LOVE OF LEADERSHIP

By

Ibn Abdillah As-sudaisiy Al-Iloori

13th Sha'baan, 1439AH

One of the things that can easily destroy the deen of a human being is love of leadership. Wherever you are, you just want to be the head abi? You want everyone to be doing "yes sir", "yes ma" for you. Its a pity. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم had told us that some people would seek and attain positions of authority in this life, but they would regret it in the hereafter. The Companions of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم ورضي الله عنهم were great examples for us to follow. Following the ways of the ignorant people (especially, democrats) leads to doom. Reading and implementing the content of The 48 Laws of Power would lead to destruction, because it's author, Robert Greene is not driven by divine injunctions. 

Take a cue from the Companions رضي لله عنهم. When 'Umar رضي الله عنه became the Ameer, he removed Khalid ibn Al-waleed رضي الله عنه and appointed Abu Ubaydah ibn Jarraah رضي الله عنه as the Supreme Commander of the Muslim Army. Khalid was not annoyed, he embraced the removal with kind heart and even praised his successor (Abu 'Ubaydah) saying:

"O people, the custodian of the Ummah has been appointed over you." 

This remark was perhaps made in the light of the Prophetic hadith reported by Anas ibn Maalik رضي الله عنه, 

 " إِنَّ لِكُلِّ أمَّةٍ أمِيناً، وإِنَّ أمِيْنَنَا أيَّتُهَا الأمَّةُ أبو عُبَيْدَةَ بْنُ الجَرَّاحِ ".

"There is a custodian for every Ummah and Abu Ubaidah is the custodian for this Ummah." [Bukhari]

Our salaf were humble people, they used not to seek positions of authority at all cost. What is wrong with our generation? Anyone who seeks glory or elevation in way that offends the Sunnah and the practise of the salaf will face regret at last. 

May Allaah guide us aright