Leadership in Islam
STEPPING OUTSIDE THE CULTURE: THE ISLAMIC WAY OF LEADERSHIP
By Rohaniza M. Sumndad
Leadership is defined in many ways. Richards and Engle define it as articulating visions, embodying values, and creating the environment within which things can be accomplished. Schein refer it as the ability to step outside the culture, while Drath and Plus say that it is a process of making sense of what people are doing together for people to understand and be committed. There have been several studies and concepts about it for years now, may it be leadership roles, traits and theories but do not say much about Leadership in the Islamic Perspective. Islam, a religion of peace but often misjudged and misunderstood has a very comprehensive concept of leadership that is centered on faith and values according to Allah (God). Often mistaken as a religion of terrorism, its true meaning and principles say otherwise. As a Maranao Muslim myself with the Christian roots of my Mother and being able to deal with all kinds of cultures with my work, I can conclude that Islam is one of the religions that few people understand but has left a negative mark already in their state of minds. Leadership in Islam is not that different as most would think it would be. This article intends to give you an overview of a true Muslim Leader and how a Muslim manifests his own kind of leadership. Let us literally take Schein’s definition of leadership of STEPPING OUTSIDE THE CULTURE. We have already been familiarized with the Western Concept of Leadership and acquainted with an increasing number of studies by our own leaders and researchers; it’s about time that we step forward towards understanding the Islamic Way of Leadership with an open mind and heart. The Essence of Islam Islam is a Muslim’s Way of Life. They (Muslims) foster Islamic ideals and values in everything they do. IT is both a deen (religion) and a code of life that is adherent to Allah’s commands without objections. IT also means “Peace
By Rohaniza M. Sumndad
Leadership is defined in many ways. Richards and Engle define it as articulating visions, embodying values, and creating the environment within which things can be accomplished. Schein refer it as the ability to step outside the culture, while Drath and Plus say that it is a process of making sense of what people are doing together for people to understand and be committed. There have been several studies and concepts about it for years now, may it be leadership roles, traits and theories but do not say much about Leadership in the Islamic Perspective. Islam, a religion of peace but often misjudged and misunderstood has a very comprehensive concept of leadership that is centered on faith and values according to Allah (God). Often mistaken as a religion of terrorism, its true meaning and principles say otherwise. As a Maranao Muslim myself with the Christian roots of my Mother and being able to deal with all kinds of cultures with my work, I can conclude that Islam is one of the religions that few people understand but has left a negative mark already in their state of minds. Leadership in Islam is not that different as most would think it would be. This article intends to give you an overview of a true Muslim Leader and how a Muslim manifests his own kind of leadership. Let us literally take Schein’s definition of leadership of STEPPING OUTSIDE THE CULTURE. We have already been familiarized with the Western Concept of Leadership and acquainted with an increasing number of studies by our own leaders and researchers; it’s about time that we step forward towards understanding the Islamic Way of Leadership with an open mind and heart. The Essence of Islam Islam is a Muslim’s Way of Life. They (Muslims) foster Islamic ideals and values in everything they do. IT is both a deen (religion) and a code of life that is adherent to Allah’s commands without objections. IT also means “Peace