By Imam Murtadha Gusau
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
All praise is due to Allah, who is unique in His Majesty, having no partner or helper. He sent down His Book with the truth and preserved it from the hands of those who would tamper with it. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, without any partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.
May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, his pure family, and his noble, illustrious companions—those whom Allah chose and through whom He granted victory to Islam and the Muslims. He made love for them a core part of the religion and hatred for them a sign of the hypocrites. To proceed:
Dear brothers and sisters! Know that, a nation’s true progress is deeply intertwined with the moral compass of its people. According to Islamic teachings, neither the leader nor the citizen alone can construct a prosperous society. True success requires a sacred, reciprocal relationship of justice, loyalty, and mutual responsibility between the two.
In Islam, leadership is not viewed as a prize to be sought, but as a heavy trust (amanah). The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“Every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock. The leader of people is a guardian and is responsible for his subjects.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari]
And the noble Qur’an commands those in power:
“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice.” [Qur’an, 4:58]
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) prayed that:
“…Whoever is given charge over my nation and he is harsh with them, be harsh with him. Whoever is given charge over my nation and he is gentle with them, be gentle with him.” [Sahih Muslim]
Respected brothers and sisters! True leaders consult their people and lead by example rather than by privilege.
Also a nation cannot achieve progress if its citizens are corrupt or negligent, as Allah the Almighty states:
“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” [Qur’an, 13:11]
Muslim believers are encouraged to obey their leaders in matters of goodness to maintain social order and prevent chaos in society (See Qur’an, 4:59).
The citizens of any nation have the right and duty to advise their leaders with respect, honesty, and wisdom, for the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) defined religion as sincerity (Nasihah).
A prosperous society requires honest business dealings, mutual respect, and active efforts toward community-building.
During the reign of Umar Ibn al-Khattab (RA), he walked the streets of Madinah at night disguised to check on the welfare of his people. He overheard a mother telling her daughter to mix water with the milk they were selling to increase their profit. The daughter refused, stating that the Caliph (Umar) had forbidden it. The mother argued that the Caliph could not see them in the dark of the night. The righteous daughter replied, “If Umar cannot see us, the Lord of Umar (Allah) sees us!” Hearing this piety, Caliph Umar (RA) did not punish them; instead, he rewarded the honest girl for her Allah-consciousness.
My beloved people! This story perfectly illustrates a progressive nation: a responsible leader ensuring justice, and a citizen embodying personal integrity. When both fulfill their duties for the sake of Allah, the entire nation flourishes, develop and progress.
No doubt, a nation’s true progress relies on the vital synergy of righteous leadership and responsible citizenship. True prosperity requires both divine justice from those in power and sincere dedication from the people.
In Islam, authority is a heavy burden, not a privilege. A nation cannot thrive if its leaders are corrupt, tyrannical, or self-serving. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) warned that any leader who betrays or neglects his people will find the gates of Paradise (Jannah) forbidden to him. Conversely, “the most beloved of people to Allah on the Day of Resurrection and the nearest to Him will be the just leader.”
Wallahi, a nation’s success is a two-way street. We must understand that, citizens cannot demand righteous leaders while neglecting their own civic and moral duties. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) taught that the best of leaders are those who love their people and whom the people love in return.
When elected as the first Caliph, Abubakar (RA) brilliantly outlined the citizen-leader dynamic in his inaugural speech and address. He said:
“If I do well, support me. If I go wrong, set me straight. Obey me as long as I obey Allah and His Messenger. If I disobey Him, you owe me no obedience.”
This places the responsibility of constructive feedback and adherence to morality squarely on the shoulders of the citizens.
Dear servants of Allah! Know that, true and strong leaders are the servants of the people. If a leader blocks the poor or closes their door to the needy, Allah will close the gates of heaven to them.
And a nation flourishes when citizens enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong (See Qur’an, 3:104).
True progress in any nation is built on justice, accountability, and righteousness. A nation cannot achieve true prosperity unless it is guided by good leaders, as authority is viewed as a heavy trust that requires moral excellence and deep empathy for the people.
There is a profound spiritual law regarding governance and national progress. Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever supports a transgressor, Allah puts him in power over him,” and he added: “When Allah is pleased with a nation, He entrusts their leadership to their best. When Allah is displeased with a nation, He entrusts their leadership to their worst.”
Furthermore, the great Islamic scholar Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim observed that a leader’s actions act as a mirror for the collective deeds of the citizenry. If the people are upright and honest, their leaders will be too. True societal progress, therefore, begins with the moral and spiritual reformation of the people themselves.
A leader’s value lies not in absolute power, but in how they use it to serve the populace. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“A leader who, having control over the affairs of the Muslims, does not strive diligently for their betterment and does not serve them sincerely, will not enter Paradise with them.”
Therefore true leaders act with compassion. The Qur’an highlights this by saying:
“And by the mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you…” [Qur’an, 3:159]
Leaders who understand their people, listen to their grievances, and make decisions through mutual consultation foster unity and sustainable growth.
