Ali bin Abi Thalib Reveals the Characteristics of Those Unfit to Lead

Leadership in Islam is not merely a position that brings honour, but a great trust concerning the fate of many people. For this reason, Sayyidina Ali bin Abi Thalib, may Allah be pleased with him, reminded that leadership positions should not be given to people with despicable traits, such as being miserly, ignorant, harsh, cowardly, and fond of accepting bribes. For Ali bin Abi Thalib, a true leader initiates change from within themselves, disciplines the soul, improves character, and displays exemplary conduct before teaching anything to the people. The following is Ali bin Abi Thalib’s advice regarding leaders, quoted from the book Imamul Muhtadin written by HMH Al-Hamid Al-Husaini. ‘A leader who is responsible for the honour of women, the safety of souls, the security of property, the upholding of law, and the faith of the Muslim community, that leadership must not be in the hands of a miserly person because he will covet their (the people’s) wealth.’ ‘It (the leadership position) must not be in the hands of an ignorant person, because he will lead them (his people) astray. It must not be in the hands of a harsh-mannered person, because he will be shunned by them.’ ‘It must not be in the hands of a coward, because he will embrace one group and abandon another. It must not be in the hands of a person who likes to accept bribes, because he will eliminate the rights of the people he leads. And it must not be in the hands of a person who neglects the Sunnah, because he will bring disaster to the people.’ ‘Whoever intends to make himself a leader, let him educate himself first before educating others. Let him educate through exemplary deeds and behaviour before educating with the tongue and speech. A person who is able to teach and educate himself is more deserving of respect than a person who can only teach and educate others.’