Abu Musa Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I called on the Prophet (PBUH) with two of my cousins. One of them said to him: "O Messenger of Allah (PBUH), appoint me governor of some land over which Allah has given you authority.'' The other also requested for something of the same nature. Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "By Allah we do not appoint someone to this post who seeks it or someone who contends for it.'' - [Bukhari and Muslim]
Commentary: A person pushing himself up for an office should be deprived of it. Ambitious persons usually manage to get a high office for self-aggrandizement, damaging the interests of other people. A government should primarily aim at the welfare of people and not serve the interests of the privileged few or benefit the holders of key posts alone.
--------------------------------
Of course, that's not how it works anymore...but that's the Islamic rule on appointing leaders. So, if you ever make any leadership decisions in the future, whether it be small scale or something more important, remember the principle of not appointing someone who desires that position of leadership. And also remember that you yourself should not desire a position of leadership. If you are appointed as a leader, and you are willing to assume the responsibility that comes with that position, then Insha'Allah you will be able to lead justly with Allah's help. As Muslims, we should appoint our leaders based on their qualifications, character, fairness, and ability in relation to the position, and we should do this appointing by decisions made in Shura (consultation). If the world would follow the Islamic principles of leadership, then no doubt this world would be a better place.
Commentary: A person pushing himself up for an office should be deprived of it. Ambitious persons usually manage to get a high office for self-aggrandizement, damaging the interests of other people. A government should primarily aim at the welfare of people and not serve the interests of the privileged few or benefit the holders of key posts alone.
--------------------------------
Of course, that's not how it works anymore...but that's the Islamic rule on appointing leaders. So, if you ever make any leadership decisions in the future, whether it be small scale or something more important, remember the principle of not appointing someone who desires that position of leadership. And also remember that you yourself should not desire a position of leadership. If you are appointed as a leader, and you are willing to assume the responsibility that comes with that position, then Insha'Allah you will be able to lead justly with Allah's help. As Muslims, we should appoint our leaders based on their qualifications, character, fairness, and ability in relation to the position, and we should do this appointing by decisions made in Shura (consultation). If the world would follow the Islamic principles of leadership, then no doubt this world would be a better place.
