Paper Presented at the 14th International Leadership Training programme Islamabad Pakistan 11-2- February 1998 by Prof Dr Omar Hasan Kasule, Sr. Director, Tarbiyat and Training Center, International Islamic University, Malaysia.
OUTLINES
LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES: INNATE VS ACQUIRED
TYPES OF LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES/SKILLS
LEADERSHIP VALUES AND ATTITUDES
VISION
DRIVE AND ENERGY
SETTING GOALS
CAUTION AND PRUDENCE
KNOWLEDGE
BRAVERY
STRONG PERSONALITY
HUMILITY
SIMPLE LIFE
LEADER LIKE FOLLOWERS
HONESTY
FINANCIAL INTEGRITY
COMMITMENT
DIGNIFIED APEARANCE
SELF-MOTIVATION
UMMATIC VIEW
LEARN FROM MISTAKES
UNDERSTANDING FOLLOWERS
COMMUNICATION
REPRESENTING FOLLOWERS
DECISION-MAKING
PLANNING AND EXECUTION
LEADING TEAMS
PEOPLE SKILLS
UNITY IN DIVERSITY
RESPECTING FOLLOWERS
LOVE BY FOLLOWERS
ATTRIBUTES OF FOLLOWERS
1.0 OVERVIEW
This paper discusses positive and negative attributes of leaders and followers. Leaders and followers are better defined by what they do than what they are or what they say. Actions can not deceive over time; reputation and nice words often do. Every leader has to expose himself through his actions since there is no leadership without activity.
2.0 LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES: INNATE VS ACQUIRED
Very few attributes necessary for successful leadership are in-born. Most are acquired early in life in the home and community environment or are learned in adult life. Those who are associated with good leaders for a long-time (friends, offspring, friends, and followers) are likely to be good leaders by learning and imitation. Children of good leaders, if well brought up, can be good leaders not because of genetic endowment but because of early environmental influence.
4.0 TYPES OF LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES/SKILLS
Effective have personal attributes, conceptual, practical and human skills that enable them to succeed. Attributes are what leaders are. Skills are what leaders do. Personal attributes are basic character and personality: drive, values, attitude, bravery, strong personality, humility, simple life, honesty, integrity, commitment. Practical skills are needed for performance of technical activities: communication, decision making, problem solving, execution. Human skills are needed to understand and motivate followers: understanding followers. Conceptual skills are intellectual functions involving planning, co-ordination and integration of activities. They include analytic, rational, and intuitive abilities. Examples are: setting goals, knowledge, ummatic view, learning from mistakes.
In any given situation there may be several highly qualified people available for leadership. Allah gives authority to whomever He wants. Not everybody can become a leader. Everybody must be prepared to be a good follower. The best leaders are those who have no ambition to lead. They lead when called upon but will equally be happy as followers.
4.0 LEADERSHIP VALUES AND ATTITUDES
Effective leaders have positive moral values and attitudes. A leader must have positive and moral values such as honesty, ethics, social responsibility. These values are taught by religion, the family, peers, and life experience. Values can be inculcated by habit. A leader with no values is very dangerous. Islamic leadership values are derived from three main concepts: tauhid, khilafat, and adl. These values are universal and do not change by time and place.
Attitudes are enduring or permanent feelings, opinions, or beliefs about self and others. They may be positive or negative. Attitudes start with ideas, wrong ideas are associated with negative attitudes whereas good ideas are associated with good and positive attitudes. Ideas determine behavior and feelings. A good leader has positive attitudes toward others. He will keep away from negative attitudes such as racism or prejudice in any of its forms. An optimistic attitude to life is needed. Pessimistic leaders discourage their followers.
5.0 VISION
A leader must have a vision. The vision is developed from wide consultation and is refined by practical application. The vision must be maintained in easy and difficult situations. The followers must be convinced about the vision. The vision must be focused and in conformity with organizational culture. A good vision must be backed up by positive values. A distinguishing characteristic of great leaders is ability to see farther than the followers and to see the big picture. The bigger the vision, the greater the leader.
6.0 DRIVE AND ENERGY
The most important trait of successful leaders is drive which includes a strong desire for achievement, high ambition, high energy levels, tenacity and initiative. Drive combined with high motivation, honesty, integrity, self-confidence, emotional stability, and intelligence distinguish leaders from non-leaders. Both genetics and environmental influence contribute to drive; the relative contribution of each is not known.
7.0 SETTING GOALS
An effective leader sets goals and is an example to the followers on how to reach those goals. The best leaders lead by example.
8.0 CAUTION AND PRUDENCE
A good leader will avoid too much speculation and will know the difference between taking a risk by an individual and by an organization. An individual may take more risks because if things go wrong the damage is limited. A leader in charge of a group will be more prudent because an error will have more consequences.
9.0 KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge both basic and specialized is necessary for leadership. No one should become a leader without the basic knowledge needed to carry out responsibilities in the particular leadership situation. A religious leader must know at least the basics of the religion. A business leader must know the fundamentals of business. A leader however need not be a specialist. He can always employ people with specialized knowledge for particular tasks. The leader must be honest with himself and know the limits of his knowledge. Some deficiencies can be corrected by more education. Others can only be compensated for by relying on people who have the necessary knowledge.
10.0 BRAVERY
A leader must be brave. In times of danger followers will be firm if their leader is firm. There is a mutual psychological dependency. A brave leader will have reassured followers around him. When the followers are reassures and are firm, the leader is also encouraged even more to be firm and face crises.
11.0 STRONG PERSONALITY
A leader must have a strong personality. Strength of personality does not mean violence, roughness or stubbornness. It is strength of character, sticking to moral values and attitudes at all times, and avoiding whatever is immoral even if it is expedient and is attractive.
12.0 HUMILITY
The leader must be objective and not confuse personal and organizational interests. The credit for whatever he does should go to the organization. He must overestimate his importance as an individual. He must have a healthy mixture of confidence (for organization) and humility (for himself). He must focus on the organization and not his person.
13.0 SIMPLE LIFE
A good leader leads a simple life. Extravagance and materialism weaken and destroy the spirit eventually leading to corruption and evil. Too much materialism destroys the spirit of the leader and eventually that of the followers.
14.0 LEADER LIKE FOLLOWERS
A leader must not distinguish himself from the followers. He must actively discourage the development of a personality cult around himself. He should never think he is special. It was only Allah's wish that he was selected among many capable people to be a leader.
15.0 HONESTY
The leader must be a model of honesty. Honesty in public and private affairs in a crucial test for a leader. Honesty is required in seemingly small or trivial things. Dishonesty is a habit, once acquired is difficult to shake off. Small dishonesties will one day become big ones.
