Leadership & The Legacy of Muharram
| Khatib : | Sadullah Khan |
| Khutbah No: | 260 |
| Khutbah Date: | 01/11/08 |
As we engage the new year, January the 11th and 2nd of Muharram today; we reflect on the events of Muharram and that momentous occasion of the hijrah from which our calendar derives its title.
Muharram and the Hijrah
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic Lunar Hijri Calendar, dating back to the hijrah/migration of the Prophet and many of his family and followers to Yathrib (later Madinah); 1429 years ago. This migration/hijrah of the Prophet showed us that it is incumbent upon humankind to perpetuate the truth and to pursue the establishment of a peace and justice. We should note that just as physical migration and perseverance is an important milestone on the road to establish peace and justice; intellectual migration from the subjugated minds to an awakened spirit is even more important. The hijrah was therefore not only a historical event, but one that changed the course of history.
The Legacy of Muharram
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic Lunar Hijri Calendar, dating back to the hijrah/migration of the Prophet and many of his family and followers to Yathrib (later Madinah); 1429 years ago.
Muharram marks a significant month in the Muslim calendar; it is in this month, according to some reports, that Allah saved Prophet Moses/Musa from the tyrannical Pharaoh, that prototype of despotic authority. The are many pharaoh-like authorities who have appeared through history and there were those incorrigible standard-bearers of justice who opposed them. Imam Husayn took on the corruption of Yazid and laid down his life on Muharram 10th in 61 AH, an event that serves as a milestone in the history of the faithful; the martyrdom of the beloved grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, Imam Husayn, at Karbala, Iraq.
Prophet’s Migration
After suffering much persecution in Makkah for the Believers and after the darkest period in the life of the Prophet (passing away of his caring and protective uncle ~ Abu Talib; and his beloved wife and confidant ~ Khadijah) people from Yathrib came to invite the Prophet to their city and made pledges to him that was to pave the way or a brighter future.
The Hijrah was not a “flight”, but rather a carefully planned immigration which not only marks a beginning of the “Islamic era”, but also the ushering of a global civilization. From this we learn that our faith, or authentic “insight,” tells us, it will all be all right, even in the darkest moments of our worldly life. Better times are always due! If a lesson is to be drawn from that optimism, it is that of patience and of hope. This requires leadership.
Expression of Positive Leadership
- The true leader is compassionate, big-hearted and truly selfless in that the leader is able to surrender his / her own willfulness to serve something greater than personal ambitions and thus lead others with tremendous energy and vitality, utterly without self-interest.
- is authentic in thought, word, attitude and deed.
- listens attentively, communicates his feelings clearly and simply, and is genuine in that he/she is nothing more and nothing less than what he/she seems to be.
- is emphatic, compassionate, caring, concerned about the needs of others, deeply unselfish, humble and altruistic -- considering it a privilege to be effective in the lives of others.
- whose sense of self is based on being reasonable and conscientious at all times and the ability to clearly sort out issues because he/she realizes the consequences of whatever decisions he/she makes, whose judgment comes from a deeply felt sense of conviction.
- exhibits ability and authority, a decisiveness and a sense of honor; not afraid to take responsibility for the difficult choices and decisions he/she makes.
- stands up for what is right, appealing to the conscience, good will, fairness of others, fearlessly; articulately expressing his/her beliefs no matter whom he/she pleases or displeases, without in anyway being vulgar.
- gives people a clear and worthwhile sense of direction as well as effective means to attain common goals while inspiring them to want to work for something larger than themselves.
- becomes the symbol and embodiment of the aspirations of the community and is willing to take responsibility and is therefore worthy of loyalty, honor and support.
The two primary roles of a leader are those of servant-leader and guardian-leader.
- The servant-leader wants to serve and through service acquires authority which becomes manifested due to involvement and concern for the welfare of the people. This is in keeping with the tradition of our beloved Prophet who said, سيد القوم خادمهم
"The leader of the people serves the people."
- The guardian-leader aims at protecting the community against tyranny, oppression and injustice and places primary responsibility on care for the people. This too is in keeping with the Prophetic reminder, "All of you are guardians and each will be held responsible for those under your guardianship."
A great leader fulfils both dimensions of leadership roles. In the words of the greatest leader of all times, the holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: "The best of leaders are those who love the people and people love them". When we reflect on the example of The Islamic perspective of Effective Leadership is leadership with moral authority, integrity and credibility; providing people with a sense of worth, a sense of direction and a sense of purpose through information, inspiration and motivation.