Leadership Lessons from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): According to Michael Hart in his book “The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History”, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was “the only individual [we can say leader] in history who was spectacularly successful on both the secular and religious level.” As the leader of the Muslims in Madina and the rest of the Muslim Ummah, Allah Almighty designated the Prophet (PBUH):
“And We turned them into figures of authority to lead people in accordance with Our commands. We also encouraged them to carry out good deeds, establish prayers, and pay zakat. They only worshipped Us. (Quran 21:73).
And as we all know, His decision must always be extraordinary.
Numerous traits contributed to Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) success as a leader, and Muslims can still learn Leadership Lessons from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) example of leadership. Let’s discuss the characteristics of a great leader and what we may learn from the Leadership Lessons from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). A capable leader ought to have the following qualities of:
Leadership Lessons from Prophet Muhammad:
Being Merciful
In the Holy Qur’an, Allah (SWT) mentions the Prophet (PBUH) as follows:
“And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds” (21:107).
And the Prophet (PBUH) truly embodied mercy and peace. He never held a grudge against anyone who had offended him and always forgave them. According to Anas R.A., the Prophet (PBUH) was once poisoned by a Jewish lady, but after learning of her crime, he let her go without menacing to punish her (Muslim). This demonstrates that the Prophet (PBUH) was kind and considerate of non-Muslims in addition to Muslims.
Being Caring for the Poor
The Most Kind and Charitable Leader There Was Was The Holy Prophet (PBUH). He urged his Ummah to look after the needy and the impoverished, to treat orphans fairly, and to save for you (as a leader) only what is required for survival. The Prophet (PBUH) did not amass a fortune while he was alive, and he commanded his associates to divide what was left over after his passing among the needy:
“After my death, not a single Dinar of my property should be handed to my inheritors; instead, whatever I leave, except the money set aside for my wives and servants, should be donated to charity.” [Bukhari, “Laws of Inheritance” 33].
Being Just
In Surah Al-Ma’un, Allah Most High makes it abundantly plain that people who deny rights will be despised.
“Have you seen the one who denies the Recompense? For that is the one who drives away the orphan. And does not encourage the feeding of the poor. So woe to those who pray. [But] who are heedless of their prayer – Those who make show [of their deeds]. And withhold [simple] assistance” (Quran 107:1-7).
One’s duty as a leader is to not only do everything in one’s ability to improve the lot of his people but also to lend a helping hand whenever requested. A leader should also be fair and not discriminate against anyone based on their gender, color, or class. Being just is one of the Leadership Lessons from Prophet Muhammad.
Being Trustworthy
Everyone knew that the Holy Prophet, also known by the names Sadiq and Ameen, could be completely trusted. Even those who rejected Islam’s message occasionally donated him their possessions to keep them safe. It speaks volumes about the kind of person and leader he was to be trusted in such a way by someone who had so many adversaries (based on the hostility to Islam).
Ibn `Abbas (RA) reported: “After the verse ‘and warn your closest kinsmen’ was revealed, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) went out, climbed the hill of Safa and shouted to get their attention. They said, “What’s this?” and gathered before him. He addressed them, saying, “If I was to inform you that horsemen were in the valley behind this hill ready to attack you, would you believe me?” They replied, “Yes, for we have never known you to lie”. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Indeed, I am a warner to you of severe punishment” (Bukhari).
Anyone who wants to be a good leader must possess this attribute since it is crucial for people to have faith in their leader.
The One who recognizes the Value of Time
A good leader also responds to the needs and situations of those he is in charge of. it is also a Leadership Lessons from Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet (PBUH) took care to not put an undue strain on his companions. Because of the Muslims’ vulnerability in Makkah, neither Allah nor the Prophet urged them to wage jihad. The Prophet (PBUH), with Allah’s permission, led them toward Jihad for the one true religion because he realised that the Muslims’ grasp had grown stronger once they had moved to Madina.
However, a good leader avoids needless conflict and works to minimize damage; he shows concern not only for those on his side but also for the opposition. Consequently, a good leader also possesses compassion and empathy.
The One who Participates in Decision-making with the People
The Prophet (PBUH) respected his followers and heeded their advice. One instance of the Prophet (PBUH) earnestly considering the advice of his companions is the Battle of Trench. The Prophet (PBUH) may have disagreed with Salman Farsi’s decision to dig a trench as a stratagem against the enemy, but he chose to trust Salman (RA), and that choice was successful. The Lord declares in the Qur’an:
“So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him]” (3:159).
Since the Prophet (PBUH) possessed these qualities, he was a successful leader. These qualities made him a better leader, which is the highest aspiration a good leader can have, as well as a good humanitarian. Muhammad (PBUH) is the greatest humanitarian who ever lived, and we may always look to him as an example of a great leader.
These were some Leadership Lessons from Prophet Muhammad’s Life. Read more knowledgeable Blogs and Articles here.
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