A Reflection on the Philosophical Foundations of Islamic Leadership
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Leverhulme Visiting Professor Nematollah Azizi
University of Kurdistan, University of Glasgow
Multifaith Centre- University of Derby 15 February 2024
An Overview
Leaders and Leadership
Western Leadership Styles vs Islamic Leadership
The Source of Islamic Leadership
Guiding Principles of Islamic Leadership
Moral Bases of Islamic Leadership
Key Characteristics and Qualities of Leaders in the Islam
Contributions and Role of Muslim leader
Islamic World
Leaders and Leadership (Concept and Process)
Leadership is the process of influencing and guiding individuals or groups towards the achievement of common goals or objectives.
A leader is someone who possesses the ability to inspire, motivate, and empower others to work together towards a shared vision or purpose
Leaders can emerge in various contexts, including business, politics, education, sports, and community organizations, and they can exhibit a wide range of traits, styles, and behaviors
Leaders and Leadership (Sources of Power)
Leadership involves more than just holding a formal position of authority; it's about effectively leveraging one's influence, skills, and expertise to inspire positive change and drive progress.
Leaders often demonstrate qualities such as vision, integrity, empathy, resilience, and the ability to communicate effectively and build trust among their followers.
Leaders and Leadership (Diverse Styles and Approaches)
Leadership can take many forms, from visionary and transformational leadership that inspires change and innovation, to servant leadership that prioritizes the needs of others and fosters collaboration and teamwork.
Regardless of the style or approach, effective leadership is characterized by a commitment to serving others, fostering growth and development, and making a positive impact on individuals, organizations, and communities.
Western Leadership Styles vs Islamic Leadership (Goals, Approaches, and Outcomes) (1) Western leadership styles and Islamic leadership have distinct goals, approaches, and outcomes due to their differing philosophical foundations, cultural contexts, and values.
1. Goals:
Western leadership styles often prioritize organizational success, efficiency, innovation, and profit maximization. Goals are often framed in terms of achieving measurable outcomes, such as market share growth, revenue generation, and shareholder value
Islamic leadership emphasizes ethical conduct, justice, social welfare, and spiritual development. Goals are oriented towards serving the common good, promoting social harmony, and fostering individual and collective well-being in accordance with Islamic principles.
2. Approaches:
Western leadership approaches may vary widely, but they often emphasize individualism, autonomy, empowerment, and meritocracy. Leaders are expected to make decisions independently, delegate authority, and foster a culture of innovation and risk-taking.
Islamic leadership is guided by principles derived from Islamic teachings, including consultation (Shura), consensus-building, humility, and servant leadership. Leaders are expected to seek counsel from others, prioritize the needs of the community, and lead by example with integrity, compassion, and fairness.
3. Outcomes:
Western leadership styles may lead to outcomes such as increased profitability, market competitiveness, organizational growth, and technological advancement. However, they may also be associated with issues such as individualism, inequality, and ethical lapses.
Islamic leadership aims to achieve outcomes that promote social justice, equity, and moral integrity. It seeks to create cohesive communities, foster trust and cooperation, and address societal challenges such as poverty, injustice, and environmental degradation. While tangible economic outcomes are valued, spiritual and ethical development is also emphasized.
Guiding Principles of Islamic Leadership (1)
Islamic leadership encompasses a worldview rooted in Islamic principles, values, and teachings, which guide the actions, responsibilities, and aspirations of leaders within Muslim communities including:
Divine Guidance: Islamic leadership is founded on the belief in divine guidance and accountability. Leaders are seen as trustees (Amanah) appointed by Allah to serve and govern with justice, compassion, and integrity. They are expected to adhere to the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah (the practices and sayings of Prophet Muhammad) as the primary sources of guidance.
Servant Leadership: Islamic leadership emphasizes the concept of servant leadership, where leaders prioritize the needs and well-being of their followers above their own interests. They are expected to serve as role models (Uswah Hasana) by demonstrating humility, empathy, and selflessness in their interactions with others.
Justice and Equity: Justice (Adl) is a fundamental principle of Islamic leadership, encompassing fairness, equality, and accountability. Leaders are required to uphold justice in all aspects of governance, decision-making, and conflict resolution, ensuring that the rights of individuals and communities are protected and respected.
Consultation and Consensus: Islamic leadership encourages consultation (Shura) and consensus-building in decision-making processes, reflecting the importance of collective wisdom and participation. Leaders are encouraged to seek the advice and input of others, especially experts and stakeholders, to ensure informed and inclusive decision-making.
Islamic leadership encompasses a worldview rooted in Islamic principles, values, and teachings, which guide the actions, responsibilities, and aspirations of leaders within Muslim communities including:
Community Welfare: Islamic leadership prioritizes the welfare (Maslaha) and well-being of the community as a whole, rather than individual interests or gains. Leaders are responsible for addressing the needs of the marginalized, vulnerable, and disadvantaged members of society, promoting social justice, and fostering unity and solidarity among diverse communities.
Stewardship of Resources: Islamic leadership emphasizes the concept of stewardship (Khalifa) of resources, including natural, financial, and human resources. Leaders are entrusted with the responsible management and utilization of resources for the benefit of present and future generations, while also preserving and protecting the environment.
