds, the development and improvement of means of living and reclaim of rights were all bases upon which the Islamic state was built.
Thanks to these evolutions, Arabia witnessed such an unprecedented blessed resurrection, since construction and establishment found its way to it. Never had its history been so religious, pious and brilliant as it had been during those peculiar days of its life.
8 Chapter 3 Leadership Truth: Credibility Is The Foundation Of Leadership
Credibility is linked with a leader’s believability; if people cannot find the leader credible, they will not trust him or her. Without the trust created by being credible, no leader can have relationships with his or her followers, and leadership does not exist without relationships. The importance of credibility is said in simple terms by the authors’; if you don’t believe the messenger, you won’t believe the message, and do what you say you will do. Section 1 Khadijah Entrusted Her Trade With Muhammad (SAW) When He Was Only 25 Years Old
We reference here what was written in The Sealed Nectar. Ibn Ishaq reported that Khadijah, daughter of Khwailid was a business-woman of great honour and fortune. She used to employ men to do her business for a certain percentage of the profits. Quraish people were mostly tradespeople, so when Khadijah was Khadijah was considered as informed of Muhammad (SAW), his truthful words, great honesty and kind manners, she sent for him. She offered him money to go to Syria and do her the best woman of her folk in business, and she would give him a higher rate than the others. She would also send her hireling, Maisarah, with him. He agreed and went with her servant to Syria for trade. When he returned to Makkah, Khadijah noticed, in her money, more lineage, fortune and wisdom. profits and blessings than she used to. Her hireling also told her of Muhammad’s good manners, honesty, deep thought, sincerity and faith.
10 Section 2 The Evil An-Nadr bin Al-Harith Confirms the Credibility of the Prophet (SAW)
An-Nadr bin Al-Harith once besmeared the Prophet (SAW) with animal entrails while the Prophet (SAW) was praying in Makkah and was later on captured in the Battle of Badr. The Prophet (SAW) later on ordered that two of the prisoners from Badr should be killed. They were An-Nadr bin Al-Harith and ‘Uqbah bin Abi Muait, Muhammad grew up here because they had persecuted the Muslims in Makkah, and harboured deep hatred towards Allah and His Messenger (SAW).
among you and always Once the evil An-Nadr bin Harith addressed the Quraishites in the following manner as reported in The Sealed Nectar: “O Quraish! You have experienced an proved to be highly obliging, unprecedented phenomenon before which you have so far been desperately helpless. Muhammad grew up here among you and always proved to be highly the most truthful and obliging, the most truthful and trustworthy young man. However, later on when he reached manhood, he began to preach a new faith alien to your society, and opposed to your liking so you began to denounce him at a time as a sorcerer, at trustworthy young man. another as a soothsayer, a poet, or even an insane man. I swear by Allah he is not anyone of those. He is not interested in blowing on knots as magicians are, nor do his words belong to the world of soothsaying; he is not a poet either, for his mentality is not that of a rambler, nor is he insane because he has never been witnessed to develop any sort of hallucinations or insinuations peculiar to madmen. O people of Quraish, it is really a serious issue and I recommend that you reconsider your attitude.”
11 It is narrated that An-Nadr, at a later stage, headed for Heerah where he got conversant with the traditions of the kings of Persia and the accounts of people like Rustum and Asphandiar, and then returned to Makkah. Here he would always shadow the Messenger’s steps in whatever audiences the later held to preach the new faith and to caution people against Allah’s wrath. An- Nadr would directly follow the Prophet and narrate to the same audience long tales about those people of Persia. He would then always append his talk with a question cunningly inquiring if he did not outdo Muhammad (SAW). Ibn Abbas (RA) related that An- Nadr used to purchase songstresses who would through their bodily charms and songs entice away from Islam anyone developing the least attachment to the Prophet (SAW); in this regard, Allah says,
And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks (i.e. music, singing, etc.) to mislead (men) from the Path of Allah... [31:6]
12 Section 3 Even Abu Sufyan Affirmed The Truthfulness of Muhammad (SAW) When He Was Still Opposed To Islam
Narrated Abdullah bin Abbas:
Abu Sufyan told me that Heraclius said to him, “When I enquired you what he (i.e. Muhammad) ordered you, you replied that he ordered you to establish the prayer, to speak the truth, to be chaste, to keep promises and to pay back trusts.” Then Heraclius added, “These are really the qualities of a prophet.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 3, Book 48, Number 846)
Narrated ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas:
Abu Sufyan bin Harb informed me that Heraclius had sent a messenger to him while he had been accompanying a caravan from Quraish. They were merchants doing business in Sham (Syria, Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan), at the time when Allah’s Apostle had truce with Abu Sufyan and the Quraish infidels. So Abu Sufyan and his companions went to Heraclius at Ilya (Jerusalem). Heraclius called them in the court and he had all the senior Roman dignitaries around him. He called for his translator who, translating Heraclius’s question said to them, “Who amongst you is closely related to that man who claims to be a Prophet?” Abu Sufyan replied, “I am the nearest Heraclius by Rossen Toshev (from ‘Rulers of the Byzantine Empire’ relative to him (amongst the group).” published by KIBEA) Heraclius said, “Bring him (Abu Sufyan) close to me and make his companions stand behind him.” Abu Sufyan added, “Heraclius told his translator to tell my
13 companions that he wanted to put some questions to me He then asked, ‘Does anybody amongst those who embrace his regarding that man (The Prophet) and that if I told a lie they (my religion become displeased and renounce the religion companions) should contradict me.” Abu Sufyan added, “By afterwards?’ Allah! Had I not been afraid of my companions labeling me a liar, I I replied, ‘No.’ would not have spoken the truth about the Prophet. The first question he asked me about him was: Heraclius said, ‘Have you ever accused him of telling lies before his claim (to be a Prophet)?’ ‘What is his family status amongst you?’ I replied, ‘No.’ I replied, ‘He belongs to a good (noble) family amongst us.’ Abu Sufyan added, “By Allah! Heraclius said, ‘Does he break his promises?’ Heraclius further asked, ‘Has anybody amongst you ever claimed the same Had I not been afraid of my I replied, ‘No. We are at truce with him but (i.e. to be a Prophet) before him?’ we do not know what he will do in it.’ I could not find opportunity to say anything I replied, ‘No.’ companions labeling me a liar, I against him except that. He said, ‘Was anybody amongst his Heraclius asked, ‘Have you ever had a war ancestors a king?’ would not have spoken the with him?’ I replied, ‘No.’ truth about the Prophet…” I replied, ‘Yes.’ Heraclius asked, ‘Do the nobles or the Then he said, ‘What was the outcome of the poor follow him?’ battles?’ I replied, ‘It is the poor who follow him.’ I replied, ‘Sometimes he was victorious and sometimes we.’ He said, ‘Are his followers increasing decreasing (day by day)?’ Heraclius said, ‘What does he order you to do?’ I replied, ‘They are increasing.’
14 I said, ‘He tells us to worship Allah and Allah alone and not to to a very noble family. In fact all the Apostles come from noble worship anything along with Him, and to renounce all that our families amongst their respective peoples. I questioned you ancestors had said. He orders us to pray, to speak the truth, to be whether anybody else amongst you claimed such a thing, your chaste and to keep good relations with our kith and kin.’ reply was in the negative. If the answer had been in the affirmative, I would have thought that this man was following the Heraclius asked the translator to convey to me the following, I previous man’s statement. Then I asked you whether anyone of asked you about his family and your reply was that he belonged his ancestors was a king. Your reply was in the negative, and if it had been in the affirmative, I would have thought that this man The Hagia Sophia, a famous example of Byzantine Architecture. wanted to take back his ancestral kingdom.
