Those examples you mentioned Ustaadh were quite profound. We don't tend to consider ourselves as leaders in that way yet we are to the public prime examples of what it means to be a Muslim. Whether or not we open our eyes to it, we will still be held accountable for it on the Day of Judgement, so better to accept it for ourselves and take up the roles and responsibilities Allah has given us as an Ummah.
We have a HUGEEEE problem in our community that the leadership positions are the worst in the community. Right now with the whole niqab debate and all the TV stations are quoting the "Muslim" congress of Canada...and the people running that organization are messed up people and Allah only knows regarding thier Islam. Everyone who sees it thinks its the "Muslim" congress of Canada, they must be the authority on Islam, when they are a small small minority. We need leaders like the Sahaba who did things and not just sat in the Masjid all day criticizing everyone else
I usually don't comment, but this really struck a chord with me. We all are leaders in some capacity but truth is, we just don't know it. We don't want to know it. We're scared to accept the responsibility and the "shirt of leadership" that Allah has placed upon us. Why? Not sure. Maybe we're too comfortable with our lives or maybe we just don't see the reason. Wallahu alim.
Man, this brought back CONQUEST emotions in my mind = )
Leadership is a responsibility all of the Anbiyah and Imams of the past had. Today some people fail to recognize that leadership is a responsibility Muslims have to non-Muslim peers and to each other. Some Muslims even run from it ("I want to live a simple life", "I want to avoid fame", "There are better people than me", etc)
Sincere leadership is a Sunnah of the Prophets. The Prophet Muhammad (s) was told by Waraqah he would be expelled by his own people and subject to trials. But the Messenger of Allah (s) embraced his role and mission to Quraysh, and all of humanity.
The khulafa rashidoon were all leaders. The major Sahabah (Al-Zubayr, Khalid bin Waleed, Abdurrahman bin Awf, etc) were all leaders in their own ways, and even the younger Sahabah or those who narrated few hadith, maybe knew less Quran.
The Mothers of the Believers were all leaders in their narrating knowledge and upright character and examples.
The best leader after the Prophets was Al-Siddeeq. His courage, speaking skills, wartime strategy, time management, and organizational development were unmatched as Umar (r) once said, "Abu Bakr said everything I wanted to say and more, and said it better than I could have." (during the meeting with Al-Ansar)
I can not imagine Abu Bakr saying "People refusing zakat, false Prophets emerging, trials all over.. woah, too much to handle. Let me stay in my hut and allow Al-Zubayr and Umar to handle it."
The Prophets, and the Companions were constantly active in good deeds. People today are not. It escapes me now, if it was Imam Zuhri or Awzaii that was asked, "Why is there so much evil these days?" and he replied, "Because of the laziness of Ahl us Sunnah."
When we get that sense of accountability and noblity back, and stop blaming others (Canadian government, the builders of the "fake lake", Bush, Obama, Netanyahu, Tim Horton's, Musharraf, liberal Muslims, Shiia, Wahhabis, etc), we will be on the track to outstanding leadership.. inshallah.
Very informative Jazaka Allahu Kayr. It's funny because we can use the same concepts in our daily lives..even in the simplest of matters.
Don't give up no matter how many hardships you face as a leader. Everyone has a responsibility and duty to fulfill. Somebody is 'watching' your every move and that in itself is a representation of our religion.
I learned 2 things (both points have been covered in the comments but I'll restate in my own words)
1. We are all leaders (yes) and without having chosen so, just by being Muslim we are representatives of our community. At work, on the bus, in the long line of the grocery store, in heavy traffic, we representative something greater than ourselves... and we do it subconciously. I am imagining what powerful leadership can emit from us if we do it on purpose.
2. From the story of Uthman RA we get a feel of the type of 'criticism' and 'rejection' faced by leaders even today. Our leaders, mentors and teachers face similar dilemmas, some even at "gun-point". Yet they do not back down!
So LEAD ON PURPOSE no matter when and where you are, and PLANT YOURSELF FIRMLY on the right path, regardless of what "they" say.
The problem with the Muslims of today is that they are out of touch with the Quran and the Hadith.When facing issues they tend to be emotional rather than being reasonable and pragmatic. Their other main characteristic is being lazy and most indulge in self pity.Its high time that the Muslims wake up from their slumber. Abdullah Ahmad.Penang.Malaysia.
What did you learn from this?
ReplyDeleteI like :D
ReplyDeleteevry muslim is a leader the iman gives yu the responisbility you dont need to wear a jacket or hold a name...
ReplyDeleteThose examples you mentioned Ustaadh were quite profound. We don't tend to consider ourselves as leaders in that way yet we are to the public prime examples of what it means to be a Muslim.
ReplyDeleteWhether or not we open our eyes to it, we will still be held accountable for it on the Day of Judgement, so better to accept it for ourselves and take up the roles and responsibilities Allah has given us as an Ummah.
JazakAllahu khairun for this reminder.
