When Power Becomes an Amanah

Leadership, Justice & the Islamic Way

Throughout this week, we’ve looked at leadership from an Islamic perspective.

We began by asking whether power is simply a position of authority, or whether it is an amanah — a trust.

We explored Shura, and the importance of listening and consultation.

We spoke about justice, and how a leader must be fair even when fairness is difficult.

And yesterday, we looked at accountability — the reality that anyone entrusted with responsibility will ultimately be answerable for how they used it.

But there is one part of the conversation we haven’t focused on enough:

What about us?

What responsibility do ordinary people have?

Because when we talk about leadership, it can be tempting to put everything on the shoulders of those in positions of authority.

We ask:

Are our leaders doing enough?

Are they listening to us?

Are they being fair?

Are they accountable?

These are legitimate questions.

But Islam also teaches us to look inward.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.”

The hadith reminds us that responsibility isn’t limited to presidents, politicians or community leaders.

Every one of us has responsibilities.

And being part of a society comes with responsibilities too.

So what does that mean for us?

Firstly, we have a responsibility to be informed.

We shouldn’t form opinions simply because someone told us something, because a video went viral, or because a particular person said it.

Allah tells us:

“O you who believe! If a sinner brings you news, verify it…” (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:6)

That principle is particularly important today.

We have access to more information than ever before, but having more information doesn’t necessarily mean we have more truth.

Before sharing something, before accusing someone, before forming an opinion — we should ask:

• Is it true?
• Is it verified?
• Am I being fair?

Secondly, we have a responsibility to speak with justice.

Islam doesn’t tell us to abandon our principles simply because we disagree with somebody.

We shouldn’t insult people because of their political views.

We shouldn’t spread rumours about people we dislike.

And we shouldn’t excuse wrongdoing simply because the person responsible happens to be someone we support.

Justice means applying principles consistently.

Thirdly, we have a responsibility to care about our community.

Islam teaches us that Muslims are not meant to live only for themselves.

And we should ask ourselves:

What am I personally doing to make my community better?

Because it is very easy to complain about society.

It is much harder to contribute towards improving it.