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21 Lessons in Leadership from the Prophet | Part 2

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Law of Navigation: Anyone can Steer the Ship, but It Takes a Leader to Chart the Course

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The Law of Navigation states that it’s the leader who sets the vision for his people, and then he leads them to that vision.

Are there words to describe the incredible vision of the Prophet ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)? Can you imagine what it would be like if you and the people you led were tortured, boycotted, mocked, murdered and driven out of your homes and still having the wherewithal to talk about conquering Rome and Constantinople? Allahu akbar! How amazing is that? The Prophet always kept the greater vision for his people at the forefront of his mind and the minds of his people. He never took his eyes off the ultimate prize and greater mission.

He had the vision and foresight to:

  • send Musab to Madinah long before he made hijra in order to develop a following there before his arrival.
  • send the believers to Abyssinia even when they didn’t want to leave.
  • always remind the people of the greater life to come.
  • sign the treaty of hudaybiyya despite some of his companions objections.
  • listen to his advisors in the battle of the trench and in the thwarted trip to Makkah for Hajj.
  • develop young and dynamic leadership all around him so his work would continue after his death.
  • know when to be patient and quiet, and when to step up and speak out.
  • give the right roles to the right people at the right times; ibn Masud, Khalid ibn Waleed and Musab ibn Umayr are a few that come to mind.

These and countless more examples from the Prophet’s life show that he was a forward thinking person of great vision, therefore we should be the same.

Reflection Questions on the Law:

  • How do we exemplify this quality from the Sunnah in our lives?
  • What is our long term vision for ourselves, our families, our communities and our organizations, and what steps do we need to take to make that vision come to life?

Keep supporting MuslimMatters for the sake of Allah

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The Prophet (SAW) has taught us the best of deeds are those that done consistently, even if they are small. Click here to support MuslimMatters with a monthly donation of $2 per month. Set it and collect blessings from Allah (swt) for the khayr you're supporting without thinking about it.

Adnan Jalali is a former School Teacher and Principal/Head Master turned Leadership Trainer, Executive Coach and International Keynote Speaker. Adnan is the founder of The Jalali Group (jalaligroup.com), a Consulting firm focused on Leadership & Personal Development. The mission of the Jalali Group is to develop inspirational leaders across the globe. Adnan received his Bachelor’s Degree in Geography from Texas State University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Houston. He holds a Teacher’s and School Director’s License in Texas and is a certified Leadership Trainer, Coach and Speaker with the John Maxwell Team. He is currently working on a project to develop inspirational leaders in Colombia, South America.

6 Comments

6 Comments

  1. faiyaz sk

    November 6, 2014 at 1:37 AM

    It was really insightful and was very neatly written.

  2. charlotten2

    November 7, 2014 at 4:06 AM

    your article is inspirational for future muslim leaders or leaders of any faith…..

  3. Adnan Jalali

    November 15, 2014 at 2:44 AM

    Thank you for the kind words!

  4. Pingback: 21 Lessons in Leadership from the Prophet | Part 6 - MuslimMatters.org

  5. Pingback: 21 Lessons in Leadership from the Prophet | Part 7 - MuslimMatters.org

  6. Pingback: 21 Lessons in Leadership from the Prophet | Part 10 - MuslimMatters.org

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