Prof. Amtul Razzaq Carmichael, Incharge Research Cell Lajna Imaillah UK and Consultant Oncoplastic Cancer Surgeon
This article is inspired by a faith-inspiring discourse given by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud, may Allah be pleased with him, about how to enhance the leadership skills of the youth. (Anwar-ul-Uloom, Vol. 23)
He explained the concept that if every soldier in the army aspires to become the Commander in Chief, the competence level of the whole army increases. Unless, every member of the public develops this mindset, a nation will not develop the capability needed for its defence, survival and progress.
To succeed in the endeavour of leadership, two things are required: perfect knowledge and precise actions. Attaining perfect knowledge demands that one is familiar with the national characteristics, religion and politics of the nation. Similarly, for precise actions, one needs to be rigorously disciplined to ensure that the community works as a cohesive unit. One should always have the aspiration and ambition to make progress. There is no nation in the world that can claim that they have progressed to the point at which no further progress is possible.
The Holy Quran states about the majesty of Allah the Exalted:
كُلَّ يَومٍ هُوَ في شَأنٍ
“… Every day He reveals Himself in a different state.”(Surah al-Rahman, Ch. 55: V.30)
The Arabic word Shanin means a state which is unexpected and extraordinary. So, this verse means that the attributes of God Almighty are such that they bring about a continual change in the world. These changes are beyond the ordinary and surpass any previous changes. Therefore, human beings, who are created to undertake the affairs of this material world, are also designed to strive continually. Human beings are never exempt from hard work, aspiration and endeavour. They need to hold high aspirations, strive for the resources and make practical efforts to accomplish their goal.
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra explained that God ultimately decides the outcome of human efforts; and this is based on the degree and quality of human effort. Our God is a democratic God, His every act is full of wisdom. God does not reward people based on some random whim. Indeed, God determines the final outcome of our hard work, but to give us the control over His decision, God has devised some rules. God Almighty says that if you strive hard with consistency, We will reward you. If you work with due diligence, then there is no reason why you would not be rewarded. Humans do not have the power to determine the outcome of their efforts, but it is within their grasp to facilitate God’s hand to attain the desired outcome.
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra explained the importance of developing the habit of deliberating and reflecting from a very young age. He stressed the value of remaining mentally vigilant to avoid danger and carving the path of success. Each one of us can prepare ourselves for leadership responsibilities by deliberating and reflecting. When leadership becomes an intrinsic quality of a nation, natural leaders emerge instinctively at the time of need, who save the nation from bewilderment and distress. Any nations can face crises, and if nations are used to thoughtful deliberating, they can find a way to survive these.