I further asked whether he was ever accused of telling lies before he said what he said, and your reply was in the negative. So I wondered how a person who does not tell a lie about others could ever tell a lie about Allah. I then asked you whether the rich people followed him or the poor. You replied that it was the poor who followed him. And in fact all the Apostle have been followed by this very class of people. Then I asked you whether his followers were increasing or decreasing. You replied that they were increasing, and in fact this is
15 the way of true faith, till it is complete in all respects. I further asked you whether there was anybody, who, after embracing his religion, became displeased and discarded his religion. Your reply was in the negative, and in fact this is (the sign of) true faith, when its delight enters the hearts and mixes with them completely. I asked you whether he had ever betrayed. You replied in the negative and likewise the Apostles never betray. Then I asked you what he ordered you to do. You replied that he ordered you to worship Allah and Allah alone and not to worship anything along with Him and forbade you to worship idols and ordered you to pray, to speak the truth and to be chaste. If what you have said is true, he will very soon occupy this place underneath my feet and I knew it (from the scriptures) that he was going to appear but I did not know that he would be from committing a sin by misguiding your Arisiyin (peasants). (And I you, and if I could reach him definitely, I would go immediately to recite to you Allah’s Statement:) meet him and if I were with him, I would certainly wash his feet.” Heraclius then asked for the letter addressed by Allah’s Apostle O people of the scripture! Come to a word common to you and us which was delivered by Dihya to the Governor of Busra, who that we worship none but Allah and that we associate nothing in forwarded it to Heraclius to read. The contents of the letter were worship with Him, and that none of us shall take others as Lords as follows: “In the name of Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful (This beside Allah. Then, if they turn away, say: Bear witness that we letter is) from Muhammad the slave of Allah and His Apostle to are Muslims (those who have surrendered to Allah). (3:64).” Heraclius the ruler of Byzantine. Peace be upon him, who follows Abu Sufyan then added, “When Heraclius had finished his speech the right path. Furthermore I invite you to Islam, and if you and had read the letter, there was a great hue and cry in the Royal become a Muslim you will be safe, and Allah will double your Court. So we were turned out of the court. I told my companions reward, and if you reject this invitation of Islam you will be that the question of Ibn-Abi-Kabsha) (the Prophet Muhammad)
16 has become so While they were prominent that even the discussing it, a King of Bani Al-Asfar messenger sent by the (Byzantine) is afraid of king of Ghassan to him. Then I started to convey the news of become sure that he Allah’s Apostle to (the Prophet) would be Heraclius was brought the conqueror in the in. Having heard the near future till I news, he (Heraclius) embraced Islam (i.e. ordered the people to go Allah guided me to it).” and see whether the messenger of Ghassan The sub narrator adds, was circumcised. The “Ibn An-Natur was the people, after seeing him, told Heraclius that he was circumcised. Governor of llya' (Jerusalem) and Heraclius was the head of the Heraclius then asked him about the Arabs. The messenger Christians of Sham. Ibn An-Natur narrates that once while replied, ‘Arabs also practice circumcision.’ Heraclius was visiting ilya' (Jerusalem), he got up in the morning with a sad mood. Some of his priests asked him why he was in (After hearing that) Heraclius remarked that sovereignty of the that mood? Heraclius was a foreteller and an astrologer. He ‘Arabs had appeared. Heraclius then wrote a letter to his friend in replied, ‘At night when I looked at the stars, I saw that the leader Rome who was as good as Heraclius in knowledge. Heraclius of those who practice circumcision had appeared (become the then left for Homs. (a town in Syria and stayed there till he conqueror). Who are they who practice circumcision?’ The people received the reply of his letter from his friend who agreed with him replied, ‘Except the Jews nobody practices circumcision, so you in his opinion about the emergence of the Prophet and the fact should not be afraid of them (Jews).’ that he was a Prophet. On that Heraclius invited all the heads of the Byzantines to assemble in his palace at Homs. When they ‘Just Issue orders to kill every Jew present in the country.’ assembled, he ordered that all the doors of his palace be closed. Then he came out and said, ‘O Byzantines! If success is your
17 desire and if you seek right guidance and want your empire to remain then give a pledge of allegiance to this Prophet (i.e. embrace Islam).’
(On hearing the views of Heraclius) the people ran towards the gates of the palace like onagers but found the doors closed. Heraclius realized their hatred towards Islam and when he lost the hope of their embracing Islam, he ordered that they should be brought back in audience.
(When they returned) he said, ‘What already said was just to test the strength of your conviction and I have seen it.’ The people prostrated before him and became pleased with him, and this was the end of Heraclius’s story (in connection with his faith).” (Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 1, Book 1, Number 6)
18 Section 4 Abu Bakar Confirms His Absolute Belief In The Prophet’s (SAW) Truthfulness During The Incident of Isra’ and Mi’raj
The books of Seerah and Hadith provide abundant proof of the the event of the Prophet’s Night Journey to Jerusalem and then Ascension through the spheres of the heavens. In “The Sealed Nectar” it is mentioned that the ‘Night Journey’ raised a good deal of stir among the people and the sceptical audience plied Muhammad (SAW) with all sorts of questions. The disbelievers, however, found it a suitable opportunity to jeer at the Muslims and their creed. They pestered the Prophet (SAW) with questions as to the description of the Mosque at Jerusalem, where he had never gone before and, to the astonishment of many, the Prophet’s replies furnished the most accurate information about that city. He supplied them with all the news about their caravans and the routes of their camels. However, all this increased in them nothing but flight from the Truth, and they accepted nothing but disbelief.
They turned to Abu Bakr and said, “But do you believe what he said, that he went last night to the Hallowed House (in Jerusalem) and came back before morning?” He replied: “Yes, and I do believe him regarding what is farther than that. I believe the news of heaven he brings, whether in the space of a morning or in that of an evening journey (na’am inni la usaddiquhu fima huwa ab’adu min dhalika usaddiqu bi khabari Al-sama’i fi ghudwatin aw rawhatin).” Because of this Abu Bakr was named Al-Siddiq: the Most Truthful, the One Who Never Lies.
19 In another excerpt from Seerah related to this event, Al-Mut’im ibn ‘Adi (he died a disbeliever) said, “All of your affair before today was bearable, until what you said today. I bear witness that you are a liar (ana ashhadu annaka kadhibun). We strike the flanks of the she-camels for one month to reach the Hallowed House, then for another month to come back, and you claim that you went there in one night! By Al-Lat, by Al-`Uzza! I do not believe you.”
Abu Bakr said, “O Mut’im, what an evil thing you said to the son of your brother when you faced him thus and declared him a liar! As for me I bear witness that he spoke the truth (ana ashhadu Abu Bakr said, “O Mut’im, what an evil annahu sadiqun).” thing you said to the son of your brother
when you faced him thus and declared
him a liar! As for me I bear witness that
he spoke the truth (ana ashhadu annahu
sadiqun).”
20 Section 5 Even His Enemies Witnessed On His Honesty And Integrity
Al-Bukhari reported part of this story on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbas (RA). He said, “When the following verse of Al-Quran was revealed:
And warn your tribe of near kindred. [26:214]”
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) went to the foot of mount Safa to declare his prophethood to the people of Macca. He ascended Mount As- Mount Safa Safa and started to call: “O Bani Fahr! O Bani ‘Adi (two tribes of Quraish).” Many people gathered and those who couldn’t, sent somebody to report to them. Abu Lahab was also present. The Prophet (SAW) said, “You see, if I were to tell you that there were some horsemen in the valley planning to raid you, will you believe me?” They said, “Yes, we have never experienced any lie from you.” He said, “I am a warner to you before a severe torment.” Abu Lahab promptly replied: “Perish you all the day! Have you summoned us for such a thing?” (Sahih Al-Bukhari: 4971).
All the people of Makkah, without any exception swore to his truthfulness and honesty, for he had lived an unblemished and extremely pious life among them before his prophethood.
21 Section 6 The Prophet (SAW) Never Abused His Authority
He was a Prophet and he was their leader. When he wanted something that rightfully belonged to others, even his followers, he would ask giving all the reasons why. When they chose to have it their way, he would still respect it. This particular incident involved the Hawazin delegation after the Battle of Hunain and the invasion of Taif in the eighth year of Hijrah.
Hawazin’s delegation arrived as Muslims just after the distribution of spoils. They were fourteen men headed by Zuhair bin Sard. The Messenger’s foster uncle was one of them. They asked him to bestow upon them some of the wealth and spoils. They uttered so touching words that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said to them: “You surely see who are with me. The most desirable speech to me is the most truthful. Which is dearer to you, your wealth or your women and children?” They replied: “Nothing whatsoever compares with kinship.” Then when I perform the noon prayer, stand up and say: “We intercede with the Messenger of Allah (SAW) to exhort the believers, and we intercede with the believers to exhort the Messenger of Allah (SAW) to forego the captives of our people fallen to their lot.”
So when the Messenger of Allah (SAW) performed the noon prayer, they stood up and said what they had been told to say. The Messenger (SAW) then said, “As for what belongs to me and to the children of Abdul Muttalib, you may consider them, from now on, yours. And I will ask my folksmen to give back
22 theirs.” Upon hearing that the Emigrants and the Helpers said, Later on he let her go back. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) gave “What belongs to us is, from now on, offered to the Messenger of every captive a garment as a gift. Allah (SAW).” But Al-Aqra’ bin Habis said, “We will grant none of what belongs to me and to Bani Tamim”. So did ‘Uyaina bin Hisn who said, “As for me and Bani Fazarah, I say ‘No’.” Al-‘Abbas bin Mirdas also refused and said, “No” for Bani Saleem and him. His people, however, said otherwise, “Whatever spoils belong to us we offer to the Messenger of Allah (SAW).” “You have undermined my position,” said Al-‘Abbas bin Mirdas spontaneously.
