Naseeha (advice)
Leadership
Scholars and seeking knowledge
The best and the worst leaders In a beautiful hadith, narrated by ‘Auf b. Malik, who embraced Islam after the Treaty of Hudabiya, the Prophet (peace be on him) taught us who are the best leaders and the worst leaders. He said that the best leaders are the ones you love and who love you….
The limits of leadership There are plenty of verses in the Quran about leadership and the importance of the leader in the community. At the same time, we also have plenty of narrations in the sunnah which define the responsibilities and boundaries of leaders. Leadership is not a blank cheque to do what you want…
Before the appearance of Dajjal we were told that we would endure years of betrayal: There will come to the people, years of treachery, when the liar will be regarded as honest, and the honest man will be regarded as a liar. The traitor will be regarded as faithful, and the faithful man will be…
Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be on him) said: The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people. (Tabarani) Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ‘Indeed Allah will question every leader about…
Don’t side with liars In an authentic hadith, Khabbab bin Al-Aratt reported: I was sitting next to the door of the Prophet (peace be on him) and when he came out he said ‘Listen to me’ and we replied, ‘We are listening, ya Rasul Allah’ and he said ‘There will be, after me, leaders who…
The Limitations of Scholars When Rebellion is Permitted The Arab spring raised many questions about the legitimacy of tackling unjust dictatorships and oppressive regimes. Is it permissible for the public to rebel when their rulers are failing them? There have been scholars throughout history who have legitimised and rubber stamped the wrong doings of rulers,…
To Obey or Not to Obey? Oh you who believe, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those of you who in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for…
Lessons from Ibrahim (peace be on him) And [remember] when We made the House a place of return for the people and [a place of] security. And take, [O believers], from the standing place of Abraham a place of prayer. And We charged Abraham and Ishmael, [saying], ‘Purify My House for those who perform Tawaf…
Spreading LOVE when there is HATE. What can we do when we feel helpless watching disasters unfold all over the world? What should our response be? Can we afford to sit back and watch or is there anything we can do? ‘O you who believe, be patient and compete in patience, and protect your frontiers,…
Leadership and Justice When his Lord tested Ibrahim’s faith, (by His words) and he satisfied the test, He said, “I am appointing you as the leader of mankind.” Abraham asked, “Will this leadership also continue through my descendants?” The Lord replied, “The unjust do not have the right to exercise My authority.” (2:124)…