Muslim Leaders – How Do We Produce Them?

“Islam is a revivalist religion that supports creativity. Indeed, revivalism and traditionalism are two faces of the same coin…reviving to the original essence,” said Dr Zachariah Matthews, a Muslim leader who actively works with the youth and contributes to local community-based organizations.

Dr Zachariah Matthews most proficiently provided a backdrop for an Islamic pedestal if you will, for future Muslim leaders. Stressing on education as a foundation for a person to change himself or the people around him or her, he aptly put it that belief in the Qur’an and Sunnah settled in the heart. A Muslim must first cure the diseases of his or her own heart, and for perfection we must fear Allah the Almighty through constant awareness. He also called for burying old disputes, rejecting innovations in Sufism but not all of its teachings, and not going to extreme lengths in obeying a sheikh. In other words, there must be balance. It is this kind of wisdom that nourishes a leader. But we must be careful to draw a line between leading and managing as they are not the same thing. Leaders must be able to influence others, grow, be patient with time and disciplined, challenge excuses and have the humility to admit to their mistakes.

Dr Zachariah Matthews lamented the fact that many of the student organizations were run like “dictatorships”, and there ought to be mutual consultation or shura when electing leaders. It is also the leader’s duty to train his peers and invite and encourage participation.

“He who thinks he leads, but has no followers, is only taking a walk,” Dr Zachariah Matthews cited from a book.

The life of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) must be seen as the highest inspiration for Muslim youth, and indeed it is through his example that we can produce adept and rousing Muslim leaders who are motivational, just and “ambassadors of change”.

As `Urwah ibn Mas'ud al Thaqafi, a delegate of the Quraysh, said of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), on returning to his tribe:
“O Men of Quraysh, I have visited Chosroes, Caesar, and the Negus in their respective courts. By God, I have never seen a king attaching himself to his people as Muhammad does.”