Then the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “These people have come to you as Muslims. For this I have already tarried the distribution of the booty. Besides, I have granted them a fair option but they refused to have anything other than their women and children. Therefore he who has some of theirs and will prefer willingly to give them back, let them do. But those who favour to keep what he owns to himself, let them grant them back too, and he will be given as a recompense six times as much from the first booty that Allah may provide us.” People then said, “We will willingly offer them all for the sake of the Messenger of Allah.” The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “But in this way we are not able to find out who is content and who is not. So go back and we will be waiting for your chiefs to convey to us your decisions.” All of them gave back the women and children. The only one who refused to comply with the Messenger’s desire was ‘Uyaina bin Hisn. He refused to let an old woman of theirs go back at first.
23 Chapter 4 Leadership Truth: Values Drive Commitment
This commitment refers to both the leader’s commitment to a cause and the followers’ commitment to the leader and the cause. Leaders must know their own values and beliefs to truly understand what motivates their followers. Leaders must work to help their groups develop values and ensure that the work they are doing aligns with those values. Leadership is a relationship, and clarity of values helps strengthen that relationship.
The message of Islam is centered on beliefs and values. There are fundamental universal values like freedom, justice, right of worship, upholding the truth, suppressing oppression, respect for the human being and many others. Also there are universal behavioral values like truthfulness, honesty, kindness and others. We highlight some of the values for which the Prophet (SAW) and the Companions showed strict compliance. Section 1 Never Compromise on Matters of Principle
When the Prophet (SAW) started to make an impact in getting more converts to Islam while preaching at Makkah, the Quraish resorted to various tactics and approaches to stem the tide of his influence. It was not successful because Muhammad (SAW) and his early companions stood firm with their beliefs. In a fresh attempt to dissuade Muhammad (SAW) from his principled stand, Quraish invited him to compromise on his teachings and come to terms with their pre-Islamic practices in such a way that he quits some of his religion and the polytheists do the same. Allah (SWT) says,
They wish that you should compromise (in religion out of courtesy) with them, so they (too) would compromise with you. [68:9].
On the authority of Ibn Jareer and At-Tabarani, the idolaters offered that Muhammad (SAW) worship their gods for a year, and they worship his Lord for a year. In another version, they said, If you accept our gods, we would worship yours. Ibn Ishaq related that Al-Aswad bin Al-Muttalib, Al-Waleed bin Al-
25 Mugheerah, Omaiyah bin Khalaf and Al-As bin Wa’il As-Sahmy, a constellation of influential polytheists, intercepted the Prophet (SAW) while he was circumambulating in the Holy Sanctuary, and offered him to worship that they worshipped, and they worship that he worshipped so that, according to them, both parties would reach a common denominator. They added, “Should the Lord you worship prove to be better than ours, then it will be so much better for us, but if our gods proved to be better than yours, then you would have benefit from it.” Allah (SWT) was decisive on the spot and revealed the following Chapter:
Say, O Al-Kafirun, I worship not that which you worship, nor will you worship that which I worship. And I shall not worship that which you are worshipping, nor will you worship that which I worship. To you be your religion, and to me my religion (Islamic Monotheism). [109]
26 Chapter 5 Leadership Truth: Focusing On The Future Sets Leaders Apart
According to the author’s research, when faced with the scenario of a new leader entering their organization, the second most common question followers asked was: “What’s your vision?”. This question is not one that followers ask of their teammates or peers, but only of their leaders, emphasizing the importance of a leader’s vision.
A vision is simply a mental picture of the future. An inspiring vision paints future greatness related to the ambitions of the individual, organization or community. The hallmark of a visionary leader is that the followers truly trust and believe in his visions. They continue to work and aspire to realize the visions even long after his death. Such were the visions of the greatness of Islam that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) described. Section 1 Painting a Vision of Future Greatness Despite Being In Difficulty
While in conditions of great difficulties and oppressions from the enemies of Islam in Makkah with some muslims under great tortures, the Prophet (SAW) predicted the future victories where Islam will be on the upper hand.
Habbab ibn Arat Mentions The Vision of Future Peace Even From The Early Days of Islam In Makkah
Imam Bukhari and Abu Dawud quote Habbab ibn Arat, who said, “Once, during the days of trouble and torture in Makkah, I went to Allah’s Messenger, who was sitting in the shade of the Ka’bah. I was still a slave in the hands of the Makkans then. They inflicted on me severe tortures. Unable to endure those tortures any more, I requested Allah’s Messenger to pray to Allah for help and salvation. But he turned towards me and said, ‘By Allah, previous communities had to endure more pitiless tortures. Some of them were made to lie in ditches and cut in two with saws but this did not make them forsake their faith. They were skinned alive but they never became weak against the enemy. Surely God will perfect this religion, but you display undue haste. A day will come when a woman will travel alone by herself from San’a to Hadramawt fearing nothing but wild beasts. However, you show impatience.’”
Habbab concluded: “By Allah, what Allah’s Messenger foretold that day, have all come true. I have personally witnessed it all.”
28 Another Vision of Peace and Safety The Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and give him A verse of Al-Quran was revealed at this time of peace, said, ‘It will not be the Muslim’s weakness and great difficulties, long before one of you will be promising the righteous victory, sitting unarmed amidst huge
Allah has promised to those of you who believe, numbers of people, none of and do good deeds, that He will surely grant them whom carries a weapon.’” in the land inheritance of power as He granted it to those before them; that He will establish in authority their religion which He has chosen for them. And that He will change their state after fear to one of security and peace. They will worship Me alone and not associate aught with Me... [24:55]
Al-Rabi’ ibn Anas related that Abu’l-’Aliyah said regarding this verse:
“The Messenger of Allah (SAW), and his Companions remained in Makkah, after the advent of the revelation, for ten years in a state of fear - sleeping at night and waking in the morning with weapons at their sides. Then the Prophet was commanded to migrate to Madinah. One of his Companions asked him: ‘O Messenger of Allah, there is not a single day in which we feel safe such that we can put down our weapons.’
29 Chapter 6 Leadership Truth: You Can’t Do It Alone
The leader is here to serve others, not the inverse. To see if someone is a leader, look to see if they have followers. Followers are integral to the process, because leadership is about the relationship a leader has with constituents.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was blessed with great followers who believed in the pure and noble cause of Islam and were actively committed to it. This is evidenced by their willingness to sacrifice their wealth and lives while obeying his (SAW) commands. The strongest proof of their commitment is to zealously pursue the same mission after their leader went to meet his Creator (SAW). The Companions assumed the leadership of Islam after him and brought it to greater heights and influence. Section 1 The Early Followers
We can learn much from the early followers of the Prophet (SAW). The later history of Islam showed that all of them played significant roles and were leaders in their own right. Khadijah (RA) gave all the wealth she had to support the new call of Islam. She was a pillar of support to her husband, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and to the cause until her death. Abu Bakar (RA), Uthman (RA) and ‘Ali (RA) later on became caliphs and led the growing Muslim nation. We provide this excerpt from All of those professed Islam on the The Sealed Nectar.
very first day of the call. Abu Bakr, The Prophet (SAW) naturally initiated his sacred mission right from home and then moved to the people closely associated with him. He called unto Islam and from the first day he embraced whomsoever he thought would attest the truth which had come from his Lord. In Islam, proved to be an energetic and fact, a host of people who nursed not the least seed of doubt as regards the Prophet (SAW), immediately responded and quite readily embraced the true faith. most zealous activist. They are known in the Islamic literature as the early converts.