16.0 FINANCIAL INTEGRITY
A successful leader has financial integrity in dealing with public property. It is not enough to be honest; you must be seen to be so and you must avoid any suspicious behavior. The only way to ensure this is complete transparency in financial matters. Followers must know what is going on so that they are assured that had there been any discrepancies they could have seen them. A leader and his immediate or extended family should never gain materially from his position. Taking public property is clearly theft. There are other situations that are not so clear to which moral and not legal tests have to be applied. A leader or his family can, like all citizens, sell or buy legally. However those dealing with them may give him preferential treatment because of the position. Such treatment would not have been possible before assumption of leadership. In such a case there is unacceptable gain from the leadership position.
17.0 COMMITMENT
A leader must be committed to the organization he is leading and the followers. He must be committed to certain values and to a vision. He must respect his promises and decisions and must be committed to carrying them out.
18.0 DIGNIFIED APEARANCE
A leader must have a dignified physical appearance but must not be extravagant. The leader is a spokesman and representative of the followers. His appearance is a reflection on all.
19.0 SELF-MOTIVATION
Successful leaders have a high level of motivation to lead. They want to make a change, to improve, to influence, to exercise power for achieving definite goals. They take charge. Effective leaders have the mental and physical stamina as well as aptitude to take responsibility and to be accountable.
20.0 UMMATIC VIEW
An ummatic view is needed so that the leader is not parochial or provincial. Local issues should be been in a holistic context of the whole ummah if they are to be understood well. However when it comes to solutions the leader should be more local in approach in order to succeed. The only precaution needed here is not to create problems on the macro level while solving problems on the micro level
21.0 LEARN FROM MISTAKES
Successful leaders have the ability to learn from previous mistakes. They readily accept mistakes once they are apparent. Poor leaders do not even acknowledge their mistakes and will hate anyone who points them out.
22.0 UNDERSTANDING FOLLOWERS
Good leaders have well developed human skills. They understands those below him as unique individuals and not in a generic sense. They will deal with each person in an individualized and unique way. The great secret of leadership is to be able to tap into the potential of each individual and make him a peak performer, each in his individual and unique way. You must realize that individuals are unique and have God-given talents and potentials to make them productive and useful contributors to the organization. They respect followers each in his uniqueness. Good and effective leaders have a firm belief in people.
23.0 COMMUNICATION
Communication is an important skill for a leader to convey his vision and plans to the followers.
24.0 REPRESENTING FOLLOWERS
Representing followers and their interests infront of others takes a lot of the leader’s time. It is however a mistake for the leader to consider himself a mouthpiece for the followers just transmitting their messages without checking and making sure that the message is appropriate. The leader must lead and help the followers articulate their interests and then represent them. In symbolic way a leader represents followers and has to be careful about his image and behavior because all these reflect on the followers
25.0 DECISION-MAKING
Decision making and problem solving are primary managerial functions that every leader must undertake. Failure to make correct decisions on time or solving problems timely will lead to leadership failure
26.0 PLANNING AND EXECUTION
Leaders undertake managerial functions of planning, setting goals & objectives, clarification of the vision, and evaluation,
27.0 LEADING TEAMS
Leaders form and lead work groups. They coordinate their work and make decisions on tasking.
28.0 PEOPLE SKILLS
Dealing with people involves: conflict resolution, motivation, maintaining relations with superiors and subordinates.
29.0 UNITY IN DIVERSITY
A leader must accept diversity. Try to get consensus only on a few really strategic issues and then allow people to exercise their initiatives. You however must continuously monitor the trends in opinions to be able to detect serious deviations from the overall strategy. The vision and unity of purpose must be maintained at all costs despite the diversity.
30.0 RESPECTING FOLLOWERS
Good leaders show concern, respect, and consideration for followers. Followers reciprocate by showing loyalty. Good and mutually-beneficial leader-follower relationships can not be sustained without loyalty. Good leaders have a sense of humor. They have compassion and empathy. They have high consideration for others. They have no pride and are like their followers not seeking to be different or superior to them. They are lenient and forgiving. They treat their followers well. They protect the followers from both physical and emotional hurt
31.0 LOVE BY FOLLOWERS
A leader will succeed if loved by the followers. Love by followers is like an emotional savings account. The better the leader treats followers, the more the deposit into the account. Sometimes the leader may make mistakes or things may not work out well. That is when the savings account comes into use. Withdrawals can be made from it to cover the defect. If the account is big, a big withdrawal will not lead to immediate bankruptcy. A small account will be overdrawn quickly exposing both the leader and followers to an ugly confrontation. In most cases love by followers indicates good leadership. In exceptional cases bad leaders who do not set standards may be loved by lazy followers who just want to be left alone.
32.0 ATTRIBUTES OF FOLLOWERS
Attributes of followers closely parallel those of their leaders if the leadership situation lasts a fairly long time. Followers may be lazy or hardworking. Some followers accept and take responsibility; others shun it. Some followers are sheep and are 'yes people' they will follow whatever is moving. Some are survivors who will do whatever is necessary to stay out of trouble. Other followers are alienated and do not care about what is going on around them. Some followers are obedient others are not. Many will not obey until they are promised a reward or are threatened with punishment. Followers differ in intelligence, education, experence, honesty, respect for leaders, and gratitude
DISCUSSION
1.0 PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES OF LEADERS
Write 1-3 sentences on what you understand by each of the following attributes of good leaders:
(a) Religious dimension:
Taqwa, deep spirituality, Islamic and refined personal manners, adherence to the sharia
(b) Intelligence and wisdom:
intuition, intelligence, flexibility, clear mission and goals, master of detail
(c) Strong, genuine and likeable personality:
will-power & decisiveness, stamina, deep belief in principles, acting on principle, not following the crowd, decision stickability, knows and uses strengths, accepting and compensating for weaknesses, courage, a sense of humor, ability to keep secrets, genuine personality, simplicity, good listener, honesty, credibility
(d) Commitment, motivation and responsibility:
sacrifice, participation, commitment and dedication, a high sense of personal responsibility and accountability, assuming responsibility for mistakes, dependability, high and self- motivation, enthusiasm, positive attitude, optimism, risk taking, truthfulness
(e) Physical and emotional well-being:
good health (physical and mental), emotional balance & security, energy, hard work, energy, positive attitude
(f) Self-control and balance:
self-discipline, self-control, non impulsiveness, firmness in crises and under stress, perseverance & patience, self-leadership, self-sufficiency, action-oriented, being always prepared
(g) Knowledge:
basic knowledge of Islam, history, current affairs, specialized knowledge as needed
2.0 CONCEPTUAL SKILLS
Write 1-3 sentences on what you understand by each of the following conceptual attributes of leaders:
(a) Vision:
Ummatic outlook, ability to see the whole picture, positive vision, thinking big, broad perspective, long-term vision and ability to articulate it, understanding maqasid al sharia, belief in success, set high standards
(b) Goals and objectives:
ability to identify and focus on specific goals and objectives, not being distracted by daily problems, consistency, sense of direction, identification with organizational goals
(c) Objectivity and reality:
reality, realism, accept change, living in the present, correct sense of timing, learning from failures
(d) Creativity:
originality in thought and action, initiative, resourcefulness, Understanding and using synergistic relationships
3.0 PRACTICAL SKILLS
Write 1-3 sentences on what you understand by each of the following practical attributes of leaders:
(a) Planning and goal-setting:
Goal-orientation, prgamatism, orientation to detail
(b) Communication:
communicating goals effectively, good communication, active listening,
(c) Team-work, motivation, coaching:
understanding and appreciating the different natures of human beings, effective meeting management, teaching and coaching others, management of conflict within the group and between groups, seeking and using advice
(d) Decision-making and problem-solving:
soundness of judgement, rational thought, quick but not hasty decisions, consultation and involvement of others
(e) Organizing and managing:
ability to prioritize, effective time management, ability to follow through,
4.0 HUMAN SKILLS
Write 1-3 sentences on what you understand by each of the following human attributes of leaders:
Interest in people, tact, compassion, empathy, enthusiasm, showing concern, tolerance, being supportive, keeping good company, trusting others, loyalty, helpfulness, impartiality, inspiring others, charisma, accessibility, respect for others, gentility, ability to inspire other, ability to motivate, ability to encourage, ability to direct, equitable, praising success, confronting failure, thanking people for good work, politeness.