We have a HUGEEEE problem in our community that the leadership positions are the worst in the community. Right now with the whole niqab debate and all the TV stations are quoting the "Muslim" congress of Canada...and the people running that organization are messed up people and Allah only knows regarding thier Islam. Everyone who sees it thinks its the "Muslim" congress of Canada, they must be the authority on Islam, when they are a small small minority. We need leaders like the Sahaba who did things and not just sat in the Masjid all day criticizing everyone else
ReplyDeleteI usually don't comment, but this really struck a chord with me. We all are leaders in some capacity but truth is, we just don't know it. We don't want to know it. We're scared to accept the responsibility and the "shirt of leadership" that Allah has placed upon us. Why? Not sure. Maybe we're too comfortable with our lives or maybe we just don't see the reason. Wallahu alim.
ReplyDeleteJazak Allah khair for the much needed reminder.
@Yasin, jazakum Allahu khayr for commenting (and everyone else). Your comment struck a chord as well with those reading it.
ReplyDeleteWho else?
Jazak Allah brother for the sharing. Insha-Allah if possible, please share your full lectures / seminars for those of us who are not able to attend.
ReplyDeleteMan, this brought back CONQUEST emotions in my mind = )
ReplyDeleteLeadership is a responsibility all of the Anbiyah and Imams of the past had. Today some people fail to recognize that leadership is a responsibility Muslims have to non-Muslim peers and to each other. Some Muslims even run from it ("I want to live a simple life", "I want to avoid fame", "There are better people than me", etc)
Sincere leadership is a Sunnah of the Prophets. The Prophet Muhammad (s) was told by Waraqah he would be expelled by his own people and subject to trials. But the Messenger of Allah (s) embraced his role and mission to Quraysh, and all of humanity.
The khulafa rashidoon were all leaders. The major Sahabah (Al-Zubayr, Khalid bin Waleed, Abdurrahman bin Awf, etc) were all leaders in their own ways, and even the younger Sahabah or those who narrated few hadith, maybe knew less Quran.
The Mothers of the Believers were all leaders in their narrating knowledge and upright character and examples.
The best leader after the Prophets was Al-Siddeeq. His courage, speaking skills, wartime strategy, time management, and organizational development were unmatched as Umar (r) once said, "Abu Bakr said everything I wanted to say and more, and said it better than I could have." (during the meeting with Al-Ansar)
I can not imagine Abu Bakr saying "People refusing zakat, false Prophets emerging, trials all over.. woah, too much to handle. Let me stay in my hut and allow Al-Zubayr and Umar to handle it."
The Prophets, and the Companions were constantly active in good deeds. People today are not. It escapes me now, if it was Imam Zuhri or Awzaii that was asked, "Why is there so much evil these days?" and he replied, "Because of the laziness of Ahl us Sunnah."
When we get that sense of accountability and noblity back, and stop blaming others (Canadian government, the builders of the "fake lake", Bush, Obama, Netanyahu, Tim Horton's, Musharraf, liberal Muslims, Shiia, Wahhabis, etc), we will be on the track to outstanding leadership.. inshallah.
Everyone is a born leader..either we lead a team,family,bother,friends....but only one can lead the nation!..
ReplyDeletecomon shaikh lower the fees :D
Very informative Jazaka Allahu Kayr. It's funny because we can use the same concepts in our daily lives..even in the simplest of matters.
ReplyDeleteDon't give up no matter how many hardships you face as a leader. Everyone has a responsibility and duty to fulfill. Somebody is 'watching' your every move and that in itself is a representation of our religion.
Every person is a leader at some level, the minimum of which is that they are a leader of themselves.
ReplyDeleteTwo, some people need someone or something external to bring their leadership potential out, that is something leaders who know themselves should do
; )
Asalaamu Alaikum Warahmatullah
ReplyDeleteI learned 2 things (both points have been covered in the comments but I'll restate in my own words)
1. We are all leaders (yes) and without having chosen so, just by being Muslim we are representatives of our community. At work, on the bus, in the long line of the grocery store, in heavy traffic, we representative something greater than ourselves... and we do it subconciously. I am imagining what powerful leadership can emit from us if we do it on purpose.
2. From the story of Uthman RA we get a feel of the type of 'criticism' and 'rejection' faced by leaders even today. Our leaders, mentors and teachers face similar dilemmas, some even at "gun-point". Yet they do not back down!
So LEAD ON PURPOSE no matter when and where you are, and PLANT YOURSELF FIRMLY on the right path, regardless of what "they" say.
JazakAllah Khair waSalaamu Alaikum
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with the Muslims of today is that they are out of touch with the Quran and the Hadith.When facing issues they tend to be emotional rather than being reasonable and pragmatic.
ReplyDeleteTheir other main characteristic is being lazy and most indulge in self pity.Its high time that the Muslims wake up from their slumber.
Abdullah Ahmad.Penang.Malaysia.
mashaAllah, well said Brother Muhammad.
ReplyDeleteThis really makes me think and want to be a better example for others.
JazakAllahu khayran.
-Sharmin
food for thought
ReplyDelete