Khadijah, the Prophet’s spouse, the mother of believers, was the first to enter the fold of Islam followed by his freed slave Zaid bin Harithah, his cousin, ‘Ali bin Abi Talib, who had been living with him since his early childhood, and next came his intimate friend Abu Bakr As-Siddiq. All of those professed Islam on the very first day of the call. Abu Bakr, and from the first day he embraced Islam, proved to be an energetic and most zealous activist. He was wealthy, obliging, mild and upright. People used to frequent his house and draw nigh to him for his
31 knowledge, amity, pleasant company and business. He invited whomever he had confidence in to Islam and through his personal efforts a good number of people converted to Islam, such as For three underground years of activism, ‘Uthman bin ‘Affan Al-Umawi, Az-Zubair bin ‘Awwam Al-Asadi, ‘Abdur Rahman bin ‘Awf, Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas, Az-Zuhri and a group of believers emerged stamped by Talhah bin ‘Ubaidullah At-Tamimy. Those eight men constituted the forerunners and more specifically the vanguard of the new a spirit of fraternity and cooperation with faith in Arabia. Among the early Muslim were Bilal bin Rabah (the one definite objective in their mind: Abyssinian), Abu ‘Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah from Bani Harith bin Fahr (the most trustworthy of the Muslim Nation), Abu Salamah bin propagating and deeply establishing the ‘Abd Al-Asad, Al-Arqam bin Abi Al-Arqam from the tribe of Makhzum, ‘Uthman bin Maz’oun and his two brothers Qudama call unto Islam. and ‘Abdullah, ‘Ubaidah bin Al-Harith bin Al-Muttalib bin ‘Abd Munaf, Sa’id bin Zaid Al-‘Adawi and his wife Fatimah - daughter of Al-Khattab (the sister of ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab), Khabbab bin Al-Aratt, ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud Al-Hadhali and many others. These were the Muslim predecessors. They belonged to various sects of Quraish. Ibn Hisham, a biographer, counted them to be more than forty.
For three underground years of activism, a group of believers emerged stamped by a spirit of fraternity and cooperation with one definite objective in their mind: propagating and deeply establishing the call unto Islam.
32 Chapter 7 Leadership Truth: Trust Rules
Increased trust in a leader leads to followers having an increased willingness to be influenced by that leader. This higher level of trust also motivates followers to work harder for the leader. When people trust their leader they feel more secure and can focus their energy on higher-level problems at work, instead of being concerned with their own security. To earn trust, the leader must take the first risk by placing trust in their followers. Kouzes and Posner (2010a) mentioned that it is also critical to trust that followers can and will improve, even when they are having difficulties. The authors outline four actions to help a leader build trust: behave predictably and consistently, communicate clearly, treat promises seriously, and be forthright and candid. Followers will also trust the leader more if he or she shares information appropriately. Section 1 Al-Ameen (The Trustworthy) Has Come
The incident of the rebuilding of the Holy Ka’bah which happened before the prophethood of Muhammad (SAW) confirms the trust that people had in him, even those who later on opposed his mission to spread Islam. We take this excerpt as reported in The Sealed Nectar.
Five years before Prophethood, there was a great flood in Makkah that swept towards Al-Ka’bah and almost demolished it. Quraish was obliged to rebuild it to safeguard its holiness and position. The chiefs of Quraish decided to use only licit money in rebuilding Al-Ka’bah, so all money that derived from harlotry, usury or unjust practices was excluded. They were, at first, too awed to knock down the wall, but Al-Waleed bin Al- Mugheerah Al-Mukhzumi started the work. Seeing that no harm had happened to him, the others participated in demolishing the walls until they reached the basis laid by Abraham. When they started rebuilding its walls, they divided the work among the tribes. Each tribe was responsible for rebuilding a part of it. The tribes collected stones and started work. The work went on in harmony till the time came to put the sacred Black Stone in its proper place. Then strife broke out among the chiefs, and lasted for four or five days, each contesting for the honour of placing the stone in its position. Daggers were on the point of being drawn and great bloodshed seemed imminent. Luckily, the oldest among the chiefs Abu
34 Omaiyah bin Mugheerah Al-Makhzumi made a proposal which was accepted by all. He said, “Let him, who enters the Sanctuary first of all, decide on the point.” It was then Allah’s Will that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) should be the first to enter the Mosque. On seeing him, all the people on the scene, cried with one voice: “Al-Ameen (the trustworthy) has come. We are content to abide by his decision.” Calm and self-possessed, Muhammad (SAW) received the commission and at once resolved upon an expedient which was to conciliate them all. He asked for a mantle which he spread on the ground and placed the stone in its centre. He then asked the representatives of the different clans among them, to lift the stone all together. When it had reached On seeing him, all the people the proper place, Muhammad (SAW) laid it in the proper position with his own hands. This is how a very tense situation was eased on the scene, cried with one and a grave danger averted by the wisdom of the Prophet (SAW). voice: “Al-Ameen (the trustworthy) has come. We are content to abide by his decision.”
35 Chapter 8 Leadership Truth: Challenge Is The Crucible For Greatness
The most admired historical leaders are distinguished by their ability to lead through major challenges. These challenges provide the opportunity for the leader to shine and demonstrate leadership by taking the initiative to move the group forward. According to Kouzes and Posner (2010a), the key to leading through this challenge is grit, the ability to keep pushing and be resilient throughout the stress of change. Great leaders understand that even when the challenge cannot be overcome, it is important to learn from that failure. Chapter 9 Leadership Truth: Either Lead By Example Or Don’t Lead At All
Good leadership is about truthfully acting, not simply saying or telling, as the leader wants others to, communicating values through behaviors. This is crucial because people believe what the leader does over what he or she says. If the leader wants his or her followers to change their actions, it is crucial to change his or her own first. Leading by example is especially important when admitting mistakes. If the leader does not admit mistakes, followers will be afraid to admit their own mistakes. Section 1 Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Worked Hard Despite Hunger During The Battle of Al-Khandaq
All the following Hadith taken from Sahih Bukhari (Book on Military Expeditions led by the Prophet (SAW)) relate to events that happened when the Prophet (SAW) and his companions were digging the trenches in preparation for the planned attack upon Madinah by almost all the tribes in Arabia. It was the biggest military threat to the Muslims. It was during the cold season. The strategy was to dig trenches to protect the path into Madinah that were not protected by hills or We were with Allah’s Apostle in the fortresses. It was hard work under difficult conditions. The Prophet (SAW) was Trench, and some were digging the there with his companions toiling and dirtying himself. He (SAW) led by example. trench while we were carrying the Narrated Sahl bin Sad: earth on our shoulders. Allah’s We were with Allah’s Apostle in the Trench, and some were digging the trench while we were carrying the earth on our shoulders. Allah’s Apostle said, “O Allah! Apostle said, “O Allah! There is no life There is no life except the life of the Hereafter, so please forgive the Emigrants and except the life of the Hereafter, so the Ansar.” (Volume 5, Book 59, Number 424)
please forgive the Emigrants and the Narrated Anas:
Ansar.” Allah’s Apostle went out towards the Khandaq (i.e. Trench) and saw the Emigrants and the Ansar digging the trench in the cold morning. They had no slaves to do that (work) for them. When the Prophet saw their hardship and hunger, he said, “O Allah! The real life is the life of the Hereafter, so please forgive Ansar and the
38 Emigrants.” They said in reply to him, “We are those who have tied to his belly for we had not eaten anything for three days. So given the Pledge of allegiances to Muhammad for to observe the Prophet took the spade and struck the big solid rock and it Jihad as long as we live.” (Volume 5, Book 59, Number 425) became like sand. I said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Allow me to go home.” (When the Prophet allowed me) I said to my wife, “I saw Narrated Anas: the Prophet in a state that I cannot treat lightly. Have you got
Al-Muhajirun (i.e. the Emigrants) and the Ansar were digging the something (for him to eat?” She replied, “I have barley and a she trench around Madinah and were carrying the earth on their goat.” So I slaughtered the she-kid and she ground the barley; backs while saying, “We are those who have given the pledge of then we put the meat in the earthenware cooking pot. Then I allegiance to Muhammad for Islam as long as we live.” The came to the Prophet when the dough had become soft and Prophet said in reply to their saying, “O Allah! There fermented and (the meat in) the pot over the stone trivet had is no goodness except the goodness of the nearly been well-cooked, and said, “I have got a little Hereafter; so please grant Your Blessing to the food prepared, so get up O Allah’s Apostle, you and one Ansar and the Emigrants.” The people used to or two men along with you (for the food).” The Prophet bring a handful of barley, and a meal used to be asked, “How much is that food?” I told him about it. He prepared thereof by cooking it with a cooking said, “It is abundant and good. Tell your wife not to material (i.e. oil, fat and butter having a change in remove the earthenware pot from the fire and not to take color and smell) and it used to be presented to the out any bread from the oven till I reach there.” Then he people (i.e. workers) who were hungry, and it used said (to all his companions), “Get up.” So the Muhajirn to stick to their throats and had a nasty smell. (i.e. Emigrants) and the Ansar got up. When I came to my wife, I said, “Allah’s Mercy be upon you! The Prophet (Volume 5, Book 59, Number 426) came along with the Muhajirin and the Ansar and those Narrated Jabir: who were present with them.” She said, “Did the Prophet ask you (how much food you