Continuous Learning and Improvement: Islamic leadership encourages continuous learning, self-reflection, and personal development (Tazkiyah) as essential components of leadership growth and effectiveness. Leaders are expected to seek knowledge, wisdom, and guidance from Islamic sources, as well as from contemporary scholarship and best practices.
Moral Bases of Islamic Leadership
Leadership in Islam is rooted in belief and willing submission to the Creator, God. It centers on serving Him.
To serve God, a Muslim leader is to act in accordance with the injunctions of God and His Prophet (saw), and must develop a strong Islamic moral character.
This moral character will be reflected by his increasingly strong belief in God as he progresses through four stages of spiritual development:
Iman;
Islam;
Taqwa; and
Ihsan.
Iman
Iman is faith in God. Iman implies belief in the Oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad (saw).
A leader with a strong Iman will consider himself and all his possessions as belonging to God. He will bow his ego, his ideas, his passions, and his thinking to God.
Iman also implies belief in the life hereafter and in one’s ultimate accountability for one’s deeds. A leader with a firm Iman will not dodge responsibility for his actions, and will continuously emphasize good deeds.
Islam
Islam means the achievement of peace with God, within oneself, and with the creation of God, through willing submission to Him.
Because of his or her Iman, a leader who practices Islam will never see himself as supreme. Ali Ibn Abu Talib’s (ra) letter to Malik al-Ashtar an-Nukai, the new Governor of Egypt, stresses this point in the following manner:
Malik, you must never forget that if you are a ruler over them, then the Caliph is a ruler over you, and God is the supreme Lord over the Caliph.
Taqwa
Taqwa is the all-encompassing, inner consciousness of duty towards God and awareness of one’s accountability towards Him.
When imbued with taqwa, a person’s frame of mind—his thoughts, emotions, and inclinations—will reflect Islam.
Taqwa will restrain a Muslim leader or follower from behaving unjustly—whether to community members, to customers, to suppliers or to anybody else.
Ihsan
Ihsan is the love of God. This love of God motivates the individual Muslim to work towards attaining God’s Pleasure.
The Prophet Muhammad (saw) describes ihsan as follows: “To worship God as if you see Him, and if you cannot achieve this state of devotion then you must consider that He is looking at you.”
The constant feeling that God is watching is likely to prompt any leader or follower with Ihsan to behave at his best.
Key Characteristics and Qualities of Leaders in the Islam (1)
Leaders in the Islamic context are expected to embody certain characteristics and qualities that reflect the teachings of Islam and enable them to fulfill their responsibilities effectively including:
Piousness (Taqwa): Leaders are expected to possess piety and consciousness of Allah (Taqwa), which involves obedience to divine commandments, avoidance of sin, and adherence to ethical principles in all aspects of life.
Integrity and Honesty: Leaders should demonstrate integrity and honesty in their dealings, words, and actions. They are expected to be truthful, trustworthy, and transparent, avoiding deception, fraud, and corruption.
Justice (Adl): Justice is a fundamental principle of Islamic leadership. Leaders are required to be fair, equitable, and impartial in their decisions and actions, ensuring that the rights of individuals and communities are protected and upheld.
Humility (Tawadhu): Humility is a virtue highly regarded in Islam. Leaders should exhibit humility and modesty in their behavior, interactions, and attitude towards others, recognizing their own limitations and the contributions of others.
Compassion and Mercy: Leaders are encouraged to demonstrate compassion, empathy, and mercy towards others, especially the marginalized, vulnerable, and oppressed members of society. They should prioritize the welfare and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their background or status.
Wisdom and Sound Judgment: Leaders should possess wisdom, sound judgment, and foresight in their decision-making processes. They are expected to weigh the consequences of their actions, seek advice from knowledgeable sources, and make informed choices that benefit the community as a whole.
Courage and Resilience: Leadership often requires courage and resilience to face challenges, adversity, and criticism. Leaders should exhibit courage in standing up for truth and justice, advocating for the rights of others, and confronting oppression and wrongdoing.
Consultation (Shura): Islamic leadership emphasizes the importance of consultation (Shura) and collective decision-making. Leaders are encouraged to seek the advice and input of others, especially experts and stakeholders, in order to reach consensus and make informed decisions
Empowerment and Inclusivity: Leaders should empower and include others in decision-making processes, fostering a sense of ownership, participation, and accountability among members of the community. They should create opportunities for individuals to contribute their talents, skills, and perspectives towards common goals.
Continuous Learning and Improvement: Islamic leadership emphasizes the value of continuous learning, self-reflection, and personal development (Tazkiyah). Leaders should seek knowledge, wisdom, and guidance from Islamic sources, as well as from contemporary scholarship and best practices, in order to enhance their leadership effectiveness and fulfill their responsibilities faithfully.
Contributions and Role of Muslim leaders in the Islamic Civilization
Islamic leaders made significant achievements and contributions in various fields, shaping the course of history and leaving a lasting legacy including:
Political and Military Expansion (Worldwide Empire);
Promotion of Scholarship and Learning;
Architectural and Urban Development (Learning Cities);
