Question
Some politicians inside and outside the country frequently raise controversial issues to the public, yet are often negligent in serving the community. Does this behavior violate the responsibilities of a leader?
Answer
In Islam, a leader is responsible for guiding and managing the affairs of the people under their leadership. Additionally, it is recognized that one of the obligations of a leader, particularly a politician, is to work toward realizing their political vision and mission. However, they must prioritize serving the people they are responsible for above all other matters.
Introduction
Essentially, Islam is a way of life, encompassing every aspect of human life, including politics and leadership. Islamic texts use terms like al-Khalifah, al-Sultan, al-Imam, al-Malik, al-Amir, al-Wazir, waliy al-amr, or ulu al-amr to refer to leaders.
In this context, the term “leader” refers to national leaders specifically politicians. This article provides some advice to those in leadership to prioritize serving the people and the nation above all else. Leaders are the pillars of society and indicator in determining its progress or decline.
Islamic teachings outline several duties that a leader must fulfill, including:
1) Upholding Trustworthiness in Fulfilling Responsibilities
A leader is appointed by the people to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to him while he also willingly takes up the role at the same time. In Malaysia, this includes politicians who have a duty to serve their constituencies. Therefore, the primary obligation of a leader is to fulfill the trust they have been given. As Allah SWT says in the Quran:
إِنَّا عَرَضْنَا الْأَمَانَةَ عَلَى السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَالْجِبَالِ فَأَبَيْنَ أَن يَحْمِلْنَهَا وَأَشْفَقْنَ مِنْهَا وَحَمَلَهَا الْإِنسَانُ ۖ إِنَّهُ كَانَ ظَلُومًا جَهُولًا
Meaning: “We offered the Trust to the heavens, the earth, and the mountains, yet they refused to undertake it and were afraid of it; mankind undertook it- they have always been inept and foolish.”
Surah al-Ahzab (72)
The amanah (trust) mentioned here refers to fulfilling promises, where Muslims has a right not to be deceived or betrayed.[1] Prophet Muhammad SAW also warned about the consequences for leaders who fail to fulfill the rights of those under their care. Ma’qal ibn Yasar RA narrated that the Prophet SAW said:
ما مِن عَبْدٍ اسْتَرْعاهُ اللَّهُ رَعِيَّةً، فَلَمْ يَحُطْها بنَصِيحَةٍ، إلَّا لَمْ يَجِدْ رائِحَةَ الجَنَّةِ
Meaning: "Any servant whom Allah entrusts with managing the affairs of his people, yet does not fulfill that responsibility by even giving sincere advice, will not smell the fragrance of Paradise."
(Narrated by al-Bukhari)
2) Serving the People and the Nation
A leader must recognize that their primary duty is to serve the people under their care. The Prophet SAW said:
أَلَا كُلُّكُمْ رَاعٍ وَكُلُّكُمْ مَسْئُولٌ عَنْ رَعِيَّتِهِ، فَالإِمَامُ الَّذِي عَلَى النَّاسِ رَاعٍ وَهُوَ مَسْئُولٌ عَنْ رَعِيَّتِهِ
Meaning: "Indeed, each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock. The ruler of the people is a shepherd and is responsible for his people."
(Narrated by al-Bukhari)
Imam Al-Mawardi states that a leader’s primary duties are to manage his people’s affairs according to the religion’s principles and teachings by upholding its practices, supporting congregational prayers, protecting worship spaces, maintaining peace, securing citizens’ wealth and enforcing divine laws[2]. This encompasses responsibilities in religion, economy, welfare and security.
3) Prioritizing Harmony in Administration
A leader should work harmoniously and effectively, avoiding disputes with other leaders and focusing on solving issues under their administration. A leader’s conduct sets an example for those he governs. In Sharh Bulugh al-Maram, a phrase describes this relationship:
الناس على دين ملوكهم
Meaning: “People follow the ways of their leaders.”[3]
Furthermore, the trust held by a leader reflects their faith, as emphasized in a hadith:
لا إيمان لمن لا أمانة له، ولا دين لمن لا عهد له
Meaning: “One who has no trustworthiness has lack of faith, and one who does not keep promises has lack of religion.”
(Narrated by Al-Baihaqi)
This clarifies that leadership is not something to be flaunted but rather a heavy responsibility and trust for a leader to bear.
Conclusion
A leader is responsible for guiding and managing the affairs of the people under their leadership. Muslim leaders are obligated to prioritize the religious needs of the Muslim community and then address other affairs. It is also essential that leaders, especially politicians, work toward achieving their political vision and mission. However, they must prioritize serving the people first and foremost.
Allah knows best.
Reference:
[1] Al-Baghawi, Abu Muhammad al-Husain ibn Mas'ud, Ma'alim al-Tanzil fi al-Tafsir al-Quran, (Dar Tayyibah, ed. 4, 1997) 6/ 380.
[2] Abu al-Hasan Ali al-Mawardi, Nasihat al-Muluk, ed. Sheikh Khidr Muhammad Khidr (Kuwait: Maktabah al-Falah, 1983), p.199.
[3] Salim, 'Atiyyah ibn Muhammad, Sharh Bulugh al-Maram, (n.p., 1431H), 10/136.