had)?” I replied, “Yes.” Then the Prophet We were digging (the trench) on the day of (Al-Khandaq ( i.e. said, “Enter and do not throng.” The Prophet started cutting the Trench )) and we came across a big solid rock. We went to the bread (into pieces) and put the cooked meat over it. He covered Prophet and said, “Here is a rock appearing across the trench.” the earthenware pot and the oven whenever he took something He said, “I am coming down.” Then he got up, and a stone was out of them. He would give the food to his companions and take 39 the meat out of the pot. He went on cutting the bread and so to you.” I said, “I have told the Prophet of what you said.” scooping the meat (for his companions) till they all ate their fill, Then she brought out to him (i.e. the Prophet the dough, and he and even then, some food remained. Then the Prophet said (to spat in it and invoked for Allah’s Blessings in it. Then he my wife), “Eat and present to others as the people are struck with proceeded towards our earthenware meat-pot and spat in it and hunger.” (Volume 5, Book 59, Number 427) invoked for Allah’s Blessings in it. Then he said (to my wife). Call a lady-baker to bake along with you and keep on taking out scoops Narrated Jabir bin ‘Abdullah: from your earthenware meat-pot, and do not put it down from its When the Trench was dug, I saw the Prophet in the state of fireplace.” They were one-thousand (who took their meals), and severe hunger. So I returned to my wife and said, “Have you got by Allah they all ate, and when they left the food and went away, anything (to eat), for I have seen Allah’s Apostle in a state of our earthenware pot was still bubbling (full of meat) as if it had not severe hunger.” She brought out for me, a bag containing one Sa decreased, and our dough was still being baked as if nothing had of barley, and we had a domestic she animal (i.e. a kid) which I been taken from it. (Volume 5, Book 59, Number 428) slaughtered then, and my wife ground the barley and she finished Narrated ‘Aishah: at the time I finished my job (i.e. slaughtering the kid). Then I cut the meat into pieces and put it in an earthenware (cooking) pot, As regards the following Quranic Verse: When they came on you and returned to Allah’s Apostle. My wife said, “Do not disgrace from above and from below you (from east and west of the valley) me in front of Allah’s Apostle and those who are with him.” So I and when the eyes grew wild and the hearts reached up to the went to him and said to him secretly, “O Allah’s Apostle! I have throats... [33:10] That happened on the day of Al-Khandaq (i.e. slaughtered a she-animal (i.e. kid) of ours, and we have ground a Trench). (Volume 5, Book 59, Number 429) Sa of barley which was with us. So please come, you and another person along with you.” The Prophet raised his voice and said, “O Narrated Al-Bara: people of Trench ! Jabir has prepared a meal so let us go.” Allah’s The Prophet was carrying earth on the day of Al-Khandaq till his Apostle said to me, “Don’t put down your earthenware meat pot abdomen was fully covered with dust, and he was saying, “By (from the fireplace) or bake your dough till I come.” So I came (to Allah, without Allah we would not have been guided, neither my house) and Allah’s Apostle too, came, proceeding before the would we have given in charity, nor would we have prayed. So (O people. When I came to my wife, she said, “May Allah do so-and- Allah), please send Sakina (i.e. calmness) upon us, and make our
40 Narrated Al-Bara:
When it was the day of Al-Ahzab (i.e. the clans) and Allah’s Apostle dug the trench, I saw him carrying earth out of the trench till dust made the skin of his abdomen out of my sight and he was a hairy man. I heard him reciting the poetic verses composed by Ibn Rawaha while he was carrying the earth, “O Allah! Without You we would not have been guided, nor would we have given in charity, nor would we have prayed. So, (O Allah), please send Sakina (i.e. calmness) upon us and make our feet firm if we meet the enemy, as they have rebelled against us. And if they intend affliction (i.e. want to frighten us, and fight against us) then we feet firm if we meet the enemy as the enemy have rebelled would not (flee but withstand them).” The Prophet would then against us, and if they intended affliction, (i.e. want to frighten us prolong his voice at the last words. (Volume 5, Book 59, Number and fight against us then we would not flee but withstand them).” 432) The Prophet used to raise his voice saying, “Abaina! Abaina! (i.e. would not, we would not).” (Volume 5, Book 59, Number 430)
Narrated Ibn Abbas:
The Prophet said, “I have been made victorious by As-Saba (i.e. an easterly wind) and the Ad nation was destroyed by Ad-Dabur (i.e. a westerly wind).” (Volume 5, Book 59, Number 431)
41 Chapter 10 Leadership Truth: The Best Leaders Are The Best Learners
The key to learning to be a leader is having a passion for learning. In order to learn effectively, the leader also needs to be open to new experiences and getting feedback. Kouzes and Posner (2010a) also insist that to be a good leader, one must adopt a growth mindset; must be focused on growing and improving himself or herself on a regular basis. Section 1 The Prophet (SAW) Prepared His People Physically by Encouraging Good Competitive Behavior and He Involved with Them
Narrated: Abu Ishaq, Musa bin Uqba said, Nafi said, Ibn ‘Umar said, “Allah’s Apostle (SAW) arranged a horse race amongst the horses that had been made lean, letting them start from Al-Hafya and their limit (distance of running) was up to Thaniyat-Al-Wada. I asked Musa, ‘What was the distance between the two places?’ Musa replied, ‘Six or seven miles. He arranged a race of the horses which had not been made lean sending them from Thaniyat-Al-Wada, and their limit was up to the mosque of Bani Zuraiq.’ I asked, ‘What was the distance between those two places?’ He replied ‘One mile or so.’ Ibn Umar was amongst those who participated in that horse race.” (Sahih Bukhari Chapter No: 54, Hadith No: 131)
Salamah ibn Al-Akwa` narrated that the Prophet (SAW) passed by some people of the tribe of Banu Aslam who were practicing archery. The Prophet said, “O children of Isma’il! Practice archery as your father Isma’il was a great archer. Keep on shooting arrows and I am with (the team of) Banu so-and-so.” So one of the parties ceased shooting, whereupon the Prophet said, “Why do you not shoot?” They replied, “How should we shoot while you are with them (i.e., on their side)?” On that the Prophet said, “Shoot and I am with all of you" (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
43 Section 2 Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Explained How Fellow Prophets Also Sought For Knowledge
Narrated: Ubai bin Kaab. The Prophet said, “Once the Prophet Musa stood up and addressed Bani Israel. He was asked, “Who is the most learned man amongst the people. He said, “I am the most learned.” Allah admonished Musa as he did not attribute absolute knowledge to Him ( Allah). So Allah inspired to him “At the junction of the two seas there is a slave amongst my slaves who is more learned than you.” Musa said, “O my Lord! How can I meet him?” Allah said, Take a fish in a large basket (and proceed) and you will find him at the place where you will lose the fish. So Musa set out along with his (servant) boy, Yusha bin Nun and carried a fish in a large basket till they reached a rock, where they laid their heads (i.e. lay down) and slept. The fish came out of the basket and it took its way into the sea as in a tunnel. So it was an amazing thing for both Musa and his (servant) boy. They proceeded for the rest of that night and the following day. When the day broke, Musa said to his (servant) boy: “Bring us our early meal. No doubt, we have suffered much fatigue in this journey.” Musa did not get tired till he passed the place about which he was told. There the (servant) boy told Musa, “Do you remember when we betook ourselves to the rock, I indeed forgot the fish.” Musa remarked, “That is what we have been seeking. So they went back retracing their foot-steps, till they reached the rock. There they saw a man covered with a garment (or covering himself with his own garment). Musa greeted him. Al- Khadir replied saying, “How do people greet each other in your land?” Musa said,
44 “I am Musa.” He asked, “The Musa of Bani Israel?” Musa replied without fare. Then a sparrow came and stood on the edge of the in the affirmative and added, “May I follow you so that you teach boat and dipped its beak once or twice in the sea. Al-Khadir said, me of that knowledge which you have been taught.” Al-Khadir “O Musa! My knowledge and your knowledge have not decreased replied, “Verily! You will not be able to remain patient with me, O Allah’s knowledge except as much as this sparrow has decreased Musa! I have some of the knowledge of Allah which He has taught the water of the sea with its beak.” Al-Khadir went to one of the me and which you do not know, while you have some knowledge planks of the boat and plucked it out. Musa said, “These people which Allah has taught you which I do not know.” Musa said, " gave us a free lift but you have broken their boat and scuttled it Allah willing, you will find me patient and I will not disobey you in so as to drown its people.” Al-Khadir replied, “Didn’t I tell you that aught. So both of them set out walking along the sea-shore, as you will not be able to remain patient with me.” Musa said, “Call they did not have a boat. In the meantime a boat passed by me not to account for what I forgot.” The first (excuse) of Musa them and they requested the was that he had forgotten. Then they proceeded further and crew of the boat to take found a boy playing with other boys. Al-Khadir took hold of the them on board. The crew boy’s head from the top and plucked it out with his hands (i.e. recognized Al-Khadir and killed him). Musa said, “Have you killed an innocent soul who has took them on board killed none.” Al-Khadir replied, “Did I not tell you that you cannot remain patient with me?” Then they both proceeded till when they came to the people of a town, they asked them for food, but they refused to entertain them. Then they found there a wall on the point of collapsing. Al-Khadir repaired it with his own hands. The story of Prophet Musa Musa said, “If you had wished, surely you could have taken and Al-Khadir can also be wages for it.” Al-Khadir replied, “This is the parting between you found in Stories of the Prophets in Al-Quran and me.” The Prophet added, “May Allah be Merciful to Musa! written by Dr Tareq Al- Would that he could have been more patient to learn more about Suwaidan. The book is available in various format his story with Al-Khadir.” (Sahih Bukhari Chapter No: 3, Hadith - paperback book, Amazon print-on- no: 124) demand, PDF and Apple App.
