Lessons in Leadership - Direct and Indirect Reciprocity in Surah Abassa

Hallmarks of an effective leader include gaining the ear of those that have power influence and control, engaging in acts of diplomacy, realizing your audience's perception as well as adjusting your speech and behaviour to result in the best outcome. The revelation of Surah Abasa serves to guide Rasul Allah (pbuh) and gently reminds him to guard his reputation and high status. This surah is often misunderstood as a critique of our Prophet. Our Messenger's (pbuh) heart is cleansed and does not disobey Allah (swt). He is the golden standard of a human being and the best of manners should be exercised when discussing the Seerah.  An examination of this verse can benefit us in how we pursue any position as role model or as leader in our lives within our station as Muslims. 

He frowned and turned away

Because there came to him the blind man, [interrupting].

But what would make you perceive, [O Muhammad], that perhaps he might be purified

Or be reminded and the remembrance would benefit him?

As for he who thinks himself without need

To him you give attention.

And not upon you [is any blame] if he will not be purified.

But as for he who came to you striving [for knowledge]

While he fears [ Allah ],

From him you are distracted.

(Qur'an 80:1-10)

This Surah describes an event where Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) is speaking to Quraysh leaders when he is interrupted by Umm Maktum, a blind believer. This was a rare occasion as the Quraysh usually ridiculed or were sarcastic to Rasul Allah (pbuh). On the surface it seemed that the Quraysh leaders were paying attention to the dawah, but it was impossible to know what was truly in their hearts. Since Umm Maktum was blind, he was not offended by being frowned at or at being turned away from. Some Ulama agree that giving dawah to someone who is not Muslim but shows keen interest is of more benefit than giving dawah to one who is already Muslim (the Quraysh leaders vs Umm Maktum in this case). However, the revelation “As for he who thinks himself without need” indicate the Quraysh leaders were only interested in “philosophizing” and creating idle arguments and were in fact empathetic to the message. They were not interested in the Truth of Islam, they were merely creating a pass-time for themselves. This beautiful message was sent down in order to shine light on that which could not be known for certain about the hearts of the Arab leaders. That they would in no way reciprocate.

Healthy and productive relationships are built on mutual reciprocity. There are two types of reciprocity. Direct reciprocity for example occurs when one returns a favor with an equal favor. Indirect reciprocity occurs when one helps a person who helps others. The problem of how to provide something that benefited all members of a group regardless of what each member contributes to it is what our Prophet (pbuh) faced in this situation. Helpful acts may be duplicated by those that observe or hear about it. Indirect reciprocity works when those who help gain a good reputation and are thus more likely to be helped by observers. (Buss pg. 815) In order to spread Islam, beginning with direct reciprocity is key but the effect of indirect reciprocity (shown through the Sahabah) is crucial. The revelation echos what was said in the previous ayat “so for he who transgressed and preferred the life of this world, then indeed hellfire will be his refuge. But as for he who feared the position of his Lord and prevented the soul from unlawful inclination, then indeed paradise will be his refuge.” (Qur'an 70:37-41)

How does this apply to our lives? Whether giving dawah or running a business or heading up a family, be cautious of over-reaching your efforts or turning your efforts in the wrong direction. We must be conscious of echoing strong belief to those that could care less. Expending energy on those that have no intention of reciprocating directly or indirectly is spinning your wheels. Invite those who show willingness to be helped in order to avoid burn-out. Not only will this assist you to conserve energy and expend it wisely, it will also help you save your reputation. Maintaining a good reputation as one who helps is exceedingly valuable in motivating everyone from acquaintances to employees to our own circle of family and friends.

References:

Mohammed The Last Prophet. Sayid Abdul Hasan Ali Hasani Nadwi (1913-1999). Trans. Dr Shah Ebadur Rahaman. Copyright: Sayyid Ahmad Shaheed Academy. Dare Arifat, Takiya Kalan, Rae Bareli.

Al-Makhtum (The Sealed Nectar) Biography of the Noble Prophet. Abdul Malik Mujahid 1^st ed. Dar-us-Salam Publications, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Handbook of Evolutionary Psychology. Vol.2 Integrations edited by David M Buss. John Wiley and Sons. Copyright 2016.