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 1st
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.
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