45 Chapter 11 Leadership Truth: Leadership Is An Affair Of The Heart
The leader wants to serve others and help them grow to be the best. It is critical to show followers that the leader cares about them, and the best ways to do this include: to be out there working with them and share positive reinforcement. Section 1 The Prophet (SAW) Gave Everyone Some Material Gain From The Spoils of The Battle of Hunain But Reserved The Best for The Ansar
The following Hadith are taken from Sahih Bukhari from the book of the “Military Expeditions led by the Prophet (SAW)”.
Narrated Anas Bin Malik. When it was the day of (the battle of) Hunain, the Prophet confronted the tribe of Hawazin while there were ten-thousand (men) besides the Tulaqa' (i.e. those who had embraced Islam on the day of the Conquest of Makkah) with the Prophet. When they (i.e. Muslims) fled, the Prophet said, “O the The Prophet said, “If the group of Ansari.” They replied, “Labbaik, O Allah’s Apostle and Sadaik! We are under your command.” Then the Prophet got down (from his mule) and said, “I am people took their way through Allah’s Slave and His Apostle.” Then the pagans were defeated. The Prophet distributed the war booty amongst the Tulaqa and Muhajirin (i.e. Emigrants) and a valley and the Ansar took did not give anything to the Ansar. So the Ansar spoke (i.e. were dissatisfied) and he called them and made them enter a leather tent and said, won’t you be pleased their way through a mountain that the people take the sheep and camels, and you take Allah’s Apostle along pass, then I would choose a with you?” The Prophet added, “If the people took their way through a valley and the Ansar took their way through a mountain pass, then I would choose a mountain pass of the Ansar.” mountain pass of the Ansar.” Narrated Anas Bin Malik. The Prophet gathered some people of Ansar and said, “The People of Quraish are still close to their Pre-lslamic period of ignorance and have suffered a lot, and I want to help them and attract their hearts (by giving them the war booty). Won’t you be pleased that the people take the worldly things) and
47 you take Allah’s Apostle with you to your homes?” They said, Apostle to your homes reserving him for yourself?” They said, “Yes, (i.e. we are pleased with this distribution).” The Prophet “Yes.” Then the Prophet said, “If the people took their way said, "’If the people took their way through a valley and the Ansar through a valley, and the Ansar took their way through a mountain took their way through a mountain pass, then I would take the pass, surely, I would take the Ansar’s mountain pass.” Hisham Ansar’s valley or the Ansar’s mountain pass.” said, “O Abu Hamza (i.e. Anas)! Did you witness that? " He replied, “And how could I be absent from him?” Narrated Anas Bin Malik. When it was the day (of the battle) of Hunain, the tributes of Hawazin and Ghatafan and others, along Sahih Muslim even has The Book of Virtuous Qualities (of the with their animals and offspring (and wives) came to fight against Prophet and the Companions) with a specific chapter IT IS the Prophet The Prophet had with him, ten thousand men and VERY SELDOM THAT ALLAH’S APOSTLE (SAW) SAID" NO" some of the Tulaqa. The companions fled, leaving the Prophet TO ANYONE WHEN ASKED TO GIVE ANYTHING, AND HE alone. The Prophet then made two calls which were clearly GAVE CHARITY TO THE PEOPLE VERY FREELY. distinguished from each other. He turned right and said, “O the group of Ansar!" They said, “Labbaik, O Allah’s Apostle! Rejoice, for we are with you!" Then he turned left and said, “O the group of Ansar!" They said, “Labbaik! O Allah’s Apostle! Rejoice, for we are with you!" The Prophet at that time, was riding on a white mule; then he dismounted and said, “I am Allah’s Slave and His Apostle.” The infidels then were defeated, and on that day the Prophet gained a large amount of booty which he distributed amongst the Muhajirin and the Tulaqa and did not give anything to the Ansar. The Ansar said, “When there is a difficulty, we are called, but the booty is given to other than us.” The news reached the Prophet and he gathered them in a leather tent and said, “What is this news reaching me from you, O the group of Ansar?” They kept silent, He added," O the group of Ansar! Won’t you be happy that the people take the worldly things and you take Allah’s
48 In this chapter, Ibn Shihab reported that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) Abu Sufyan bin Harb was given a hundred camels and forty (gold) went on the expedition of Victory, i. e. the Victory of Makkah, and ounces and yet he said, “What about my son, Yazeed’s share?” then he went out along with the Muslims and they fought at So he was given the same quantity for his son as well. But yet he Hunain, and Allah granted victory to his religion and to the exclaimed: “And what about the share of Mu’awiyah, my second Muslims, and Allah’s Messenger (SAW) gave one hundred camels son?” So the Prophet (SAW) gave Mu’awiyah as much as he gave to Safwan b. Umayya. He again gave him one hundred camels, his father and brother. Hakeem bin Hizam was given a hundred and then again gave him one hundred camels. Sa’id b. Musayyib camels, but he was given a hundred more when he demanded. said that Safwan told him: (By Allah) Allah’s Messenger (SAW) Safwan bin Omaiyah was given three hundred camels, a hundred gave me what he gave me (and my state of mind at that time was) camels at each time he claimed. The Prophet (SAW) gave Al- that he was the most detested person amongst people in my Harith bin Harith bin Kilda a hundred camels. He also gave some eyes. But he continued giving to me until now he is the dearest of people to me.
The Sealed Nectar had this to say about the details of the booty distribution after the battle of Hunain. Upon returning and lifting the siege in Ta’if, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) had stayed over ten nights at Al-Ji’ranah before starting to distribute the booty. The delay was due to the Prophet’s hope that Hawazin’s delegation might arrive and announce their repentance and consequently reclaim their loss. Seeing that none of them arrived, he started dividing the booty so as to calm down the tribes’ chiefs and the celebrities of Makkah. The first to receive booty and the ones who obtained the greatest number of shares were the people who had recently embraced Islam.
