The Holy Prophet
The writer, Ayyad Dilawar Padhani is in Marketing at his family optical practice. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Marketing and related support services. He has been rendering community services from a very early age.
When we look towards the Holy Prophet Muhammed (SAWW), we see more than a leader of a simple movement, religion or nation, we see the embodiment of integrity, compassion, humility and courage. His leadership was not one of domination, nor of authority for its own sake, but rather a leadership that stemmed from service, from a deep sincerity in his mission, from love for his people, and ultimately from obedience to Allah (SWT). These qualities built a moral foundation so firm that it continues to guide us 1400+ years later. It was through honesty and fairness that he won hearts, through kindness and gentleness that he cultivated loyalty, and through humility that he reminded us all that true greatness comes not from power, but from submission to the teachings of Islam.
Even in the battlefield, where the temptation of cruelty and vengeance might seem acceptable to others, the Prophet (SAWW) showed us that ethics must never be abandoned. His instructions to his companions before war to never harm women, children, the elderly, or the environment, to never destroy crops or kill animals needlessly, are eternal reminders that morality is not situational. If ethics are to be upheld in war, then how much more so in our daily lives, in our businesses, in our dealings with family, colleagues and strangers. If the Holy Prophet (SAWW) could uphold mercy and restraint in times of battle, then surely we can uphold fairness when negotiating contracts, patience when facing conflict at work, and compassion when dealing with those less fortunate than us.
In today’s modern world, leadership often becomes entangled with ego, profit, and influence. But when we reimagine leadership through the Prophetic lens, we find a different standard, one rooted in sincerity, justice, and service. In our offices, this could mean putting the wellbeing of employees before profit, ensuring honesty in every deal, refusing to exploit our environment, our staff, and loopholes at the expense of others. In community work, it could mean ensuring that the voices of the youth are not ignored, and that decisions are made with fairness and wisdom even when it is difficult.
To live with Prophetic leadership is to live in a constant state of self-reflection, asking ourselves whether our words and actions align with truth, whether we speak up for the oppressed of the world, whether our intentions are pure, and whether our influence, talents, resources and connections are used for the benefit of others or only for ourselves. To follow in his footsteps means to raise our voices, to use our influence, however small it may seem, to stand with the oppressed. Whether through peaceful protest, advocacy, boycotts of supporting or complicit brands in oppression, raising awareness or simply refusing to remain indifferent in our hearts, we should try to uphold justice. Just as the Prophet (SAWW) cultivated loyalty and love by walking with his companions, listening to their concerns, serving them rather than elevating himself above them, we too can cultivate such leadership in our homes, communities, and companies.
If this message of the Prophet is to remain alive, it has to find its home in the hearts of our youth. They are the ones who will carry it forward in every community once the grandparents move on to the next life. The Prophet himself gave young people responsibility, trusted them, encouraged them, and showed them that their voices mattered. In the same way, our youth today need to see themselves not as bystanders but as future leaders. When they choose honesty over shortcuts, when they call out injustice in their schools, workplaces, or communities, when they lend their energy to serve others, they are living out bits and pieces of the Prophetic way in their lives. It doesn’t have to be in grand gestures, which can often be intimidating, it can be in the small, everyday choices that reflect courage and compassion.
In every era, human nature remains the same, and so does the need for moral guidance through his sunnah, alongside the ever relevant Quran, which has been sent for all generations until the DOJ. His life invites us to lead with conscience, to embrace compassion and to remember that even the smallest acts of integrity in our personal and professional lives echo far beyond us. This is the essence of Prophetic leadership, timeless, relevant, and desperately needed today.
More from this writer:
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