Leaders have an important role in the progress and comparison of society, nation and state. Islam teaches the importance of leaders who are approved by Allah SWT to bring benefit to humans in this world and the hereafter. The Qur'an as a guide to life provides guidance and ethical values in leadership. Personal leaders become the focus in people's lives, and many theories develop regarding desirable leaders. This underlines the urgency of leaders who are in accordance with Islamic values to achieve the benefit of humanity.
The concept of leadership from an Islamic perspective
A leader in Islam, called a caliph or imam, is a person who has power and guides the people with religious principles. They must be oriented towards the interests of society and follow God's laws, serving well as true leaders. There are several terms related to leaders in Islam, namely, Caliph (successor of the Prophet), Imam (leader of prayers), as-Sulthan (king's authority), al-Malik (owner of power), and Wali (protector of the faithful).
Islam teaches that leadership means being responsible for those led, with the main aim being to obey Allah and His Messenger. Ibn Taymiyah emphasized that the leader's task is to draw closer to Allah through obedience and His commands. The obligations of leaders are based on the verses of Surah an-Nisa': 59 and 83, which emphasize obedience
Position, Function and Goals of leadership in Islam
Leadership in Islam is required according to thinkers such as Ibn Khaldun and al-Mawardi, with the source of argumentation from the Shari'a or reason. Leaders must be exemplary, fair, have ability, authority, charisma, social spirit, and build religious awareness. The principles of leadership include trust, fairness, deliberation, and upholding goodness and preventing evil.
Characteristics, requirements, criteria for becoming a leader and leadership construction
The characteristics of a leader in Islam include humility, courage, wisdom, and adherence to Islamic principles. Classical Islamic scholars and figures such as al-Mawardi and Ibn Hisham provided strict criteria for becoming a leader who is just, knowledgeable, physically and mentally healthy. Imam Al-Ghazali added criteria such as being mature, having knowledge and guidance. The construction of leadership in Islam underlines the importance of balance between political power and sharia, as well as the importance of leaders who are able to carry out justice, follow Islamic principles, and be responsible to their people. Hamka and Ibnu Taymiyah also provide views about ulil amri who are competent in religious knowledge and carry out their mandate well.
Rights, obligations and basics of Islamic leadership
Every Muslim has the right to be a leader according to Islamic requirements, which also determine his position to serve and lead well. The leader's responsibility is to carry out obedience to Allah and His Messenger, with courage, humility, and being an example. The basics of Islamic leadership also emphasize the importance of leaders who are fair, expert, and love their people and uphold justice and the Shari'a. So, being a leader in Islam is not only a right, but also an obligation that must be carried out with full responsibility.
Ulama al-Mawardi and Ibnu Hisham emphasized that leaders must be fair, knowledgeable, and physically and mentally healthy. Islam also emphasizes the importance of leadership that serves the interests of the people, applies justice, and carries out the Shari'a with example and full responsibility.
*) This article is a review of lecture material Part 3 Leadership in Islamic Education. Semester II Islamic Education Management Postgraduate Program UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung.