Ji’ranah Mosque
49 chiefs of Quraish and take twelve camels and a other clans a hundred hundred and twenty camels; he gave others sheep. This distribution of fifty and some others had booty was based on a forty. wise policy to appease to the hearts of the new Eventually the news believers. spread among people that “Muhammad grants At first the Prophet’s generously and fears not policy of distribution was to grow poor.” This made bedouins gather around him expecting uncomprehended by many. Therefore sharp-tongued people to be given some wealth. They were so many that they forced the started expressing their objections. The Ansar (Helpers) were Prophet (SAW) to seek refuge against a tree and they even took among those who were afflicted by this policy. They were away his garment, “O people!” He said, “Give me back my deprived of Hunain gifts though they had been the ones who were garment! For I swear by the One in Whose Hand is Muhammad’s summoned at Hunain hard times and they were the first to rush to soul, that if I had as many numerous camels as the number of fight with the Messenger of Allah (SAW) and standfast till the Tihama trees, I would distribute them among you. You know quite defeat turned into victory. Now here they are watching those who well that I am neither mean nor coward or a liar.” Standing by his escaped fill their hands with booty while they are given nothing. camel he plucked out a hair of his camel’s hump and held it When the Messenger of Allah (SAW) had given Quraish and the between his two fingers, lifted it up and said, “O people, I swear Arab tribes those gifts and allotted nothing to the Helpers, a by Allah that I get nothing but one-fifth of your booty, and this group of the Helpers felt so uneasy about it that a lot of ill- very fifth goes back to you.” statements against the Prophet (SAW) were spread among them As soon as he had given the new converts, the Messenger of to an extent that one of them said, “By Allah, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) ordered Zaid bin Thabit to fetch the booty and Allah (SAW) was ill-spoken of by his folksmen!” And those ill- summon people. Then he ordained shares to people. A footman’s statements went on spreading till Sa’d bin ‘Ubadah met the share was four camels and forty sheep, and a horseman would
50 Messenger of Allah (SAW), who in his turn faced his people after a Allah guided you? You were poor and Allah gave you wealth. while. Weren’t you foes and Allah made you love one another.” “Yes,” they said, “Allah and His Messenger are better and more Sa’d bin ‘Ubadah said, “O Messenger of Allah, this group of the gracious.” Then he said, “What prevents you from replying to the Helpers are furious at you about the distribution of the booty that Messenger of Allah, O tribe of Helpers?” They said, “What should you had won. You have allotted shares to your own kinsmen and be the reply, O Messenger of Allah, while to the Lord and to his forwarded lots of gifts to the Arab tribes. But this group has Messenger belong all benevolence and grace.” obtained nothing.” The Prophet (SAW) asked Sa’d exclaiming: “Sa’d, what do you think of all The Prophet (SAW) again said, that?” Sa’d replied: “O “But by Allah, you might have Messenger of Allah. You know answered and answered truly, that I am nothing but a for I would have testified to its member of this group.” “Call truth myself: ‘You came to us out on your people and bring belied and rejected and we them forth to me into this accepted you; you came to us shed.” as helpless and we helped you; a fugitive, and we took So Sa’d went out and you in; poor and we comforted summoned them. When some you’. You Helpers, do you feel Emigrants came, he let them in anxious for the things of this but forbade others. When they world, wherewith I have sought were all gathered together, he to incline these people unto the Faith in which you are already informed the Prophet saying: “This group of the Helpers have just established? arrived to meet you in compliance with your orders.” As soon as the Messenger (SAW) faced them he thanked Allah and praised Are you not satisfied, O group of Helpers that the people go with Him, then said to them inquiring, “I have been told that you are ewes and camels while you go along with the Messenger of Allah angry with me. Didn’t I come to you when you were astray and (SAW) to your dwellings. By Him in Whose Hand is my life, had
51 there been no migration, I would have been one of the Helpers. If the people would go through a valley and passage, and the Helpers go through another valley and passage, I would go through the valley and passage of the Helpers. Allah! Have mercy on the Helpers, their children and their children’s children.”
The audience wept until tears rolled down their beards as they said, “Yes, we are satisfied, O Prophet of Allah (SAW)! with our lot and share.”
There are other similar reports of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) taking care of the hearts of the newly converts to Islam when he had the material means to do so from the spoils of war. He (SAW) did not give any material reward to the Ansar but gave them the best; to confirm that he (SAW) will not be returning to Makkah but will continue to be with those who protected and defended him and gave him shelter when the people of Makkah rejected him. He knew what they were really concerned about, he knew their feelings and he gave them the best.
52 Chapter 12 Leadership in Adversity: Lessons From the Prophet SAW
We expect our leaders to be better than us for them to gain our respect, commitment and loyalty. Some leaders win our respect, commitment and loyalty because they are indeed genuine in possessing many of the qualities we expect to see in our leaders. On the other hand, some leaders excel at managing impression to win our respect, commitment and loyalty. In public, they may appear caring and convey an image of leader who is concerned about the well-being of society. In private, they are busy enriching themselves, engaging in all kinds of abuse and corrupt activities. The character of a leader is often revealed during adversities and difficult situations. Such moments test a leader’s moral fortitude and character. Adolf Hitler was silenced by his own gun. History has seen how some leaders collapse during stress. Hitler committed suicide when he realized that defeat was imminent. In the end, all his loud rhetoric was silenced by his own gun. There to keep their bottom line in the are also leaders who deal with adversity by protecting the interest black. Religious leaders hide of their family first. Their people would be told to make sacrifices behind the sanctity of their while they rob the nation’s wealth for the benefit of family religions to avoid accountability members. and suppress any criticism of their incompetence. They abuse It is not an overstatement to say that modern society has a their followers’ faith in their leadership crisis. We often see scandals involving politicians, religion by insisting that their corporate leaders and even religious figures. We begin to wonder followers have faith in them. whether we can trust our leaders to be faithful to the nation when Some equate the sanctity of we see them being unfaithful to their spouses. We begin to ask their religion with their personal whether we can respect our religious leaders when we see them sanctity. betray trust and high standard of behavior we expect of religious leaders. We wonder whether our money and investment is safe Some may expect that as a when corporate leaders take unwarranted risks in order to justify Prophet, Muhammad (SAW) would have had a nerve of steel and their fat bonuses and in the end bring down companies. At the insuppressible determination. His spirits would have always been core, all leaders are just human beings who are vulnerable to high and that he would be free of all human frailties. But that’s not temptations. Some easily succumb to these temptations. Often, it what Allah intended. Muhammad (SAW) was sent as a human is society that has to bear the consequences of their frailties. being with all the vulnerabilities of a human being. He experienced the ups and down of life like any ordinary human During testing times, not all leaders are able to stick to their moral being. This is made clear in the Quran when Allah asked the compass. Some political leaders resort to bigotry and fomenting Prophet to say: xenophobic fears to shore up support for themselves. They use religion to legitimize their rule even though they are themselves Say (O Muhammad), ‘I am only a mortal like you. It is inspired in irreligious. Corporate leaders cut corners and “cook their books” me that your Allah is One Allah, therefore take the straight path
54 unto Him and seek forgiveness of Him. And woe unto the The Quranic concept of Muhammad (SAW) as uswatul hasanah, , idolaters. [41:6] example par excellence, must be interpreted along with this verse from surah Fussilat. This verse affirms his nature as a mortal like This verse begins with a declaration that Muhammad (SAW) is a other human beings. For Muhammad (SAW) to be an example of human like the rest of us. It is within this very human capacity and how Islam can be realized in human life, he has to have all the capabilities that he called people to Allah. Muhammad (SAW) qualities of ordinary human beings. The standards of conduct, embodies all the human qualities that we have in us. Muhammad behaviour and piety that he showed can be a standard for all of (SAW) felt pain when he is injured, he endured hunger during us. Ordinary human beings may not be able to reach his level of famine, he experienced sorrow when dear ones passed away, he piety, but it is possible for all of us to move towards it. If he is loved his family like most of us, he enjoyed the company of his given superhuman qualities, he cannot become an example for companions and he joked and teased them during casual other human beings. Ordinary people cannot reach the level of a interactions. superhuman. Thus, we see in him qualities that ordinary humans can relate to.
What then do we see as qualities of leadership in Prophet Muhammad (SAW) during adversity? Specifically, how did he behave during testing times? Can we derive lessons from the Prophet and set benchmarks for ourselves as we exercise leadership under difficult circumstances? If we accept him as the uswatul hasanah, what standards of behavior can we see? The following sections will be an attempt to derive some lessons from some of the difficult moments that the Prophet (SAW) had encountered. It is by no means a
55 complete or exhaustive examination of the whole life of the Prophet (SAW) The sirah is too long and too rich to be summarized in one chapter. Let this chapter be the start of the effort to examine the sirah from the lense of leadership. Specifically, how does a leader continue to maintain the loyalty of his followers in such a difficult time? And how did the Prophet sustain his own morale after suffering hardship and personal tragedies.
56 Section 1 Conclusion
Leading during adversity is difficult. The leader and his or her follower need to respond together to the situation. They need to be cohesive and plan their moves. Most adverse situations require new learning because the adversity is usually due to something unprecedented. In addition, adversities threaten a person’s sense of security. An effective leader has to be able to provide leadership during such a situation. The Prophet (SAW) shows that dealing with such a situation requires learning from the insights and wisdom of others. This involves attentively listening to their views. Getting people involved can also help allay these fears and uncertainty. In addition, decisions made have to be implemented meticulously. Managing the implementation requires selecting the right people for the critical tasks. And the leader has to lead from the front to show to his or her followers that the adversity can be overcome and how it can be overcome. All these has to be done while maintaining taalluq billah.
57 Chapter 13 Conclusion
On the whole the Prophet (SAW) was ornamented with peerless attributes of perfection.
