The Basis of Leadership in Islam

Abstract

This article discusses the basis of leadership in Islam as applied by the Prophet (pbuh) in managing affairs according to Islamic teachings. The purpose of this article is to analyse current Islamic leadership. The effectiveness of ledaership during the Meccan period is considered the early stage in the formation of Islamic leadership. The Muslim ummah needs to make the Prophet (pbuh) as a role model for the responsibility of implementing more efficient management of Islamic affairs based on al-Quran and al-Sunnah. In order to fulfill the criteria of the best leadership, a leader has to satisfy the prerequisites of having a sound physique and being spiritually steadfast with a strong belief and faith in Allah swt as well as practising all the teachings of the Prophet (pbuh) in leading the ummah, while being virtuous in conduct, knowledgeable, sharp-witted and morally firm, for the sake of building a dynamic Islamic society.