the prophets leadership

The Prophets Leadership: A Timeless Example

the prophets leadership

In a particular ?yah, Allah (swt) highlights a significant quality of leadership in the Prophet (s). The Prophet played many roles: as a father, a husband, a friend, and a neighbor. But in this context, Allah (swt) focuses specifically on his role as a leader. Before diving into this lesson, it’s important to recognize that when we learn something about the Messenger of Allah (s), we must reflect on how it affects us in our own roles as leaders. Many might think, “I’m not a leader, so this doesn’t apply to me.” However, in reality, every member of this ummah holds a position of leadership in some capacity.

Allah states:

“You are now the best nation brought forth for mankind…” 
(?l ?Imr?n 3:110)

In various ways, we are all entrusted with leadership, even if it’s subtle. Every man with a wife and children is the leader of his household and must apply the lessons from the Prophet’s leadership to his family. Managers must apply these lessons to their employees, teachers to their classrooms, and those in community or organizational roles to those they serve. Leadership is present in every structure where human beings interact. Even if our leadership role is limited, it still exists and carries significance.

This teaching is not just about Ras?l All?h (s); through his example, Allah is addressing all of us. We can all benefit from the beautiful ?y?t in the Qur’an, especially the one highlighted in this discussion.

Allah (swt) revealed this ?yah in the context of the Battle of Uhud. In S?rat ?l ?Imr?n, Allah dedicates around sixty ?y?t to discussing what went wrong during the battle. The critical question arises: How does a leader deal with people who have deeply disappointed him?

The ?yah begins:

“It was by Allah’s mercy that you were gentle to them…” 
(?l ?Imr?n 3:159)

In military situations, when soldiers make mistakes, lives are lost, and the consequences are typically severe—often involving court-martials, imprisonment, or even execution. In this case, the Prophet (s) was not just a leader but the General of the army. Yet, Allah highlights his unusual leniency, a quality directly granted by Allah.

The phrase linta lahum means that the Prophet (s) was gentle toward them. In Arabic, l?na is the opposite of khush?nah, meaning roughness or harshness. Harshness can manifest in various ways—through your look, speech, actions, gestures, or even silence. Sometimes, a mother’s displeasure is expressed not through words but through a stern look or cold silence. Allah (swt) didn’t specify how the Prophet (s) was gentle; rather, it was all-encompassing—his speech, expressions, interactions—everything reflected softness.

This exemplifies extraordinary leadership. Companies today spend millions on leadership training and morale-boosting seminars, yet much of it feels artificial. True leadership, as modeled by the Prophet (s), is about genuinely caring for people, even in unexpected moments—linta lahum.

The ?yah continues:

“…Had you been rough, hardhearted, they would have scattered away from you…” 
(?l ?Imr?n 3:159)

The word fa?? in Arabic refers to harsh, aggressive speech. The verse describes the hypothetical scenario where, had the Prophet (s) harshly rebuked his companions, they would have dispersed like shattered glass. The term infi??? refers to how glass shatters into pieces that scatter and cannot be reassembled. This isn’t just about followers running away; it’s about the damage being irreparable.

The key lesson here is that even in difficult situations, maintaining softness and gentleness is crucial. We are often quick to anger, but what should truly anger us is how far we are from the legacy of the Prophet (s).

The ?yah then provides clear guidance on what to do next:

“So pardon them, and pray for their forgiveness, and consult them in matters of importance. Then, when you have decided, put your trust in Allah. Surely Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).” 
(?l ?Imr?n 3:159)

The instructions are straightforward: forgive them, make istighf?r for them, and consult them. Pardon them sincerely, not just outwardly. When making du??’, include those who have disappointed you. This is the true test of leadership—having no grudge left in your heart when you can sincerely pray for those who wronged you.

This du??’ should be made privately, not as a public display. Public forgiveness can embarrass those involved. The real sincerity lies in privately praying for them, asking Allah to forgive and strengthen them.

The next step is even more profound: involve those who disappointed you in future decisions. Ask for their opinions sincerely, not as a mere formality. Consulting them after they have failed builds trust and makes them feel valued. The companions who made mistakes at Uhud were later consulted by the Prophet (s) for future battles, which must have made them feel honored and motivated. This speaks volumes about the Prophet’s character.

Finally, the ?yah reminds us:

“…when you are resolved on a course of action, put your trust in Allah…” 
(?l ?Imr?n 3:159)

After consulting and making a decision, the trust is placed in Allah. No decision guarantees success by itself. The outcome is always in Allah’s hands.

The takeaway is that leadership requires trust in Allah above all else. Leaders should not be arrogant about their decisions; instead, they should seek Allah’s guidance and blessings.

This beautiful lesson from the Prophet’s (s) leadership shows us that true leadership stimulates love, unity, and trust. When leadership principles are not applied, resentment and division arise. Embracing these values extinguishes anger and promotes harmony.

May Allah (swt) grant us the ability to soften our hearts, forgive others, and lead with compassion, just as our beloved Prophet (s) did.

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