Sunday, Ramadan 19, 1447 AH (March 08, 2026)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all creation. May Allah extol the Messenger in the highest company of Angels and grant him peace―likewise, his family, his Companions and all those who truly follow him until the Day of Resurrection. To proceed:
Dear brothers and sisters! Know that, respecting and praying for our leaders is a divine mandate in Islam, rooted in the Qur’anic command to “Obey Allah, obey the Messenger, and those in authority among you” (Qur’an, 4:59). This obligation promotes social stability, justice, and collective well-being.
Sincerely speaking, respecting the leaders is not a choice but a mandate from Allah and His Messenger Muhammad (Peace be upon him).
Truly, leadership is a trust (amanah), not a privilege. And leaders are shepherds accountable to Allah for their flock.
Muslim believers must hear and obey their leaders in times of ease and hardship, provided the commands do not contradict Islamic law (See Sahih Muslim).
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) described the best leaders as those who are loved by their people and who pray for their people, and vice versa.
The Islamic scholars unanimously emphasise that instead of cursing or insulting the leaders, Muslim believers should supplicate for their guidance and righteousness. Because praying for a leader’s righteousness directly benefits the Ummah’s well-being.
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) forbade cursing leaders and encouraged invoking Allah to make them righteous.
Supplicating for another’s guidance, especially a leader, brings rewards to the person praying.
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) demonstrated respect by treating all with dignity, regardless of rank, including responding with kindness to those who were mentally ill or elderly.
During a famine, Umar Ibn al-Khattab (RA) refused to eat better food than his people, illustrating that true leaders put their people’s needs first.
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) taught us that a leader must be followed even if they do not meet one’s aesthetic or social preferences, such as a Habasha/Ethiopian slave, emphasising that authority is granted by Allah.
Also the story of Zul-Qarnain in the Qur’an teaches that the most impactful leaders are those who serve, build, and protect their people while remaining humble before Allah Almighty.
The pious predecessor, Imam Al-Hassan Al-Basri once saw a man cursing the tyrant leader Al-Hajjaj Ibn Yusuf. He stopped him, saying:
“Do not do that! Verily, he was brought out from among you to be your leader. We fear that if he is replaced, someone worse might come because of your own behaviour.”
This reminds us that a nation’s leaders often reflect the state of its people. By improving our own character and sincerely praying for our leader’s guidance, we invite Allah’s mercy upon our entire society.
Respected brothers and sisters! Know that, the leadership is viewed as an amanah and a heavy responsibility before Allah. Muslim believers are encouraged to maintain a good relationship of respect and sincere concern for their leaders to ensure the stability and well-being of the Ummah.
Supplicating for leaders is a Sunnah and an act of righteousness. Islamic scholars like Al-Fudail Bin Iyad stated that if they had one prayer guaranteed to be answered, they would offer it for the leader, because a righteous leader brings well-being to the entire land and its people.
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“The best of your leaders are those whom you love and they love you, you pray for them and they pray for you.”
So instead of cursing or insulting the leaders, Muslim believers are encouraged to pray for their guidance and wisdom, as their righteousness directly impacts the Ummah’s welfare.
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) famously said:
“The religion is Nasihah (sincere advice/sincerity).”
This includes sincerity toward the leaders.
Nasiha to a leader must be done privately, not publicly, to avoid causing humiliation or inciting civil unrest. Advice should be delivered with the proper key—kindness and soft speech—to unlock the heart of the recipient.
The advisor must seek only the pleasure of Allah and the genuine benefit of the leader, rather than seeking to show off or express personal hatred.
Islam emphasises maintaining order through respectful conduct towards those in authority. Allah Almighty says:
“O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.” [Qur’an, 4:59]
And obedience is required in all matters that are good and upright (Ma’ruf). However, there is no obedience to any creature in disobedience to the Creator (Ma’asiyah).
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) taught us that part of glorifying Allah is to honour the just leader.
Every individual holds a leadership role in some capacity. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock.”
This teaching humbles the leader by reminding them they are servants accountable to Allah, and it inspires followers to support their leaders in fulfilling this heavy trust (amanah).
Dear brothers and sisters! In Islamic history, the relationship between leaders and their peoples was built on absolute truth, humility, and the fear of Allah. The companions (Sahabah) did not merely follow; they were active guardians of justice who felt a religious obligation to provide sincere advice to their leaders.
Upon being elected the first Caliph, Abubakar as-Siddiq delivered a powerful address that set the standard for leadership of today. He famously told the people:
“I have been given authority over you, and I am not the best of you. If I do well, help me; and if I do wrong, set me right.”
This means leadership is a trust (amanah), and a leader’s strength lies in their willingness to be corrected by those they lead.
Huzaifah (RA) was known as the “Keeper of the Prophet’s Secrets” and served as a governor under Umar Ibn al-Khattab.