Leadership is an amanah (a trust). Unlike secular desires for fame or authority, a righteous person approaches leadership with caution and a deep sense of duty. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) once warned his devoted companion Abu Zarr (RA) that on the Day of Judgment, leadership will be a cause of disgrace and remorse, except for the one who fulfills its obligations justly.
Caliph Umar Ibn Abdul-Aziz (RA) famously captured this immense burden when he said:
“By Allah, if a mule were to fall in Iraq, I would fear that Allah would ask me why I did not level the road for it.”
This demonstrates that true progress is achieved when leaders feel fully accountable for every individual and every situation under their care. And national development goes beyond physical infrastructure; it requires a strong moral foundation and true faith. The strength of a nation relies heavily on the spiritual and ethical integrity of its leaders and its people. When a nation is governed by principles of honesty, trustworthiness, and devotion to the Creator (Allah), it unlocks divine blessings, peace, unity and lasting prosperity. True progress, societal reform, and enduring prosperity depend on righteous leadership.
The Qur’an and Sunnah repeatedly emphasise that a nation cannot achieve true success unless it has just, compassionate, and Allah-fearing leaders at its helm. Leadership is defined by accountability, both in this world and the Hereafter.
Whether governing a nation or a state, leading a business, or managing a household, a leader is responsible for the welfare of those in their care. True strength does not lie in tyranny, but in justice, self-restraint, and serving the needs of the people.
Islamic teachings remind us that leadership is often a reflection of the people themselves. When a society strays from moral values and justice, its leadership mirrors those internal flaws. Conversely, when a society commits to righteousness and mutual support, Allah blesses them with tolerant and just leadership. Therefore to change our leaders, we must first change what is within ourselves.
Oppression and injustice are the quickest destroyers of civilisation. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) warned:
“Beware of injustice, for injustice shall be darkness on the Day of Judgment.” [Sahih Muslim]
Great Islamic scholars like Imam Ibn Taimiyyah (RA) noted that Allah will uphold a just state even if led by non-believers, but an oppressive state will collapse, even if led by Muslims.
On the Day of Judgment, when all earthly power fades, the just leader receives a magnificent reward. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) stated that a just leader is one of the seven categories of people who will be sheltered under the shade of Allah’s throne. Furthermore, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) taught that:
“A day of just leadership is better than sixty years of worship.”
Dear brothers and sisters! I repeat, a nation cannot achieve true progress without good leaders, as leadership is an amanah (a trust) that sets the moral and societal tone for the masses. When those at the helm prioritise justice and accountability, the entire society thrives, proving that a country’s ultimate success rises and falls on the character of its guides. Leadership is never viewed as a privilege or a path to personal comfort, but rather as a heavy responsibility of service. True leadership is about serving the team, not lording over them. A nation or an organisation can only progress when its leaders adopt a servant-leadership mindset, where empathy, ethics, and long-term vision replace ego and authority.
When Umar Ibn Abdul-Aziz (RA) was chosen to lead the Islamic Caliphate, one of his first acts was a profound lesson in accountability. He recognised that his family had accumulated wealth through questionable means during past administrations. Showing true moral courage, he instructed his wife to return all the jewelry and royal assets to the public treasury.
Good leaders protect the organisation’s assets and the nation’s resources over their own comforts. True wealth lies in the trust of the people you lead.
In Islam, justice is a non-negotiable pillar of society. The Qur’an states:
“And We made them leaders, guiding by Our command. And We inspired them to do good deeds…”
Also a nation cannot achieve true economic or social progress if its leaders are biased, nepotistic, or swayed by personal anger. Fair, just, and data-driven decisions build an environment of trust. When a leader is upright, the entire system follows suit. Imam al-Ghazali, the renowned Islamic scholar, once advised leaders:
“If a king is upright, his officials will be upright, but if he is dishonest, negligent, and comfort-seeking, officers implementing his policies will soon become slothful and corrupt.”
And culture flows from the top down. Whether you are leading a nation, a small department, or a global enterprise, your integrity is the blueprint your followers will copy. You are a leader in your own capacity.
Again, a nation cannot achieve true progress unless it has good citizens. True societal advancement is built on the foundation of individual morality, responsibility, and strong character. No amount of political strategy or infrastructure can compensate for a lack of integrity among the people.
In the noble Qur’an, Allah the Almighty provides the ultimate formula for a prosperous, thriving society. In Surah Saba (Qur’an, 34:15), the concept of Baldah Tayyibah (a good, prosperous land) is tied directly to the gratitude and righteousness of its people. Society is fundamentally a reflection of its citizens. When the community is duty-conscious—where everyone takes care of their responsibilities to one another—the rights of all are naturally protected.
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) taught that:
“The best of people are those who bring most benefit to the rest of mankind.”
Being a great Muslim believer and a great citizen are intertwined. True faith (Iman) drives us to be honest, trustworthy, and law-abiding. A nation thrives when its people:
- Fulfill their promises: Trustworthiness is the glue that holds a community together.