And verily, you are on an exalted standard of character. [68:4]
Those were the attributes and qualities that the Prophet (SAW) enjoyed which made the hearts of souls of the people close to him, draw near to him, love him and take him as their absolute leader and role-model. No one can ever claim to be possessed of full knowledge or complete mastery of the great attributes of the greatest man and greatest leader in this universe. No one can ever give this man, the top of perfection, his due description. As stated in the Introduction of the book, the Western literature knowledge areas in management and leadership today with the on leadership reveals an interesting weakness despite its many legacy left behind from the most influential human being in the obvious strengths. The models, theories, rules, principles, history of mankind and the generation of Companions. Taking characteristics and practices of leadership use many different guidance from Al-Quran, the Prophet (SAW) and the great examples and leaders across different geographies and times. Caliphs, is our only guarantee for success today. There is no single role model as the reference hallmark of On the authority of Abu Najeeh Al-’Irbaad ibn Saariyah (RA) who leadership, no one person in the history of mankind that said, The Messenger of Allah (SAW) gave us a sermon by which exemplifies the well articulated rules, principles, characteristics our hearts were filled with fear and tears came to our eyes. So we and practices of leadership. In the preceding chapters we have said, “O Messenger of Allah! It is as though this is a farewell given numerous examples from the life history of Prophet sermon, so counsel us.” He (SAW) said, “I counsel you to have Muhammad (SAW) following the ten truths of leadership as an taqwa (fear) of Allah, and to listen and obey [your leader], even if a example model of modern leadership writings from among the slave were to become your ameer. Verily he among you who lives best authorities in leadership research today. It clearly shows how long will see great controversy, so you must keep to my Sunnah the Prophet (SAW) can be the single role model of leadership and to the Sunnah of the Khulafa ar-Rashideen (the rightly guided even based on modern leadership studies. In fact, our difficulty caliphs), those who guide to the right way. Cling to it stubbornly was not in finding examples from the Prophet’s leadership to fit [literally: with your molar teeth]. Beware of newly invented matters the ten categories but to handle some of the examples that cover [in the religion], for verily every bidah (innovation) is misguidance.” many truths of leadership at the same time. (Abu Dawud) We hope that this compendium will encourage more collaborative effort on topics of interest that synthesize the many advanced
59 It was related by at-Tirmidhi, who said that it was a good and sound Hadith. (Hadith 28 from Imam Nawawi’s 40 Hadith)
O Allah! send your blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You have send blessings upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. You are worthy of all praise, All Glorious.
O Allah! bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You have already blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. You are worthy of all praise, All Glorious.
60 Reference Section 1 Reference
1. Maxwell, J.C. (2001). Developing the Leader Within 8. Kouzes, J.M. & Posner, B.Z. (2003). The Leadership You Workbook, Nashville, Tennessee, Thomas Nelson Challenge Workbook, Jossey-Bass. Inc. 9. Kouzes, J.M. & Posner, B.Z. (2010). The Truth About 2. Maxwell, J.C. (2002). The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, Jossey-Bass. Leadership Workbook, Nashville, Tennessee, Thomas 10. Kouzes, J.M. & Posner, B.Z. (2010). Credibility, Jossey- Nelson Inc. Bass. 3. Bennis, W. (1989). On Becoming A Leader, Addison 11. HBR’s 10 Must Reads on Leadership (2011). Harvard Wesley. Business Review Press 4. McLean, J. W. & Weitzel, W. (1991). Leadership: Magic, 12. Adair, J. (2010). The Leadership of Muhammad, Kogan Myth or Method?, AMACOM. Page. 5. Covey, S.R. (1991). Principle-Centered Leadership, 13. Adair, J. (2008). The Best of John Adair on Summit Books. Management and Leadership, Thorogood. 6. Canfield, J. (2005). The Success Principles, 14. Sharma, R. (2010). Leadership Wisdom Monk Who HarperCollins. Sold His Ferrari 8 Rituals Best Leaders, HarperCollins 7. Kouzes, J.M. & Posner, B.Z. (2008). The Leadership UK. Challenge, Jossey-Bass.
62 15. Al-Suwaidan, T.M. (2013). Developing Leaders (in 23. Maududi, A. A. Hidayat. http://www.witness-pioneer.net/ Arabic). vil/Books/M_hidayat/index.htm (accessed on Jan. 8, 2015) 16. Al-Suwaidan, T.M. (2013). Strategic Change Agenda for the Muslim Ummah, eBook. 24. Miller, D. “The Architecture of Simplicity.” Academy of Management Review. 18 No. 1 (1993): 116-138. الرحيق :The Sealed Nectar (Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum .17 25. Padilla, A., Hogan, R. and Kaiser, R. (2007). “The Toxic ( الختوم Triangle: Destructive Leaders, Susceptible Followers 18. Hart, M.H. (1992). The 100: A Ranking of The Most and Conducive Environment.” The Leadership Influential Persons in History Quarterly, 18, 176-194.
19. Skiena, S. & Ward, C. (2013). Who’s Bigger?: Where 26. Qutb, S. (1977). This Religion of Islam. IIFSO: Riyadh. Historical Figures Really Rank. Cambridge University 27. Zaidan, A. K. Dasar-dasar Ilmu Dakwah (1). Dewan Press. Pustaka Fajar: Kuala Lumpur. 20. Al Ghazali, M. (1998). Fiqh-us-Seerah:Understanding 28. Battle of the Trench. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ the Life of Prophet Muhammad SAW. IIFSO: Riyadh. Battle_of_the_Trench. (accessed on Jan. 4, 2015) 21. Ibn Khaldun. (Vol. 1-3). The Muqaddimah: An 29. Battle of Badr. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Introduction to History, translated from the Arabic by Battle_of_Badr. (accessed on Jan. 4, 2015) Franz Rosenthal, Princeton: Princeton University Press 1967.
22. Maududi, A. A. (1982). The Moral Foundations of the Apart from the above texts we have also used selected verses Islamic Movement. Islamic Publications: Lahore. from Al-Quran which are highlighted in red. We have also used many Hadith that are taken from the reputable works of Hadith. We tried to be exact in referencing the Hadith based on the
63 Volume, Chapter and Hadith number. Some of the numberings may not be exact depending on the English edition of the particular Hadith reference. We highlighted the Hadith in green.
64 Appendix Section 1 Brief Explanation on The Sealed Nectar (Al-Raheeq Al-Makhtum)
meaning The Sealed Nectar) is a الرحيق الختوم Ar-Raheeq-ul-Makhtum biography of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), written in Arabic and Urdu by Safi-ur-Rehman Mubarakpuri. The Arabic version was awarded first prize by the Muslim World League, at the first Islamic Conference on Seerah, following an open competition for a book on the Sirah Rasul Allah (life of Muhammad) in 1979 (1399 AH). The book competed with 170 other manuscripts, 84 in Arabic, 64 in Urdu, 21 in English, one in French and one in Hausa. The book takes into account various phases of the life of Muhammad. The book is deemed authentic and suitable for all audiences, who wish to know more about the life of Muhammad. It has been translated into English as The Sealed Nectar. In this publication we refer to many excerpts of the Seerah from this valuable reference. These excerpts are presented in purple.
Ar-Raheeq-ul-Makhtum - the Urdu version 66 Best Selling Books by Dr. Tareq Al-Suwaidan
GREAT WOMEN IN ISLAM
STORIES OF THE "Great Women in Islam" is the PROPHETS IN AL-QURAN second English book by Dr. Tareq Al-Suwaidan. This book provides a Dr. Tareq Al-Suwaidan is the foundation of understanding on the author of thirty best-selling books role of women in Islam and tackles and a lot of his speeches have PDF common misconceptions on the been compiled as audio tape subject. Not only does it discuss the roles of women PDF albums. His album, “QIsasul- in marriage and among their families – but also their Anbiya” (Lives of the Prophets) is the highest selling roles as warriors, worshipers, scholars and callers to islamic album in the world with well over 3 million Islam. It gives its readers a guided explanation as copies sold. each role is accompanied with stories of great women as told in the Quran and Hadith. We narrate the This is the first ever English book by Dr. Tareq Al- stories of about fifty great women whose names and Suwaidan from his most popular audio CD album exemplary behavior are enshrined in the history of series "Qisasul-Anbiya", now in PDF version. Islam.
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"Himpunan Kisah Anbiya' Dalam Al-Quran" is the Malay version of Dr. Tareq Al-Suwaidan's first English book "Stories of the Prophets in Al-Quran". Due to its success, Visit our eStore at ANSI Systems Sdn Bhd has taken the initiative to publish http://estore.ansi.com.my/ this book in Malay language. for more titles. Not just a mere translation, additional contents and substance have been added by Mr. Azman Hussin, a good friend of Dr. Tareq since their college days in the US during the 80s.
PDF Let us ponder upon the stories of the Anbiya' outlined in Volume 1 of this book. This two-volume edition is by itself very special; making its own history as the first Malay book by Dr. Tareq Al-Suwaidan.
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