When appointed as governor of Mada’in, he arrived on a simple mule, shocking the people with his humility. He warned his fellow Sahabah and citizens to “Beware of sedition,” which he defined as entering the presence of a leader and falsely agreeing with everything they say.
True loyalty is not blind praise; it is the courage to speak the truth even when it is uncomfortable for the leader.
Umar Ibn al-Khattab, the second Caliph, was known for his rigorous self-accountability, but he still sought constant verification from his advisors. Umar once questioned Huzaifah Ibn al-Yaman and Uthman Ibn Hunaif regarding the taxation they had imposed on the land of Iraq. He feared they might have burdened the land beyond what it could bear.
The Sahabah assured him they had only imposed what was fair based on the yield.
Even a leader as strong as Umar feared the supplication of the oppressed and relied on his advisors to ensure no citizen was treated unjustly.
During the Battle of the Trench (al-Khandaq), the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) demonstrated the ultimate example of a leader accepting advice. Salman al-Farisi, an expert in Persian defensive tactics, suggested digging a massive trench around Madinah—a strategy unknown to the Arabs at the time.
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) accepted this advice, which became the decisive factor in the city’s defense. Wisdom is not the monopoly of the leader; a great leader listens to experts in everything regardless of their background or status.
Therefore an advice was given out of love for the Ummah and the leader’s own spiritual safety. Decision-making was a collective process to ensure ethical and balanced outcomes. The Sahabah prioritised truth over the desires of the wealthy or powerful.
My beloved people! Leadership is not a position of power, but a heavy trust (amanah) and a service to the people. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The leader of a people is their servant.”
Also the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“O Allah, whoever gains charge of any responsibility over my people and makes it difficult for them, then make things difficult for him. And whoever gains charge of any responsibility over my people and is gentle with them, then be gentle with him.” [Sahih Muslim]
Therefore true leadership is defined by kindness, not harshness. This is a severe warning against abusing authority and a beautiful promise for those who serve with compassion. Meaning a leader’s success is measured by how they ease the burdens of their people.
And Prophet Yusuf (AS) said:
“My Lord! You have granted me power, and taught me the interpretation of events… You are my Guardian in this world and the Hereafter. Allow me to die as a Muslim and join me with the righteous.” [Qur’an, 12:101]
This is the Du’a of Prophet Yusuf (AS) when he reached the pinnacle of political power. Recognising that power comes from Allah, asking for wisdom to interpret complex challenges, and prioritising a righteous ending over worldly status.
Our beloved leader and Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) use to pray as follows:
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the severe trials, from being overtaken by wretchedness, from a bad destiny, and from the rejoicing of enemies.” [Sahih Bukhari]
Leadership involves making tough decisions that can lead to exhaustion or trials. This prayer protects a leader’s mental and moral state, helping them maintain integrity under pressure and avoid humiliating, crushing situations that lead to poor judgment.
And he (Peace be upon him) said:
“O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is of benefit, a good provision, and deeds that will be accepted.” [Sunan Ibn Majah]
Leaders need to make decisions that are not just politically expedient but morally sound. This Du’a asks for wisdom that helps people, honest resources, and that their service is accepted by Allah.
Respected servants of Allah! Remember that every leader is a shepherd, and every shepherd is accountable for their flock. You are not only a leader in your office or nation; you are a leader of your own ego. True success is not in the praise of people, but in the pleasure of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) feared for his Ummah, and you must fear the weight of this responsibility. Repel the ego with humbleness and injustice with fairness.
A story is told of a leader who was warned that his oppression only hurts himself. When a leader acts with justice, he benefits himself and his people; when he oppresses, he ruins his own soul.
Among the prayers of Umar Ibn al-Khattab is:
“O Allah, enable us to see the truth as truth and grant us the ability to follow it, and show us the falsehood as falsehood and grant us the ability to avoid it.”
No doubt, leaders often face gray areas. This Du’a is the ultimate plea for clarity and conviction, essential for steering a community through confusion.
As a leader, always consult, even if you are the highest authority. Be fair regardless of race or status. Fear the day you will be questioned. And never rely on your own strength; always ask for Allah’s help through Du’as and prayers!
Ya Allah, grant our leaders the wisdom to lead with justice, the fear of You in their decisions, and the strength to serve the Ummah honestly.
Ya Allah, Protect our nation, guide those in authority to the straight path, and distance them from those who would mislead them.
Ya Allah accept our fasting and all our good deeds in this noble month of Ramadan, ameen.
All praise be to Allah, the Sovereign Judge, the Most Merciful and Compassionate to His weak servants, and the Almighty Avenger against the oppressors. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah alone with no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and most faithful Prophet. O Allah, send Your blessings and peace upon him and his family and companions.
Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com or +2348038289761 or +2348024192217.