The Prophet Muhammad Leadership Styles Essay

Muhammad is one of the most influential men in history as he has millions of followers due to his characteristics. Leadership has been defined in many ways but it is mostly agreed that “leadership is about influencing others towards a common goal.” According to Michael Hart (1978) book ‘The 100: He listed Muhammad (peace be upon him-PBUH) as the most influential individual in the history because he “was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels” and “in fact, as the driving force behind the Arab conquests, he may well rank as the most influential political leader of all time”. Muhammad (PBUH) was the greatest and a role model of Islam who will always be remembered throughout history. Moreover Muhammad (PBUH) displays effectiveness in his leadership as he dragged a whole nation to believe his goal to worship the only God. Also the prophet Muhammad had many strategies to resolve conflict amongst a group.
Muhammad (PBUH) was born in Mecca in 570 AD. His father died shortly before his birth, and he lost his mother at the age of six. He was then raised by his uncle Abu talib. For whom he worked for as a shepherd at the age of 9 and then he worked as a trade marker. At the age of 40 Muhammad (PBUH) received his call to become a prophet. And he received the word of God through the angel Gabriel and divine message was recorded in the holy Quran. From that point Muhammad became a leader and the final messenger of god. Muhammad (PBUH) role was sent to call the people to the obedience and worship of God alone (“Allah” in Arabic). Some of these messengers include Adam, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, Solomon and Jesus (peace be upon them all). It will be interesting and edifying to know what was his leadership style which made him the most influential person ever along with other factors. Muhammad was also a ruler, a judge, a warrior, an orator, a preacher, a legislator, a reformer, a spiritual empire. The simplicity of his private life was in keeping with his public life. Prophet Muhammad’s unique communication and leadership style led to the spread of Islam, not only within Arabia but also outside to the north, south, east, west and southwest of Arabia. As a leader during wartime or as a leader during peacetime, Prophet Muhammad proved to master skillful techniques with which he accomplished his goals in delivering the message of Islam. Therefore Muhammad had a task oriented role that focused on achieving goals and is concerned with other people’s feelings and opinion.

Leadership involves getting commitment of all the members of a group. Whereas the individuals or group of individuals who are the most powerful and have the highest status within a group are known as the leaders. Michael Hart book: The 100 a ranking of the most influential persons in history.as he quoted “My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world’s most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels. It is this unparalleled combination of secular and religious influence which I feel entitles Muhammad to be considered the most influential single figure in human history.” A good leader is one who combines political skills with moral skills. The prophet Muhammad is one of those leaders who embodied these in both his speeches and actions. Muhammad was a task oriented leader as he focused on achieving his goals in highest standards and he was an orphan. He did not learn from any school, yet he could speak with an eloquence and a fervour in which moved many to tears of ecstasy and belief, he did not study philosophy, yet he could proclaim the highest truth of eternal value to mankind, he was loved by all, he did not study at any military academy, yet he organised his forces against tremendous odds and gained victories. He milked the goats, swept the hearth, kindled the fire and attends to other menial chores. Muhammad was a collaborative leader as his main priority was to involve members but still had the ability to maintain control of the group, also Muhammad use to share his leadership role when appropriate which takes a great leader to do so. Finally during Muhammad’s leadership he appeared to be cultural leader as he understood the values, history and traditions of the group. According to Muhammad all people were equal and all cultures are to be respected, that led his group to understand and accept the different views of cultures. His leadership role was a success throughout history.

Mohammad was a known leader due to his effectiveness and the way he influenced the world dramatically. The definition of an effective leadership is a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal regardless of the outcomes. Whether or not the goal is accomplished would not be the focus of the definition, but the fact that leader had projected his vision and convinced people it has a purpose and is worth working towards. The fact that Mohammad had spread the word of Islam and in our modern society today is still spreading and the fastest growing religion is the perfect example of why Muhammad is an effective leader. Prophet Muhammad communicative values of liberty, justice, modesty, and politeness were matched with practical deeds. The people saw this action of his and identified with. Prophet Muhammad ' skills as manifested in his speeches demonstrated to the eyes of all humankind that he was indeed a great leader worthy of note. His skilful use of rhetoric demonstrated his commitment for meaningful competent communication for humankind in general. His speeches demonstrated that he sought to see all humankind from the lens of kindness, modesty, moderation, justice, liberty, gentility, generosity and love. In addition many Muslims look up to the Muhammad as a role model, therefore follow all his teaching and doing, although Mohammad is dead people continue to follow his message which will keep going on to the next generations. Mohammad techniques and kindness lead him to be successful and achieved his goal in being the most effective leader throughout history.
Muhammad (PBUH) no matter always resolved conflict due to his maturity and high quality behaviour. During Muhammad’s leadership he tended to use the management of conflict process there he would negotiate among members and wait for their agreement and either do mediation or resolution. On the other hand Muhammad’s communication skills lead him to be successful in resolving conflict as he always listened to others. Once the black rock had to be replaced into the wall after a fire which damaged the kaabah. The makkah leader argued about who should have the honour of fixing the stone. Finally they let Muhammad (PBUH) judge on it. The Muhammad (PBUH) spread a cloth on the floor and placed the black stone on it. Then Muhammad (PBUH) told the tribal leaders to take the cloth by its edges and carry it to its place. Muhammad picked up the stone and placed it. Muhammad came out with solutions and strategies to overcome conflict. Muhammad outcome his conflict s by using the strategy win-win where he would always consult other members and satisfied their needs and goals, as he used collaboration as a strategy and reeling on open communication to resolve all problems.

1. Bibliography: www.religionfacts.com/islam/history/prophet.htm‎

Bibliography: www.religionfacts.com/islam/history/prophet.htm‎