Islamic Leadership: Fostering Good Morals and Ethical Behavior

Abstract

This article looks at the leadership management styles of two proceeding leaders after Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). Abu Bakr and Umar bin Al-Khattab were the immediate leaders after the death of the Prophet (S.A.W.). Nowadays, many leaders' community management and growth styles may pale compared to those of the two leaders mentioned above. This study's questions asked and answered about their management style, which is like that of a boss or community leader. Furthermore, it will make a slight comparison between the general leadership style of today’s leaders, which may be politics over the needs of those people they are selected to manage, and Abu Bakr’s and Umar bin Al Khattab's leadership style of the needs of people over their individual needs. Examples of prioritizing the people's needs were also highlighted and expanded upon in this study. The Quran, the last revelation sent to mankind from Allah, and the Sunnah (path, actions, or ways) of Prophet Muhammad, may peace and blessings be upon him, were the guiding forces behind the success and administration of the people used by both Abu Bakr and Umar ibn Al-Khattab. Additionally, both Abu Bakr and Umar ibn Al-Khattab had requested the people to correct them when they were wrong. Furthermore, neither had asked nor prayed for their leadership positions. In addition, they both saw the weak, feeble, or meek strong in their eyes and the strong weak in their eyes. But, both sets of people were treated fairly in both men’s administrations. Furthermore, this study will examine how the management skill sets of Abu Bakr and Umar ibn Al-Khattab may have handled at least one of today’s social problems. It will also examine how closely similar the Islamic leadership styles of both Abu Bakr and Umar ibn Al-Khattab were. This study looked at the common denominator of failure as not an option characteristic of past leadership that made them strong and guided their followers to success.