Leadership means guiding others toward Allah
“It's about taking a group of individuals and yourselves to a higher level in which you are seeking the pleasure of Allah.”
Leadership is not a title or position but a situational responsibility to guide people toward Allah’s pleasure, empower others, and prepare the next generation.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Defines leadership as the ability to move people toward a better place rather than a title.
- Uses khalifa to emphasize stewardship, succession, and preparing youth for responsibility.
- Uses imam to connect leadership with night worship, spiritual quality, and private devotion.
- Uses sultan and wali to distinguish authority and guardianship from leadership by example.
- Uses Uhud and Hudaybiyah to show consultation, decisive judgment, empowerment, and learning from mistakes.
- Concludes that spiritual intelligence means guiding oneself and others toward Allah’s pleasure.
In the khateeb's words
“Leadership is not a title. Just because I stand on this podium today doesn't qualify me to be a leader. Just because I'm somebody's boss does not mean I'm a leader.”
“So if you want to talk about the highest form of leadership in Islam, it's about taking a group of individuals and yourselves to a higher level in which you are seeking the pleasure of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.”
For the dinner table
The khutbah teaches that leadership is not a title; it is the ability to help people move toward a better purpose. Every person has responsibility for others, especially parents, family members, and community members who can prepare the next generation. Real leadership begins with a private relationship with Allah, grows through prayer and good example, and includes listening to wise counsel. The Prophet’s examples from Uhud and Hudaybiyah show that a leader sometimes consults others and sometimes makes a difficult decision for the long-term good. At home, we can practice this by worshipping consistently, serving our families, encouraging young people, and helping them become ready to carry the mantle.
- Where can our family lead by example this week?
- Who has helped you become better, and how could you help someone else?
- What does seeking Allah’s pleasure look like in one choice you make tomorrow?
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