Leadership is a heavy load of responsibility that entails both, trust and tactics- and studying history shows how Muhammad (PBUH) was not only just a spiritual leader for the Muslim Community and his followers, but also a brilliant political strategist who safeguarded the well-fare of the Ummah (the Muslim Community). His leadership combined wisdom, ethics, and practical solutions to unite communities and build a fair society.
Facing Early Challenges
From the start of his mission, Muhammad (PHUH) was faced with rejection of a great section of the society, that involved, hard treatment, hostility, as well as resistance, especially from powerful Meccan leaders. Yet he managed to overcame such setbacks through patience, negotiation, and wise planning, proving that true leadership lies, not is exaggerated use of power, but rather in strategy and integrity.
Explaining his viewpoint of leadership, the Prophet (PBUH) was narrated to have said in one revered Hadith:
Narrated ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Samurah:
O ‘Abdur-Rahman! Do not ask for a position of leadership, for if you receive it due to asking, you will be left alone with it, and if you receive it without asking, then you will be aided in it. And if you take an oath and you see that something else is better than it, then do what is better, and make an atonement for your oath.”1
Building Alliances
Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) had such supreme ability to build alliances which was a cornerstone of his success in laying the foundation of the early Muslim community. He recognised the importance of wise diplomacy and building strategic alliance instead of resorting to military conquests.
He (PBUH) skilfully formed alliances with diverse tribes through dialogue and enforcing treaties that emphasised fairness, equality, and cooperation. His exemplary diplomacy turned rivals into sincere allies and created a unified community.
History speaks wonders about the very famous Charter of Medina, a formal agreement he fostered with different tribes and religious groups, including Jewish communities, in Medina. This covenant established a framework for mutual defence, religious freedom, and peaceful coexistence, which helped creating a multi-ethnic and multi-religious city-state under the wise leadership of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Furthermore, his tactful and diplomatic approach extended to include fostering alliances with powerful Bedouin tribes, by forming treaties and strategic marriages between them and the Muslim community, which secured trade routes and provided military support when needed.
Such alliances weren’t just transactional; but rather were built on trust and a reputation for justice and respect, which emphasised his political genius and foresight in creating a unified front in a greatly volatile region.
Governance and Justice
Serving his community as a leader in Medina, Prophet Muhammad (PHUH) implemented laws that ensured the wellbeing of all citizens, including minorities and women, and ensured leaders were accountable. His governance highlighted justice, fairness, and public welfare.
For him, just leader, should rule without consideration of a person’s gender, creed, or social background.
In one instance, Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “People are like ores. Those who were excellent in the Days of Ignorance are excellent in Islam provided they acquire the knowledge and understanding of the religion. You will find the best people in it (Islam) those who had a deep hatred (for leadership). You will find the worst among the people a double-faced person who appears to some people with one face and to others with another face.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].2
Conflict Resolution and Trust
Faced with much hostility and resistance, the Prophet resorted to dialogue, supplication, mediation, and compromise, which enabled him to conflicts without the need for oppression, and his set him as just leader and a role model for ethical leadership.
In many instances in history, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stands as a master of conflict resolution, constantly acting as a mediator and arbitrator who is always enacting his wise tactics to do his best to de-escalate disputes and sometimes stopping them from erupting.
And even before receiving the revelation and becoming a Prophet , he was referred to as as Al-Ameen (The Trustworthy) and was always invited to intervene in settling disputes. A notable example from his noble life, was the time when the Kaaba was being rebuilt and different tribes were about to get into war over who would place the sacred Black Stone back in its place. The Prophet offered a super wise solution which entailed that having each tribe assigning its leader to hold a corner of a cloth carrying the stone, allowing them to all engage, collectively in lifting it and share the honor. Such approach was emphasised the Prophet’s wisdom, justice, and tolerance, always resorting to peaceful solutions and prioritising unity over discord.
His school of guidance and leadership emphasised reconciliation and forgiveness, laying the milestone for a coherent community and harmonious society where even former enemies could coexist with peer members of the community. His life abounds with numerous examples, ranging from family conflicts to warring tribes, and all emphasising how the Prophet (PBUH) used dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace.
Maha Youssuf
The Muslim Tribune Chief Editor
