Have you ever heard that you win by helping your leader win? That is how you become a future leader. So, it is really not about individual stars glowing by themselves, but the formation of a constellation that shines brightly and purposefully.
In Islamic history, we see numerous examples of how the support, resourcefulness, and commitment of the companions of the Prophet (sa) helped him achieve the targets Allah (swt) had set for him. The Prophet (sa) knew that each companion had a unique set of skills and attributes that could benefit the entire Ummah then and through the ages, so he sought to capitalize on them by inspiring, motivating, and strategically placing his followers. Let us look at some such examples.
Abu Bakr (rtam) Vouched for the Truth of his Leader
Abu Bakr (rtam) always supported the Prophet (sa) – even in his absence. No greater evidence can be presented for this than after the incident of the Night Journey. Isra and Miraj was the miraculous journey that the Prophet (sa) undertook alone in the month of Rajab, before his migration to Madinah. On that blessed night, Muhammad (sa) was taken physically from the Grand Mosque in Makkah to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem (Al-Quds) – a seemingly impossible journey.
This journey was Allah’s (swt) loving response to the Prophet’s (sa) grief due to the deaths of his beloved wife Khadija (rtaf) and uncle Abu Talib. This left him bereft of her supporting companionship and his uncle’s protection against the hostile Quraish in Makkah.
On that blessed night, Muhammad (sa) was taken physically from the Grand Mosque in Makkah to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem (Al-Quds), a month’s journey of 1230 km (for a caravan) and brought back. It was indeed a miracle. When the Quraish approached Abu Bakr (rtam) demanding his views about this claim of Muhammad (sa), Abu Bakr (rtam) simply responded: “If he has said so, it is the truth.” His response reflected his utmost conviction in the veracity of his leader.
Umar (rtam) Diligently Advised his Leader
When Abu Bakr (rtam) was appointed as the Caliph after the Prophet’s (sa) death, Umar (rtam), Usman (rtam) and Ali (rtam) became his advisors. Naturally, their level of faith and training under the direct leadership of the Prophet (sa) rendered them as the best and most effective followers for the Ummah’s benefit.
Interestingly, Umar (rtam) as a companion was a very strict advisor under the leadership of Abu Bakr (rtam), who was mild by nature. Thus, his harshness balanced Abu Bakr’s (rtam) soft-heartedness.
He knew that his advice to the Caliph would set the course for the future of the Ummah. However, when he himself became the Caliph, Umar (rtam) followed in Abu Bakr’s (rtam) footsteps and became more forbearing in his dealings.
Muadh bin Jabal (rtam) Listened Attentively to his Leader’s Advice
Abu Burda (rtam) reported that the Messenger of Allah (sa) sent Muadh (rtam) to Yemen, in order to call the people to Islam and teach them the practices of religion. His advice was profound and helped Muadh (rtam) become an effective leader later on: “Make things easy and do not make things difficult. Give glad tidings and do not repel people. Cooperate with each other and do not become divided.” (Bukhari)
Jafar’s (rtam) Followers had Implicit Faith in His Wisdom
When Jafar (rtam) was appointed to represent the Muslim refugees in the court of King Negus, nobody interrupted him. His companions displayed trust, discipline, and unity in their leader, even though it was a matter of their life and death.
Talut’s Few Followers Trusted Him
Talut, who hailed from a small town, was appointed as a leader over Bani Israel. He was chosen by Allah (swt), as he was physically competent and knowledgeable. Allah (swt) sent Bani Israel a miracle of Ark of the Covenant. It was a gold-plated chest, which contained tablets of Musa (as). This ark landed in front of Talut’s house, signifying that he was the chosen leader.
But Bani Israel rejected him on the basis of his weak financial status. The nobles among the Bani Israel wanted to be leaders themselves. He became a trial for his subjects. Only a few followers stood steadfast behind him, and he managed to overcome the enemy with this committed band of followers.
Dawud (as) Stood Out as a Star Performer in the Team
In Talut’s army, a young boy Dawud (as) offered to fight. Their opponent was Jalut (Goliath), a powerful enemy of gigantic proportions. When faced with Jalut, Bani Israel gave up before the battle. Some soldiers tried to motivate them out of despair and fight on, but most of the insincere followers were exposed.
By Allah’s (swt) command, Dawud (as) finally killed Jalut with his sling shot. Allah (swt) made him a prophet and a king. He was granted the ability to mould iron and make armours out of it. Hence, he was rewarded for being a brave and sincere follower.
What then set apart these followers from the blind following of the herd mentality? A leader is supposed to inspire his/her followers with the same vision. Once followers have the correct moral compass and clear, noble goals, the leader identifies the strength and talents of each team member, makes allowances for their weaknesses and then strategically hands them roles and responsibilities that help achieve the team’s success. Also, an effective leader will groom at least some of his followers for future succession as leaders.
There are, however, some reasons why people do not become such inspirational followers and do not develop leadership traits themselves:
- People desire positions of leadership for themselves and refuse to work under someone. Hence, followers pose deliberate problems for their leaders and either fail them or work against them.
- Allah (swt) shifts power from person to person. Good leaders are a blessing for the followers, and they must be followed with sincerity and commitment. Ineffective or corrupt leaders are a trial – they should be advised to reform themselves; if that is not done, then the follower should seek a way out for himself with efforts and prayer. Allah (swt) grants ease and a way out for those believers, who seek help from Him with patience and perseverance.
However, remember that a negligent follower will most likely become an egotistical and corrupt leader in the future. So if you want to be a competent leader tomorrow, be a committed follower today.
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