Wisdom from The Action Wisdom In Action

By: Mulyana

''O ye who believe, obey Allah and obey the Messenger, and Ulil Amri among you. Then if you differ on something, then return it to Allah and His Messenger, if you truly believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is more mainstream and better result.''(Surah 4: 59).

Messenger has been reminded how much we have to be careful in choosing a leader. In fact, the Prophet explicitly forbids giving mandate (power) to the person requesting power. God also has provided guidance to us in order not to make people of different creeds as a leader.

Pay attention to his words,''O ye who believe, do not take Jews and Christians to be leaders, some of them are leaders of another. Whoever among you takes them a leader, surely the man belonged to them. Indeed, Allah does not guide the unjust people.''(Sura 5:51).

Choosing a leader is not the same as buying a cat in a sack. We must know all aspects of our future leaders. And we also have to have criteria for how a good leader and appropriate. Then, we question how a good leader and correct it?

History has given examples of the criterion of a good leader and appropriate. First, he is a faithful and obedient (see Sura 5:51). He is someone who istiqamah (consistent) and the pious. Second, he is a certain character (behavior) good and commendable. He was never involved criminal activity, corruption, or actions that harm the community and nation. He is an honest, trustworthy, and simple.

Third, he is someone who has the ability and capability to lead. Fourth, he has a clear preference to the weak (small people). He also had compassion for them. And fifth, he is a fair one.

In the present context when the discourse of the presidential candidates being touted, we must pick and choose who jelly the best candidate to lead this nation. We need smart leaders tell which is really sincere to help this nation out of crises and leaders who are simply pursuing power and wealth.

Muslims, as the majority of this nation, has an important position in deciding who the leader of this nation and determine the direction of travel changed the history of the nation into a better direction. Therefore, we must immediately wake, wake up from a dream that had bound cradle. Let us increase ukhuwah Islamiyah between us. Do not let us fall into the same hole a second time. Naudzubillahi dzalik min.

Source: Republika Online