Prophetic Leadership (Jumu’ah Summary 17/10/25)
Each of us, at some point in our lives, will experience moments of leadership.
For some, it may be as a prime minister or community head; for others, as a parent, spouse, teacher, or businessperson.
Leadership in Islam is not about titles or privilege – it is about service, trust, and accountability before Allah.
There are two timeless principles that form the foundation of righteous leadership:
سيد القوم خادمهم
“The leader of a people is their servant.”
And the prophetic statement:
كلكم راع وكلكم مسئول عن رعيته
“Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you will be held accountable for his flock.”
(Bukhari & Muslim)
These words remind us that leadership is not ownership or privilege – it is a trust (amanah) from Allah, and a test of one’s sincerity and humility.
The Shepherd Does Not Own the Flock
A shepherd does not own the flock – he merely tends to what belongs to someone else.
Likewise, a true leader should never see his position as personal property or a means of gain. Leadership, in Islam, is an amanah, a responsibility that must be carried out with sincerity, humility, and justice.
When Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz became Caliph, he immediately instructed his wife to return all jewellery and wealth that had been gained from doubtful sources by previous family members.
He understood that leadership was not an opportunity for comfort or enrichment – it was a burden of accountability before Allah.
Leadership is not a privilege – it is a trust from Allah.
The Shepherd Must Care
A good shepherd cares deeply for the health and safety of his flock.
He seeks greener pastures – meaning better opportunities and well-being for those under his care. He understands what benefits them and works tirelessly for their growth.
Likewise, a true leader must:
Show concern for every member of his community, even the weakest.
Be patient when those under his care make mistakes.
Remain humble and approachable, never seeing himself as above others.
It is narrated that once, Umar ibn Abdul Aziz tripped over a man who angrily exclaimed, “Are you crazy?” The guards rushed to seize him, but Umar said, “He only asked a question.”
Such was the humility and justice of true leadership.
Similarly, when Umar ibn al-Khattab addressed the people saying, “Listen and obey!”, Salman al-Farisi stood and said:
“We will not listen or obey until you explain how you have two garments while each of us received only one.”
Umar turned to his son Abdullah, who explained: “I gave my allotted cloth to my father because he is tall.”
Only then did Salman say: “Now we will listen and obey.”
This spirit of accountability and transparency defined the leadership of the righteous.
True leadership is rooted in compassion, justice, and humility.
The Duty of Those Who Are Led
Just as leaders have responsibilities, so too do those who are led.
Our duty is to:
✅ Support our leaders in goodness
✅ Advise them sincerely
✅ Make dua for them, not against them
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The best of your leaders are those whom you love and who love you; you pray for them, and they pray for you.”
(Muslim)
No leader is perfect – and no follower is perfect.
Our communities thrive when we work together upon taqwa, mutual respect, and sincerity, not through division, criticism, or arrogance.
A strong community is built on cooperation, not confrontation.
Leadership as a Sacred Trust
Leadership in Islam is not about authority – it is about service and responsibility.
Whether we lead a family, a classroom, a business, or a community, we are all shepherds entrusted with a flock.
To lead as the Prophet ﷺ led means to embody:
🌿 Compassion
⚖️ Justice
🕊️ Humility
💗 Mercy
True leadership is measured not by how many follow you, but by how sincerely you serve them.
Final Reflection
May Allah make us just and sincere in our leadership,
patient and humble in our responsibilities,
and merciful to those under our care.
And may He bless our leaders with wisdom, integrity, and taqwa.
Ameen.
Watch on YouTube:
Click HERE to watch the khutbah on YouTube
