The intention behind the publication of this article is to highlight some key traits of Muslim community leaders.

To begin with, leadership is the position of trust from the Islamic perspective.   

A public figure is open-minded, humble, receptive to ideas and suggestions, honest in intention, open to constructive criticism, and democratic. 

He represents the people or a community. Hence, the interest of the community is above his own. Personal gain is not his goal. Popularity and name are not what he is after.

He loves to consult others in every matter concerning common interests before reaching a conclusion. All decisions made by him on matters, in particular, sensitive and important ones about the community, are paramount to reflect the people’s aspirations and desires. This is in line with the Quranic guidance as Allah the Almighty states in chapter Ash-Shura, verse: 38:

((وأمرهم شورى بينهم))

The exegesis of the verse is, “Among the qualities of the true believers is, all their collective concerns are determined by consultation among themselves.” (42:38)

Elsewhere, He states:

وَشَاوِرْهُمْ فِي الْأَمْرِ فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ))  (العمران:159)             ))

The exegesis of the verse is, “And consult the people whom you are administering their affairs in all matters of public concern, then, when you have decided upon a course of action, place your trust in Allah, then, carry out your plan.” (3:159) 

Such is the divine guidance upon the public figures to attain the aspired goal of a harmonious relationship between the leader and the led. 

Residing in a democratic society such as Australia requires democratic tendencies reflected in the actions of our public figures. This is what we crave to pass down to our young generations as a legacy. 

Moving from general to specific, I am supportive of the social activities being carried out by Sheikh Shadi. However, I would like to call upon him to sit back and reflect upon some preferences that he has given priority.  This may run against the expectations of the people whom he is representing which may then result in their displeasure towards him. More specifically, I assume that some members of the Muslim community have been displeased with him because they feel he had prioritised his close working relationship with the government over truly voicing the community’s concerns to the government for fear of jeopardising his government relationships. Feeling betrayed is reflected in their disappointment in his leadership over them.   

I call upon him to be more sensitive to the voice of the community whom he represents. 

It must not come across the minds of the public figures that they are untouchable. We are only human beings with many shortcomings and imperfections.  

Accordingly, we should establish and respect Islamic tradition and Quranic emphasis on accountability (muhasabah).