5.0 RELATION BETWEEN ATTRIBUTES AND SKILLS OF LEADER WITH THE LEVEL OF LEADERSHIP
LOWER MIDDLE UPPER
PERSONAL
CONCEPTUAL
PRACTICAL
HUMAN
6.0 POSITIVE LEADERSHIP VALUES
The following list contains items that may not fit the label of values. Some values are repeated. Please scrutinize the list and draw up one correct list by eliminating some items or combining others. Write 1-3 sentences about what you understand by each item. You may give examples or explain how they help make the leadership process more effective:
AUTHORITY
SECURITY
STABILITY
COMPETITIVENESS
COST-EFFECTIVENESS
SELFLESSNESS
ETHICS
HONESTY
QUITY
JUSTICE
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY-
INTENTION(NIYYAT)
ITQAN
IHSAN (EFFICIENCY)
IKHLAS (SINCERITY)
PASSION FOR EXCELLENCE
CONTINOUS SELF-EVALUATION
ALWAYS MINDFUL OF THE ALMIGHTY
JUSTICE
TRUTHFULNESS
TRUSTWORTHINESS
PATIENCE
MODERATION
KEEPING PROMISES
ACCOUNTABILITY
DEDICATION
GRATEFULNESS
CONSISTENCY
CLEANILINESS
DISCIPLINE
COOPERATION
7.0 NEGATIVE LEADERSHIP VALUES
Write 1-3 sentences on what you understand by each of the following. You may give examples or explain how they help make the leadership process more effective:
EXCESSIVE LOVE OF THE WORLD
EXCESSIVE LOVE OF WEALTH
MISERLINESS
EXCESSIVE LOVE OF INFLUENCE
PRIDE
8.0 ATTRIBUTES OF FOLLOWERS
Quote from the Qur'an and sunnah illustrations of the following follower attributes:
LAZY/HARD WORK
TAKE/AVOID RESPONSIBILITY
OBEDIENT/DISOBEDIENT
MOTIVATED BY REWARD/PUNISHMENT
INTELLIGENCE/STUPIDITY
TRUST/SUSPICION
RESPECT/CONTEMPT
GRATITUDE/INGRATITUDE
TEXT ANALYSIS
QUALIFICATIONS OF A LEADER: JUSTICE
O David! We did indeed Make you a vicegerent on earth: so judge you between men in truth ( and justice ): Nor follow you the lusts ( of you heart ) for they will mislead you from the Path of Allah: for those who wander astray from the Path of Allah, is a Penalty Grievous, for that they forget The Day of Account. Qur'an 38:26
ALLAH INSPIRES LEADER/JUDGE WITH RIGHT UNDERSTANDING:
And remember David and Solomon, when they give judgement in the matter of the field into which The sheep of certain people had strayed by night: We did witness their judgement. To Solomon We inspired the ( right ) understanding of the matter: to each ( of them ) we gave Judgement and Knowledge; it was our power that made the hills and the birds celebrate our praises with David: it was We who did ( all these things ). Qur'an 21:78-79
PROPHET TO TREAT BELIEVERS WITH RESPECT:
Strain not thine eyes, ( Wistfully ) at what We have bestowed on certain classes. Of them, nor grieve over them: But lower your wings ( in gentleness ) to the believers. Qur'an 5:88
TREATING FOLLOWERS WITH RESPECT:
And lower your wing to the believers who follow you. Qur'an 26:215
EMPATHY FOR FOLLOWERS:
Now has come unto you a Messenger from amongst yourselves: it grieves him that you should perish: ardently anxious is he over you: to the Believers is he most kind and merciful. Qur'an 9:128
KNOWLEDGE BEFORE LEADERSHIP:
"Omar said...chief". Bukhari 1:82, hadith # 16
LEADER SHOULD BE OBJECTIVE, NOT FEAR PEOPLE, INCORRUPTIBLE:
"Al Hasan said, Allah has enjoined an obligation on all the rulers that they should not follow the lust of their hearts and should not be afraid of the people and should not sell Allah's Verses for a low price". Bukhari 9:206
LEADER MUST BE HONEST
Narrated Maqil : I heard the Prophet saying, " Any man whom Allah has given the authority of ruling some people and he does not look after them in an honest manner, will never feel even the smell of Paradise.". Bukhari 9:197 (hadith # 264-265)
LEADER MUST BE LIKED BY FOLLOWERS
"Ibn Umar reported the Apostle of Allah ( may peace be upon him ) as saying" There are three types of people whose prayer is not accepted by Allah: One who goes in front of people when they do not like him; a man who comes dibaran, which means that he comes to it too late; and a man who takes into slavery on emancipated male or female slave". Abu Daud 1:156, Hadith #593
LEADER MUST HAVE FINANCIAL INTEGRITY
"Buraidah reported the Prophet ( may peace be upon him ) as saying: When we appoint someone to an...dealing". Abu Daud 2:831, Chapter 1098, Hadith # 2937
PROPHET LIVED IN POVERTY:
"Narrated Abu Huraira : The family of Muhammad did not eat their fill for three successive days till he died". Bukhari 7:220, hadith # 287
LEADER SHOULD BE LIKE OTHERS:
Prophet ( Sal'am ) said, " I don't want to be elevated from the status Allah has put me on. I am Muhammad, son of Abdullah, Servant of Allah and His Apostle. Hayat 2:558-559
QUALITY OF FOLLOWERS DETERMINES QUALITY OF LEADERSHIP
"kama takuunu yuwalla alaikum"
LENIENCY:
"The messenger of Allah ( may peace be upon him ) has been reported by Anas b. Malik to have said: show leniency; do not be hasd; give solace and do not create aversion". Muslim 3: 944, Chapter 706, Hadith # 4300
LENIENCY OF LEADER:
The prophet said "Aisha be lenient for leniency makes a thing decorated and when it is removed from a thing it makes it defective". Abu Daud 2:685, Chapter 848, Hadith # 2471
CONSIDERATION FOR FOLLOWERS:
Hadrat Anas ( Rad ) the Prophet (p.b.h.) is reported to have said, " I begin offering prayer and want to lengthen recitation ( of the Qur'an ) therein. But very soon I hear the wailing of a child and so I cut short the recitation, as I know well how much uneasy a mother feels when she hears the wailings of her child." . Hayat 2:603
EASE AND NOT DIFFICULTY:
"Narrated Anas : The Prophet ( may peace be upon him ) said, " Facilitate things to people ( concerning religious matters ) and do not make it hard for them and give them good tidings and do not make them run away from Islam". Bukhari 1:60, hadith # 69
GOOD TREATMENT OF THOSE UNDER YOUR AUTHORITY:
"Rafi b Makith who accompanied the Prophet ( may peace be upon him ) at al-Hudaibiyyah reported the Prophet ( may peace be upon him ) as saying: Treating those under one's authority will produce prosperity, but an evil nature produces evil fortune"
Abu Daud 3:1426, Chapter 1842, Hadith # 5143
LEARNING FROM MISTAKES AND NOT REPEATING THEM:
"Abu Huraira reported that Allah's Messenger ( may peace be upon him ) said: The believer does not allow to be stung twice from one ( and the same ) hole. This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Abu Haraira through another chain of transmitters". Muslim 4: 1541, Chapter 1238, Hadith # 7137