- We are responsible for the moral climate of our society, calling each other to righteousness and standing up against harm.
- Are merciful to the weak:
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“A nation will not be sanctified if the weak cannot take their rights without surmounting obstacles.”
True reform does not begin with pointing fingers at leadership; it starts with self-reform. Reflect on the story of the orchard: if a community spends all its time gathered in the streets shouting and arguing about the importance of trees instead of actively watering and nurturing the soil, they will never possess a single tree.
Our nation (Nigeria) is our shared orchard. We must cultivate it through individual excellence, hard work, honesty, and civic participation. A single dishonest transaction, a single act of corruption, or a single moment of civic apathy weakens the entire fabric of the nation. Conversely, every honest day’s work, every act of kindness, and every civic duty fulfilled uplifts the entire community.
We have been called the best nation brought forth for mankind, but only because we enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and believe in Allah. Let us pledge to be the good citizens our society needs us to be.
Civic responsibility is an act of Ibadah (worship). The Qur’an emphasises that a society’s condition reflects the character of its people, teaching that true societal prosperity requires individuals who are accountable, just, and morally grounded in their daily duties.
A nation’s success is built upon the collective morality of its people. The foundation of a strong society is rooted in the individual’s dedication to justice, ethical dealings, and mutual assistance.
True patriotism and citizenship are demonstrated not just in words, but in actionable contributions to the well-being of the community.
Every individual is viewed as a trustee (khalifah) on earth. Progress begins when citizens recognise this responsibility and strive to make their immediate environments better, cleaner, and more supportive of the vulnerable.
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) also stated:
“None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.”
When this level of empathy and goodwill becomes the standard, societal progress naturally follows.
Societies often measure progress by economic wealth or infrastructure, but Islamic teachings remind us that moral and ethical infrastructure is the bedrock of a thriving civilisation.
The Quran states:
“You are the best nation produced as an example for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong…” [Qur’an, 3:110]
This means that every good citizen acts as a custodian of societal morals, actively pushing back against corruption and injustice while championing honesty and civic duty.
Allah commands:
“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due…” [Qur’an, 4:59]
Whether you are an employer, an employee, a leader, or a neighbour, fulfilling your commitments with excellence and integrity is the ultimate mark of a good citizen.
When you build a society of individuals who practice honesty in business, charity toward the poor, kindness in interactions, and respect for the rule of law, you establish a civilisation that cannot fail. Real change starts from within each of us.
Finally, I pray: Ya Allah, grant our leaders wisdom, justice, and compassion. Guide their hearts to fear You and to love the people they serve. Bless them with clear vision to lead with honesty and fairness. Protect them from corruption, selfishness, and bad advisers. Make them leaders who bring peace, unity, and development to our nation. O Lord, let them rule with truth and let their decisions uplift the poor, the weak, and the oppressed.
Ya Allah! We ask for leaders who do not seek power for themselves, but who seek the well-being of every soul they serve. May they possess the foresight to look beyond today, building a foundation for generations they will never meet. Let them be a reflection of your light.
Ya Allah, grant us better leaders in 2027 elections. Ya Allah, improve our leaders, appoint the best of us over us, and do not appoint the worst of us over us.
Ya Allah provide good leaders for us, don’t leave us with our choices, ameen.
Respected servants of Allah! This is a profound and beautiful Du’a (supplication). Asking Allah to bless us with righteous leaders and protect us from the consequences of our own choices is a powerful way to seek His guidance in all our affairs. While you can always pray in your own words, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) offered specific supplications regarding governance and authority. For example, we can recite:
“Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum, bi-rahmatika astaghith, aslih li sha’ni kullah, wa la takilni ila nafsi tarfata ‘ain.”
“O Ever-Living, O Sustainer, I seek help through Your mercy, rectify all my affairs and do not entrust me to myself for even the blink of an eye.”
“Allahummah aslih wulatana, waj’al khiarana ru’usana, wa la taj’al shirarana ru’usana…”
“O Allah, improve our leaders, appoint the best of us over us, and do not appoint the worst of us over us.”
And instead of cursing or rebelling against leaders, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) instructed Muslim believers to pray for their guidance and righteousness, as a leader’s reform brings well-being to the entire community.
Ya Allah, show us the truth as truth and grant us the strength to follow it, and show us falsehood as falsehood and grant us the strength to avoid it, and do not let it become confused for us lest we go astray.
Ya Allah, make us guides who are themselves guided, not those who are lost or leading others astray. Make us at peace with Your allies and at war with Your enemies; we love for Your sake those who love You, and we take as enemies for Your sake those who oppose You.
Ya Allah, grant us security in our homelands, rectify our leaders and those in authority over us, and protect us from the evil of the wicked and the plots of the corrupt.
Ya Allah, whoever intends harm toward our faith or our security, keep them occupied with their own troubles and turn their plots back against them.
Our Lord, give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
Wassalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah wa bara ka tuh!
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.
This Jumu’ah Khutbah (Friday sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Dhul-Hijjah 26, 1447 AH (June 12, 2026).