Leaders Provide a Sense of Security
If you have thoroughly read the Sirah Nabawiyah, you will undoubtedly encounter the great event of the Conquest of Mecca during the month of Ramadan in the 8th year of Hijri. This event was precipitated by the betrayal of the Quraysh infidels regarding the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. The Quraysh provided military assistance to the Banu Bakr (allies of the Quraysh) to attack the Banu Khuza’ah (allies of the Muslims), resulting in casualties among the Banu Khuza’ah.
In short, the Prophet Muhammad and the Muslim forces successfully liberated and entered the city of Mecca peacefully without bloodshed. Upon entering Mecca, the Prophet proclaimed to the inhabitants, ‘Whoever enters the Masjid al-Haram is safe. Whoever enters his own house is safe. Whoever enters the house of Abu Sufyan is safe.’
Have we ever reflected on why the first thing the Prophet communicated to the people of Mecca was a guarantee of security? From various books on Sirah Nabability I have read, almost all discuss the Prophet’s missionary strategy in providing security guarantees, such as for those entering Abu Sufyan’s house. Considering Abu Sufyan was the remaining leader of the Quraysh tribe at that time and had only recently embraced Islam, the Prophet understood his character and his desire to maintain prestige among his people. Thus, the Prophet provided security as a strategic move to win Abu Sufyan’s heart and encourage the people of Mecca to follow suit.
While that analysis is correct, I believe there is an aspect often overlooked: the Prophet’s intelligence as a leader in making security the primary proclamation. Security is a fundamental human need, especially in the context of war. Given the betrayal of the treaty, it was natural for the Quraysh to fear retribution. The Prophet, as a leader, was able to read the minds and feelings of the Meccans. By providing a guarantee of safety, he ensured the situation in Mecca remained conducive, leading to a mass conversion to Islam.
This is the principle of leadership taught by the Prophet. Even towards enemies who had previously intimidated, boycotted, and fought Muslims, he provided security. To illustrate this in a military context, consider infantry units. They are highly trained for ground attacks, but their confidence is bolstered by the presence of combat aircraft providing overhead cover. This protection provides a sense of security.
However, leadership is tested when conditions become difficult, such as when thick clouds force aircraft to fly at dangerous low altitudes. I recall a story of a captain in a mountain operation who chose to risk his life by flying below the minimum safety altitude to ensure his ground troops were not left unprotected from ambush. When asked why he took such a fatal risk, he replied, ‘There is a greater risk than my death, which is returning to my unit safely only to find that all my troops have fallen.’
That is a true leader. Even in emergencies, they strive to provide security for their team. In a corporate or organisational context, the stakes may not be life and death, but the principle remains. A leader might face policies from shareholders that harm their team. Are you brave enough to defend your team against threats like redundancies, or do you choose to play it safe and let them fend for themselves? If you choose to play it safe, you have failed as a leader.