LEADER NOT AFRAID OF EXECUTING CORRECT BUT UNPOPULAR DECISIONS:
One who owes some duty to the Muslims should not care for any censure regarding his relation with Allah ( i.e.) in translating His order into action? But others should remain attentive to himself and admonish his own ruler". Hayat 2:128
LEADER LENIENCY
"Narrated Abu Burda that his father said, The Prophet sent Muadh and Abu Musa to Yemen telling them, Treat the people with ease and don't be hard on them; give them glad tidings and don't fill them with aversion and love each other, and don't differ". Bukhari 4:171, hadith # 275
LEADERS WHO HAVE NO AMBITIONS FOR POSITIONS ARE HELPED TO SUCCEED:
"Narrated Abdu Rahman! Do not seek to be a ruler, for if you are given authority on your demand them you will be held responsible for it, but if you are given it without asking ( for it ) then you will be helped ( by Allah ) in it. If you ever take an oath to do something and later on you find that something else is better, then you should expiate your oath and do what is better.". Bukhari 9:194-195, hadith # 260
LEADER WHO DID NOT COVET OFFICE FINDS SUPPORT:
"It has been reported on the authority of Abd al-Rahman b. Samura who said: The Messenger of Allah ( may peace be upon him ) said to me: Abd al-Rahman do not ask for a position of authority, for if you are granted this position as a result of your asking for it, you will be left alone ( without Allah's help to discharge the responsibilities attendant thereon ), and if you are granted it without making any request for it you will be helped ( by Allah in the discharge of you duties". Muslim 3: 1014, Chapter 756, Hadith # 4487
GOOD AND BAD ADVISORS FOR A LEADER:
"Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: The Prophet said. " Allah never sends a prophet or gives the Caliphate the a Caliph but that he ( the prophet or the Caliph ) has two groups of advisors: A group advising him to do good and exhorts him to do it, and the other group advising him to do evil and exhorts him to do it. But the protected person ( against such evil advisors ) is the one protected by Allah". Bukhari 9:235, hadith # 306
FOLLOWERS MUST BE SINCERE TO LEADERS:
"The statement of Prophet ( may peace be upon him ): Religion is to be sincere and true to Allah (i.e. obeying Him, attributing to him what He deserves and doing Jihad for His sake); to Allah's Apostle ( i.e. t respect him greatly and to fight on his behalf both in his lifetime and after his death and to follow his traditions); to the rulers of the Muslims ( i.e. to help them in their job of leading Muslims to the right path and alarm them if they are heedless ) and to the Muslim commons ( i.e. to be merciful to them". Bukhari 1:48, chapter 43
LEADER IS PROTECTOR:
"Narrated Abu Huraira that he heard Allah's Apostle saying, We are the last but will be the foremost ( to enter Paradise ). The Prophet added, He who obeys me, obeys Allah, and he who disobeys me, disobeys Allah. He who obeys the chief, obeys me, and he who disobeys the chief, disobeys me. The Imam is like a shelter for whose safety the Muslims should fight and where they should seek protection. If the Imam orders people with righteousness and rules justly, them he will be rewarded for that, and if he does the opposite, he will be responsible for that". Bukhari 4:128-129, hadith # 204
KNOWLEDGE IS BASIS FOR SELECTION OF LEADERS:
"Amir b. Wathila reported that Nafi b. Abd al-Harith met Umar at Usfan and Umar had employed him as collector in Mecca. He ( hadrat Umar) said to him ( Nafi ): Whom have you appointed as collector over the people of the valley? He said Ibn Abza. He said: Who is Ibn Abza? He said: He is one of our freed slaves. He ( Hadrat Umar ) said: So you have appointed a freed slave over them. He said: He is well versed in the Book of Allah, the Exalted and Great, and he is well versed in the commandments and injunctions ( of the Shariah). Umar said: So the Holy Prophet ( may peace be upon him ) said: By this book, Allah exalts some peoples and degrades others.". Muslim 1: 389, Chapter 288, Hadith # 1780
KNOWLEDGE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN AGE IN SELECTION OF LEADERSHIP
"Amr b. Salamah reported on the authority of his father ( Salamah ) that they visited the Prophet ( may peace be upon him ). When they intended to return, they said: Apostle of Allah, who will lead us in prayer? He said: The one of you who knows most of the Qur'an, or memorizes most of the Qur'an ( should act as your imam). There was none in the clan who knew more of the Qur'an than I did. They therefore, put me in front of them and I was only a boy. And I wore a mantle, whenever I was present in the gathering of Jarm ( name of his clan ), I would act as their imam, and I lead them in their funeral prayers until today". Abu Daud 1:155, hadith # 587
STRONG PERSONALITY NEEDED FOR LEADERSHIP:
"It has been narrated on the authority of Abu Dharr who said: I said to the Holy Prophet ( may peace be upon him): Messenger of Allah, will you not appoint me to a public office? He stroked my shoulder with his hand and said: Abu Dharr, you are weak and authority is a trust, and on the Day of Judgment it is a cause of humiliation and repentance except for one who fulfills its obligations and ( properly discharges the duties attendant thereon". Muslim 3: 1015-1016, Chapter 758, Hadith # 4491
LEADER MUST BE BRAVE:
Hadrat Anas says, " The Prophet (p.b..h.) was the most beautiful among men, the most charitable and the bravest of all " He says that one night all the people of Medina were overtaken by unprecedented anxiety. They heard some noise and the people started going in the direction where the noise was coming. On their way they met the Prophet ( p.b.h.) returning from the spot. This was because the Prophet ( p.b.h.) was the first man to proceed towards the place from where the voices were coming. The Prophet was riding on the unsaddled horse of Hadrat Abu Talha and the sword was dangling down his neck. The Prophet was heard saying " Don't be afraid. Don't be terrified." Hayat 2:674-675
LOVE BY PEOPLE IS INDICATION LEADER IS GOOD:
Suhail b. Abi Salih reported: We were in Arafa that there happened to pass Umar b. Abd al Aziz and he was the Amir of Hajj. People stood up in order to catch a glimpse of him. I said to my father: Father, I think that Allah loves Umar b. Abd al-Aziz. He said: How is it? I said: It is because of the love in people's heart for him. Thereupon he said: By One who created your father, I heard Abu Huraira narrating from Allah's messenger ( may peace be upon him ) a hadith like one transmitted on the authority of Suhail". Muslim 4: 1386, Chapter 1097, Hadith # 6375
LEADER MUST BE ACCESSIBLE:
"Abu Maryam al Azdi said: When I entered upon Muawiyah, he said: How good your visit is to us, O father of so and so. This is an idiom used by Arabs ( on such occasions ). I said: I tell you a tradition which I heard ( from the Prophet ). I heard the Apostle of Allah ( may peace be upon him ) say: If Allah puts anyone in the position of authority over the affairs of the Muslims, and he secludes himself ( from them ) not fulfilling their needs, wants, and poverty, Allah will keep Himself away from him, not fulfilling his need, want and poverty. He said: He ( Muawiyah ) appointed a man to fulfil the needs of the people". Abu Daud 2:832-833, Chapter 1101, hadith # 2942
GOOD TREATMENT OF SERVANTS
"Anas said : I served the Prophet ( may peace be upon him ) at Medina for ten years. I was a boy. Every work that I did was not according to the desire of my master, but he never said to me: Fie, nor did he say to me: Why did you do this? or Why did you not do this". Abu Daud 3:1338, Chapter 1709, hadith # 4756
GOOD TREATMENT OF SERVANTS:
"Hazrat Anas reports reports that when the time of the Holy Messenger's death drew near, his common testament was: Keep prayer established and treat slaves well. He went on saying this thing until the death rattle started and, therefore, could not articulate these words clearly with his auspicious tongue". Hayat 3:98
FORGIVING SERVANTS:
"Abd Allah b Umar said: A man came to the Prophet ( may peace be upon him ) and asked: Apostle of Allah! how often shall I forgive a servant? He gave no reply, so the man repeated what he had said, but he still kept silence. When he asked a third time, he replied: Forgive him seventy times daily.". Abu Daud 3:1427, Chapter 1847, Hadith #5145
LEADER MUST BE PATIENT
"Narrated Abdulla: The Prophet divided and distributed something as he used to do some of his distributions. A man from the Ansar said, " By Allah, in this division the pleasure of Allah has not been intended." I said, " I will definitely tell this to him while he was sitting with his companions and told him of it secretly. That was hard upon the Prophet and the color of his face changed, and he became so angry that I wished I had not told him. The Prophet then said, " Moses was harmed with more than this, yet he remained patient.". Bukhari 8:78, hadith #122
LEADER MUST BE LENIENT:
"It has been reported on the authority of Abd al-Rahman b. Shumasa who said: I came to Aisha to inquire something from her. She said: From which people art you? I said: I am from the people of Egypt. She said: What was the behavior of your governor towards you in this war of yours? I said: We did not experience anything bad from him. If the camel of a man from us died, he would bestow on him a camel. If any one of us lost his slave, he would give him a slave. If anybody was in need of the basic necessities of life, he would provide them with provisions. She said: Behold! the treatment that was meted out to my brother, Muhammad b. Abu Bakr, does not prevent me from telling you what I heard from the Messenger of Allah ( may peace be upon him ). He said in this house of mine: O god, who ( happens to ) acquire some kind of control over the affairs of my people and is hard upon them be you hard upon him, and who ( happens to ) acquire some kind of control over the affairs of my people and is kind to them be you thou kind to him". Muslim 3: 1016, Chapter 758, Hadith # 4494
LEADER FORGIVES:
"Narrated Abdullah: if I saw the Prophet ( may peace be upon him ) talking about one of the prophets whose nation had beaten him and caused him to bleed, while he was cleaning the blood off his face and saying, " O Allah! forgive my nation, for they have no knowledge". Bukhari 4:454, hadith # 683
LEADER MUST NOT FRIGHTEN FOLLOWERS:
Jarir ( RA ) says that once a man came to the Prophet (P.B.H.) and began shuddering in his presence. Seeing him, the Prophet said, " Be kind unto yourself and fear me not. I am not a king. I am the son of a Quraishi woman who ate pieces of dry meat." Hayat 2:610
LEADER'S CONSIDERATION: SHORTEN PRAYER FOR THE WEAK:
"Narrated Abu Masud: A man came and said, " O Allah's Apostle ! By Allah, I keep away from the morning prayer only because so and so prolongs the prayer when he leads us in it." The narrator said, " I never saw Allah's Apostle more furious in giving advice than he was at that time. He then said, " some of you make people dislike good deeds ( the prayer ). So whoever among you leads the people in prayer should shorten it because among them are the weak, the old and the needy"
Bukhari 1:379, hadith # 670
LEADER ACCEPTS CORRECTION: PROPHET AND FORGETTING IN SALAT:
"Narrated Abdulla : The Prophet prayed ( and the subnarrator Ibrahim said, " I do not know whether he prayed more or less than usual " and when he had finished the prayers he was asked, " O Allah's Apostle ! has there been any change in the prayers? He said, " What is it? The people said, " You have prayed so much and so much." So the Prophet bent his legs. faced the Qibla and performed two prostrations ( of Sahu ) and finished his prayers with Taslim ( by turning his face to right and left saying; As-Salamu Alaikum - Warahmat-ullah " When he turned his face to us he said, " If there had been anything changed in the prayer, surely I would have informed you but I am a human being like you and liable to forget like you. So if I forget remind me and if anyone of you is doubtful about his prayer, he should follow what he thinks to be correct and complete his prayer accordingly and finish it and do two prostrations of Sahu". Bukhari 1;238-239, hadith # 394
INCOMPETENT LEADERS CONDEMNED:
"It is narrated on the authority of Abu Malih that Ubaidullah b. Ziyad visited Maqil b. Yasar in his illness. Maqil said to him: I am narrating to you hadith which I would have never narrated to you had I not been in death bed. I heard Allah's Apostle ( may peace be upon him ) say: A ruler who has been entrusted with the affairs of the Muslims, but he makes no endeavors ( for the material and moral uplift ) and does not sincerely mean ( their welfare ) would not enter Paradise along with them". Muslim 1: 82, Chapter 44, Hadith # 264
PROPHET AND FAMILY DID NOT EAT SADAQA TO AVOID APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY:
"Abu Huraira reported that Hasan b. Ali took one of the dates of the sadaqa and put it in his mouth, whereupon the Prophet ( may peace be upon him) said: Leave it, leave it , throw it; don't you know that we do not eat the sadaqa". Muslim 2: 517, Chapter 400, Hadith # 2339
BUILDING CREDIBILITY
"Hazrat Ayesha reports that during the Night of Ascent when his holiness was taken to the Aqsa Mosque, as soon as it was moring, he related the incident to the people. Some men who had believed in him and had confirmed him renegated and by way of an insinuation conveyed it to Hazrat Abu Bakr and said, Did you hear your companion's talk? He's claiming that the night before he had been taken to Jerusalem!" Hazrat Abu Bakr asked, If his holiness has said so?" They said yes. Hazrat Abu Bakr said, If his holiness has said so, he has spoken the truth. Those men said, Do you endorse him that the night before he went to Jerusalem and returned before dawn?" Hazrat Abu Bakr said, Yes, no doubt. I, for one, endorse him even in those matters which seem to be far more improbable. I keep endorsing him morning and evening in the heavenly news. It was for this reason that Hazrat Abu Bakr came to be known as Siddiq" . Hayat 3:72
LEADER TO AVOID APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY: PROPHET AS A MODEL: PROPHET AND FAMILY DO NOT EAT SADAQA
"Abdul Muttalib b. Rabia b. al Harith reported that Rabia b. al Harith and Abbas b. Abd al Muttalib gathered together and said. By Allah, if we had sent these two young boys ( i.e. I and Fadi b Abbas ) to the Messenger of Allah ( may peace be upon him ) and they had spoken to him he would have appointed them ( as the collectors ) of these sadaqat and they would ( collect them ) and pay ( to the Holy Prophet ) as other people ( collectors ) paid and would get a share as other people got it, As they were talking about it there came Ali b. Abu Talib and stood before the, and they made a mention of it to him. Ali b. Abu Talib said: Don't do that; by Allah he ( the Holy Prophet ) would not do that ( would not accept your request ). Rabi b. Harith turned to him and said: By Allah, you are not doing so but out of jealousy that you nurse against us By Allah, you became the son in law of the Messenger of Allah ( may peace be upon him ) but we felt no jealousy against you ( for this great privilege of yours )/ A;; then said. Send them ( if you like ). They set out and Ali lay on the bed. While the Messenger of Allah ( may peace be upon him ) offered the noon prayer, we went ahead of him to his apartment and stood near it till he came out. He took hold of our ears ( out of love and affection ) and then said: give out what you have kept in you hearts. He then entered ( the apartment ) and we also went in and he ( the Holy Prophet ) was on that day ( in the house of ) Zainab b. Jahsh. We urged each ( of us ) to speak. Then one of us thus spoke: Messenger of Allah, you are the best of humanity and the best to cement the ties of blood-relations. We have reached the marriageable age.We have come ( to you ) so that you may appoint us ( as collectors ) of these sadaqat, and we would pay you just as the people ( other collectors ) pay you, and get our share as others get it. He ( the Holy Prophet ) kept silence for a long time till we wished that we should speak with him ( again ) and Zainab pointed to us from behind the curtain not to talk ( any more ). He ( the Holy Prophet ) said: It does not become the family of Muhammad ( to accept ) sadaqat for they are the impurities of people. You call to me Mahmiya ( and he was in charge of khums, i.e. of the one fifth part that goes to the treasury out of the spoils of war.) and Naufal b., Harith b. Abd al-Muttalib. They both came to hi, and he ( the Holy Prophet ) said, to Mahmiya: Marry you daughter to this young man ( i.e. Fadi b. Abbas ) and he married her to me, and he said, to Naufal b. Harith: marry your daughter to this young man ( i.e.Abd al Muttalib b. Rabia the narrator of this hadith ) and he married he to me, and he said, to Mahmiy: Pay so much mahr on behalf of both of them from this khums. Zuhri, however, said: He did not determine ( the amount of mahr)". Muslim 2:518-519, Chapter 401, Hadith # 2347
LEADER ADMITS IGNORANCE:
"Narrated Ubaid b Umair. Abu Musa asked Umar to admit him
but he was not admitted as Umar was busy, so Abu Musa went back. When Umar finished his job he said, "Didn't I hear the voice of 'Abdullah bin Qais? Let in come in." Umar was told that he had left. So, he sent for him and on his arrival, he (Abu Musa) said,‑"We were ordered to do so (i.e. to leave if not admitted after asking permission thrice). Umar told him, "Bring witness in proof of your statement." Abu Musa went to the Ansar's meeting places and asked them. They said, "None amongst us will give this witness except the youngest of us, Abu Sa'id Al‑Khudri. Abu Musa then took Abu Sa'id Al‑Khudri (to Umar) and Umar said, surprisingly 'Has this order of Allah's apostle been hidden from me?' (Then he added), "I used to be busy trading in markets.". Bukhari 3:158-159, hadith #277
LENIENCY OF LEADER MAY LEAD TO FOLLOWER CONTEMPT:
Al‑Waqidi says: In this year), 'Uthman ordered the stones marking the limits of the sacred territory around Mecca to be restored. He also says: In I this year), 'Uthman added to and enlarged the Sacred Mosque. He purchased [property] from one group of people, while others refused [to sell]. He then demolished [their houses] in spite of them and put the prices which he would have paid them] in the public treasury. When they shouted protests at 'Uthman he had them jailed, saying, "Do you know what has emboldened you against me? Only my forbearance! 'Umar did the same thing to you, and you did not scream protests at him.'' Then 'Abdallah b. Khalid b. Asid spoke with him on their behalf, and they were released. Tabari 15:14-15
