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THE IDEAL LEADERSHIP
(PART
10)
By Marhum Ahmed H Sheriff
THE IMPACT OF LEADER'S CHARACTER IN THE SPREAD OF ISLAM
Did Islam spread at the point of sword or by coercion over people as
alleged by some non-muslim orientalists? Or did the true and simple
messege of Islam appeal to them under the impact of the humane and
humble character of its divinely appointed leaders? Islamic history has
recorded some interesting incidents which provide a good insight into
the true facts on the subject.
It is mentioned that after the defeat in the battle at Jabale Tai during
the nineth Hijra, Adi bin Hatim Tai, a prominent tribal leader, fled to
Syria. From there, through his sister, he came to Madina. He was warmly
welcomed when ushered in the presence of the Prophet. The two then
together were on their way home, Adi closely watched the Prophet how he
behaved with people on the way. He was deeply impressed with his
tolerance and kindness as he listened sympathetically and humbly to what
an old woman had to say about her personal problems. Adi says that he
said to himself:
"By God this man (Muhammad) could not be one from worldly rulers"
Why? Because a worldly king or a ruler does not behave like this. In
order just to fulfil a need or solve a problem of an ordinary old woman
in the street, the Prophet had demonstrated so much humility and spent
so much time after her.
Adi says that he then accompanied the
Prophet to his house and saw how simple the room in which he sat and
slept was. The only piece of mat that he possessed was a small one made
from the palm tree leaves. He spread the mat for me and requested me to
sit on it whilst he himself sat down on the ground.
So humane and humble he was that his behaviour created a profound impact
on my heart. I became so convinced of his truthfulness that in my heart
I said:
"Undoubtedly this gentleman ought to be a messenger of Allah as claimed
by himself"
After a short discussion between us, I decided to discard my previous
faith and offered my hand in accepting Islam as a true and divine
religion.
Thereafter Adi turned out to be one of the most faithful companions of
the Prophet and staunch defender of Islam.
Once Ali bin Abi Talib (as) happened to be on a journey in the company
of a non-muslim under the protection of the Islamic state. He inquired
where the Imam was destined to go and the reply was "Kufa".
When they both arrived at a juncture where two ways separated, the non-muslim
took the way of his destination but Ali bin Abi Talib (as)instead of
separating on way to kufa, continued to follow him. Rather surprised to
see this, he inquired the reason. In reply, the Imam said,
"The Prophet of Islam had taught that at the time of separation from a
companion in a journey, one should follow him by few steps as a mark of
respect and bidding farewell to him. I wished to comply with this
teaching hence my following you"
The non-muslim being deeply impressed with this teaching of the Prophet
reacted by saying:
"Verily those who had become the followers of the Prophet was due to his
supreme humanely conduct. And let me hold you O'Ali! As witness on my
acceptance of Islam as a true and divine religion".
Readers are requested to remember Marhum Ahmed bhai H Sheriff with
recitation of suratul-Fatiha.
Released by: Mulla Mujaheedali Sheriff
mulla@almahdi.org.uk |