The year 2024 is set to be a “heated” year for the Indonesian people as the five-year political contest returns. Political elites are busy making promises and building a glowing self-image to win the most votes and secure a seat of power. Before making a choice, the public needs to be wise in their judgment. It is essential not to only look at the surface but also to delve into the performance and character of the political elite. As a country with the largest Muslim population in the world, the majority of Indonesians also need to choose leaders in accordance with their religious teachings. Guidelines for choosing leaders in Islam have been extensively mentioned, both in the Quran and in the Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Choosing Leaders in Islam
Through Surah Al-Maidah verse 55, Allah has emphasized four essential characteristics that a leader must possess. These four characteristics are faith in Allah, establishing prayer, giving zakat, and obeying and submitting to Allah’s regulations and provisions.
On the other hand, in a Hadith in Sahih Muslim, Book of Leadership, chapter The Best and Worst Leaders, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) conveyed the best criteria for leaders in Islam.
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“The Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘The best of your leaders are those you love and who love you, who invoke God’s blessings upon you and you invoke His blessings upon them. And the worst of your leaders are those you hate and who hate you, whom you curse and who curse you.’ It was asked, ‘Shouldn’t we overthrow them with the sword?’ He replied, ‘Not as long as they establish prayer among you. If you see from your rulers something you dislike, hate their acts but do not disobey them.'”
The Prophet stated that the best leaders are those who are loved and prayed for by the people they lead, and vice versa. He also reminded his followers that as long as the leader establishes prayer and worships Allah, but acts poorly and incurs hatred, the people led by him must still obey that leader. This statement also affirms that we must respect and obey the leaders we choose, as long as they are also obedient and submissive to Allah’s provisions.
Essential Requirements for Leaders in Islam
In addition to the Quranic verse mentioned above, there are guidelines for choosing leaders in Islam derived from Sheikh Muhammad Mubarak. In his book “Nizam al-Islam” he explains several criteria that someone must possess to become a leader. These essential requirements consist of four points:
1. Having a Straight Creed
Islam mandates its leaders to have a straight creed. This means firmly holding on to the teachings and principles of Islam. A person with a straight creed in Islam is characterized by belief in Allah, the Prophets, the holy scriptures, angels, the Day of Judgment, and destiny. Additionally, they are committed to avoiding heresy and polytheism.
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2. Possessing Broad Knowledge
As someone who will manage all aspects of community life, a leader must have broad knowledge. They need to understand various fields, concepts, and events relevant in social, cultural, political, economic, and scientific contexts.
A person with broad knowledge can see the bigger picture of issues. They then connect information from various sources to form a comprehensive view, becoming a solution for the community.
3. Dedicated to Serving the Community
The third essential requirement that a leader must possess is dedication to serving the community. If they have this commitment, they will actively contribute and serve the interests and welfare of the wider community without looking for personal gain. Automatically, they will have integrity and be consistent in performing their duties and responsibilities as public servants, upholding moral values and ethics in every action and decision.
4. Strong Commitment to Islamic Teachings
Allah has provided Islamic teachings that holistically regulate everything. Therefore, a leader must have a strong commitment to Islamic teachings. As voters, we must choose leaders who adhere to the principles, teachings, and values of Islam in daily life. This reflects a leader’s willingness to live according to Islamic teachings in all aspects of life, including worship, morality, ethics, and social relations.
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A strong commitment to Islamic teachings not only covers spiritual aspects but also leads to serving the community and fulfilling the social duties demanded by the religion.
These are the guidelines for choosing leaders in Islam. Before making a decision, we, as Muslims, need to review and reconsider our choices according to the criteria mentioned above. May Allah make Indonesia a nation He is pleased with and give us leaders who truly care for us.