PROPHET'S ADVICE TO ABU MUSA AND MUADH ON SENDING THE, TO YAMAN
Narrated Abu Burda that the Prophet sent his (i.e. Abu Burda's) grand‑father,'Abu Musa and Mu'adh to Yemen and said to both of them "Facilitate things for the people (be kind and lenient) and do not make things difficult (for people), and give them good tidings, and do not repulse them and both of you should obey each other." Bukhari 5:443, hadith # 632
LENIENCY: PROLONGING OF PRAYER BY MUADH CONDEMNED BY PROPHET:
Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah Al-Ansari: Once a man was driving Two Nadihas (camels used for agricultural purposes) and night had fallen. He found Mu'adh praying so he made his camel kneel and Joined Mu'adh in the prayer. The latter recited Surat "Al-Baqara" or Surat "An‑Nisa", (so) the man left the prayer and went away. When he came to know that Mu'adh had criticized him, he went to the Prophet and complained against Mu'adh. The Prophet said thrice "O Mu'adh! Are you putting the people to trial?" It would have been better if you had recited "Sabbih Isma Rabbika‑l‑a'‑la", Wash‑Shamsi wadu‑haha', or "Wal‑laili Idha yaghsha", for the old, the weak and the needy pray behind you.". Bukhari 1:380, hadith # 673
ALL FOLLOWERS DEAR TO LEADER: NO DISTINCTIONS:
Hadrat Kaab bin Ajrah ( Rad ) reports, Once I was sitting before the Holy Prophet ( Salam ) in presence of some other Sahabah. The gathering consisted of the Ansars, Mohajirin and Bani Hashim. A dispute arose among us as to who among us as a community is dearer to the Holy Prophet ( Sal'am ). We said, we the Ansars believed him, followed him, participated in jihads with him and our army is always ready to slaughter his enemies. Hence we are more beloved to him. Having heard this, our Mohajirin brother argued, We are those who migrated with the Holy Prophet ( Salam ) left our families, wives and children and belongings, remained present at all places where you happened to be and took part in all those battles you participated in. Thus we are nearer and dearer to him ( Sal'am ). Thereafter our brethren Bani Hashim said, We belong to the family of the Holy Prophet ( Salam ) and we remained present where you had been found and took part in all those battles you participated in. Thus we are nearer and dearer to him ( Sal'am ). Now the Holy Prophet ( Sal'am ) turned to us and said, What were you saying ? Thus we repeated our plea. Having heard this he turned towards the Ansars and said, You have spoken the truth. Who can reject your arguments.?" Thereupon we communicated to him the arguments advanced by the Mohajirin in their favor. He said, They have also spoken the truth. Who can reject their plea ? He was then posted with what Bani Hashim had pleaded in their favor. He said, They have also spoken the truth. Who can reject their plea?" Thereafter he ) Sal'am ) said, Should I not give my own judgement on the matter?" May our parents be sacrificed on you. You must do it. Thereupon he said, O the Ansars ! I am your brother. Hearing this, the Ansars exclaimed Allah-O-Akbar! By Lord of the Ka'aba, we have won you! Thereafter he ( Sal'am ) said addressing the Mohajirin, I am one from you. The Mohajirin also exclaimed, Allah-O-Akbar! We have won him ( Sal'am ) To Bani Hashim he said, You are from me and you are consigned to me. Thereafter we all got up in agreement with each other and admitted the fact that the Holy Prophet ( Sal'am ) belongs to us all" . Hayat 2:385-386
RESPECT FOR FOLLOWERS: THE POOR, WEAK AND HUMBLE: PROPHET WITH THE POOR IN MAKKA
" Hadrat ibn Masud reports A group of Quraishites passed by the Holy Prophet ( S.A.W. ). With him ( Sal'am ) were sitting Hadrat Suhaib, Hadrat Bilal, Hadrat Khabbab, Hadrat Ammar and other people like them, and some extremely poor Muslims. The group of Quraishites asked, O Prophet of Allah ( S.A.W. ) have you preferred them to the people of your own tribes ? Are we supposed to obey them ? Are these the very people, on who, Allah has bestowed His bounties? Please drive them away from you; it is quite probable them, that we might follow you. On this Allah revealed this Ayat: "Warn hereby those who fear ( because they know ) that they will be gathered unto their Lord, for whom there is no protecting friend, nor intercessor beside Him, that they may ward off ( evil ). Repel not those who call upon their Lord at nor and evening, seeking His countenance. You are not accountable for them in aught, nor are they accountable for your aught, that you should repel them, and be of the wrong doers".
RESPECT FOR FOLLOWERS: THE POOR, WEAK AND HUMBLE: PROPHET WITH THE BLIND MAN, IBN UMM MAKTUM
Hadrat Anas ( Rad ) while explaining the words of Allah, Abasa Watawallah says, Hadrat Abdullah bin Ummu Maktum ( Rad ) appeared before the Holy Prophet ( Sal'am ) who was then talking with Ubai bin Khalaf. The Holy Prophet ( Salam ) turned his face from Hadrat Abdullah ( Rad ) Thereupon Allah, the Sublime revealed the following ayat: ( The Prophet ) frowned and turned away, because there came to him the blind man ( interrupting ). But what could tell you but that perchance, he might grow ( in spiritual understanding )? or that he might receive admonition, and the teaching might profit him ? As to one who regards himself as self-sufficient, to him dose you attend; though it is no blame to you if he grow not ( in spiritual understanding ). But as to him who came to you striving earnestly, and with fear ( in his heart ) of him was you unmindful." From that day on, the Holy Prophet ( Sal'am ) would hold Hadrat Abdullah ibn Ummu Maktum ( Rad ) in high esteem.
RESPECT FOR FOLLOWERS: THE POOR, WEAK AND HUMBLE: PROPHET WITH THE BLIND MAN, IBN UMM MAKTUM
Hadrat Aisha ( narrates, The Sura Abasa wa-tawala" was revealed about the blind man, Hadrat Abdullah bin Ummu Maktum ( Rad ) ( It is said ) " People of importance among the polytheists were once sitting before the Holy Prophet ( Sal'am ) that Hadrat Abdullah bin Ummu Maktum ( Rad ) turned up and started saying, Guide me! Guide me !
