Muslims all over the world commemorated Eid adh-ha in accordance with Prophetic tradition by sacrificing different animals. The Quran asserts that, it is not their meat, nor the blood that reaches Allah, but it is the piety that reaches Him. A critical analysis of acts of worship facilitates a better understanding of the rationale. This, in turn, makes better Muslims. This article seeks to explore the leadership lessons drawn from the sacrifice ritual and provide a thesis for a way forward to the challenge discussed.
Eid adh-ha revolves around Prophet Ibrahim peace be upon him’s sublime surrender to Allah. Ibrahim peace be upon him’s apt fulfillment of Allah’s command to sacrifice his son Ismael is the pinnacle of submission. However, Allah substituted the subject with a lamb; the demonstration being sufficient submission. Prophet Ibrahim's life and exemplary character acquired him the eminent status ‘ummah’ and his biography reveals an enduring sacrifice in diverse aspects of his life.
The concept of sacrifice entails that, one gives up something valuable for something else he or she considers of more value. Therefore, sacrificing ourselves and lives necessitates being cognizant of the ultimate goal and taking proactive and conscious strategies to attain the goal(s). A clear understanding of the goal(s) is an essential ingredient towards it’s realization. Prophet Ibrahim peace be upon him preferred serving Allah over everything and surrendered his life to that goal.
Examining the Muslim leadership in Kenya reveals two fundamental problems. Inept leadership is a liability and a burden to the community. A body of organizations and individuals masquerading as leadership proves to be a liability. Whereas some organization sell Islam and Muslims for a pittance, others are not worthy of the Islamic name. Lack of the community’s vision, without a doubt describes the real state of affairs. Ibrahim peace be upon him’s clarity of vision and conscious sacrifice for that vision exalted him to the imamat or leadership position. The two fundamental qualities needed for leadership is perseverance and certainty . Again the salient feature in both qualities is clear objective(s) and working to actualize the vision.
The other problem is the Muslim masses’ claim of helplessness in holding the leadership accountable and taking it to task over its incompetence. This determinism characteristic of masses’ assertion and postulate that, the leadership only will bear the blame is alien to Islam. Reducing our role to mere criticism won’t do. A proactive analysis of where we are, aligning our objectives to serve the ultimate aim and formulating proper strategies is imperative. Absolving ourselves from blame further promotes determinism; this is a call to all competent individuals and groups to dispense their responsibilities and bridge the gap by carrying out vital objectives with diligence. The sacrifice lessons we learn from Eid adh-ha inspire us to deeply reflect on our community and ask how true are we in surrendering ourselves to serving the cause of Allah.
A review of the Kenyan Muslim leadership reveals that, the leadership’s incompetence and weariness of the masses are a social construction. Accountability of the leadership demands for clarity of a unified vision, and a continuous but conscious sacrifice on the community and its leadership to implement strategic objectives to serve the ultimate aim. Anything less than this is wishful thinking akin to laying back waiting for Allah to bring change.
© 2008 Badru Jaffar Swaleh
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The leadership's incompetence is symptomatic of the condition of Muslims in Kenya. The idea that secular education and Islamic education are mutually exclusive is pervasive throughout the society. Unfortunately, this has resulted in skill deficit among the Muslim communities. On the one hand, there are religious leaders who don't have the requisite skills for leadership, and on the other hand, there are quite a few professionals who happen to be Muslims. There needs to be a grassroots movement to mobilize the society towards self-sufficiency.
ReplyDeleteFor mobilization to take place, there has to be a visionary leadership or at the very least someone to take the initiative. Again the need for proper leadership. The way to go, I think is to nurture potential leaders -knowing our prevailing shortcomings- and provide them with requisite backup to enable them spearhead this ummah to achieve its potential.
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