As per Hadrat Aisha ( Rad ) The Holy Prophet ( Salam ) turned his face ( from ) Abdullah ) and uttered, turning towards others, Is there any danger behind what I say? and he ( one of the polytheists, in turn ) would reply in negative, These ayat had been revealed in such circumstances.
RESPECT FOR FOLLOWERS: THE POOR, WEAK AND HUMBLE: PROPHET WITH THE POOR IN MAKKA
Hadrat Khabbab bin Arat ( Rad ) reports once Aqua bin Habis Taimi and Ainia bin Hasan Fazari came to the Holy Prophet ( Sal'am ), He ( Sal'am ) was sitting with Hadrat Ammar Suhaib, Bilal, Khabbab bin Al Arat and some such poor Muslims. Those who came, looked down upon the persons sitting with the holy Prophet ( Salam ) and talked with him ( salam ) in privacy and said, The Arab delegations visit you, and it is a matter of shame that they see us sitting among such people. So keep them off whenever we come to you. The Holy Prophet ( Sal'am ) agreed and said, very well!. Thereupon, they said, Then write it on a piece of paper. The Holy Prophet ( Salam ) sent for Hadrat Ali ( Rad ) to write the matter. We people were sitting in a corner. In the meantime, Hadrat Jibrail came and uttered: Send not away those who call on their Lord morning and evening seeking his face in naught art you accountable for them, and in naught are they accountable for you, that you should turn them away, and thus be ( one ) of the unjust. Thus did we try some of them by comparison with others that they should say: Is it those then that Allah has favored from amongst us ?" Does not Allah know best those who are grateful? When those come to you who believe in Our Signs, say: " Peace be on you : Your Lord has inscribed for Himself ( the rule of ) Mercy: Verily, if any of you did evil in ignorance, and thereafter repented, and amended ( His conduct ) Lo! He is oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. Thereupon, the Holy Prophet ( Salam ) threw away the paper and called us near and said, " Salamun alaikum " Now we became so close to him ( Salam ) that we joined our knees with those of his. From that day on, he ( Salam ) would sit with us and would leave us sitting. Thereupon, the following ayat was revealed: And keep your soul content with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking his Face; and let not thine eyes pass beyond them. Hadrat Khabbab ( Rad ) reports, Thereafter we kept sitting with him ( Sal'am ) and when the time of his departure would near, we would leave the place of our own. And if we did not do so he kept sitting up to our getting up.
RESPECT FOR FOLLOWERS: THE POOR, WEAK AND HUMBLE: PROPHET WITH THE POOR IN MAKKA
Hadrat Sal'man ( Rad ) reports, Once those people called on the Holy Prophet ( Sa;'am ) who were going to be won over i.e. people like Ainea bin Hisn, Aqra bin Habis and other such people. They said, O Apostle of Allah! It would be better, if you sit at the center of the Masjid among us i.e. Abu Dhar and Salman and other Muslim paupers who have nothing to wear other than the woolen cloak then we will sit beside you, show our sincerity and seek some guidance from you. Thereupon the following ayat was revealed by Allah: And recite ( and teach ) what has been revealed to you of the Book of your Lord none can change His Words, and none wilt you find as a refuge other than Him. And keep you soul content with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking his face; and let not thine eyes pass beyond them, seeking the pomp and glitter if their life, nor obey any, whose heart We have permitted to neglect the remembrance of us, one who follows his own desires, whose case has gone beyond all bounds, Say the Truth From Your Lord" Let him who will, reject ( it ) for the wrong-doers We have prepared a Fire whose ( smoke and flames ) are like the walls and roof of a tent; will have them in. And those planning to do some wrong with them were threatened. Now the Holy Prophet ( Sal'am ) got up for searching them, and found them at the remote end of the Masjid. They were engaged in remembering Allah. He ( Sal'am ) said. All praise be to that Allah, who did not send death for me until He ordered me to get interlocked with a group of people from among my Ummah and keep patience. Now ( my ) life rests with your life and ( my ) death in interlocked with your death. Hayat ?:508-513
UNDERSTANDING FOLLOWERS:
" Hadrat Abu Hurairah says that once a Bedouin came to the Prophet ( p.b.h. ) and sought his help in something. Hadrat Ikramah ( Rad ) says that he sought his help in some matter of ransom money. The Prophet( p.b.h. )gave him something and asked him if he had done some favor to him. The Bedouin replied in the negative. Hearing this the Companions got infuriated and wanted to punish him. But the Prophet ( p.b.h. ) forbade them. When the Prophet ( p.b.h. ) went to his house, he called for that Bedouin and gave him something more. Then he asked him if he had done favor to him, even after what he had said. The Bedouin said, " May Allah reward you on behalf of all my family members." At this the Prophet said " You came and asked me for help and I gave what I had. Then you said what you said. My companions are irked with what you said before them. Now go to my companions and say what you have said now. So that their malice is wiped out" The Bedouin agreed to this. Now when the Bedouin came to the assembly of the Sahabah ( Companions ), the Prophet said, " This companion of yours came to us and begged help, and I gave him what I could. Then he said what he had to say. Again I called him and gave him something more. Now he says that he is well-pleased. Aren't you, " O Bedouin ?" The Bedouin said, " Yes it so. May Allah bless you on behalf of my family members." Then the Prophet ( p.b.h. ) said, " The similitude of this man and of me is like unto the similitude of a man whose she camel fled away from him. The people chased that she-camel and the she-camel fled away farther and farther. Then the owner of the she-camel asked the people to leave him and his she-camel alone. Then that man as he knew well her habits, picked up some dates from the ground and called his she-camel. The she-camel obeyed her master. Then the owner put the saddle on her. If I had agreed with you in what you had said about this at that time, I would have gone to Hell " . Hayat 2:603-604
LEADER SHOWING EMPATHY FOR FOLLOWERS IN DISTRESS
'Abd Allah b. 'Umar said that he was sent with a detachment of the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him). The people wheeled round in flight. He said: I was one of those who wheeled round in flight. When we stopped, we said (i.e. thought): How should we do ? We have run away from the battlefield and deserve Allah's wrath. They we said (thought): Let us enter Medina, stay there, and go there while no one sees us. So we entered (Medina) and thought: If we present our ourselves before the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him), and if there is a chance of repentance for us, we shall stay; if there is something else, we shall go away. So we sat down (waiting) for the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) before the dawn prayer. When he came out, we stood up to him and said: We are the ones who have fled. He turned to us and said: No, you are the ones who return to fight after wheeling away. We then approached and kissed hiss hand, and he said: I am the main body of the Muslims. Abu Daud 2:731-732, Chapter 952, Hadith # 2641
