Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura
Friday Sermon
22 August 2025 / 28 Safar 1447H
Leadership Begins from Within
Dear blessed congregation,
Instil within ourselves the consciousness and taqwa of Allah s.w.t., Al-Haseeb – the Lord who takes account of all our deeds. Fulfil all His commands and avoid all His prohibitions. May our lives continue to be blessed, and may we all attain His pleasure.
Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.
My dear brothers,
Today’s khutbah will discuss leadership. In this regard, what should we consider before becoming a leader – whether in the family, an organisation, a student association, or the like? In line with the spirit of Islam, a leader must first leadhimself – that is, to possess the best qualities of leadership within himself – before leading others.
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. fully understood this need. He never commanded anything without first doing it himself. When he called others to obedience, his own character became the best reflection of the traits of a devoted servant. When the Prophet s.a.w. encouraged patience, and he himself exemplified the perfection of this trait. He guided people according to the Quran, after first demonstrating a character and conduct that reflected its teachings. Indeed, this was the answer of Sayyidatina A’ishah r.a., when asked by the companions about the Prophet’s character at home. She explained:
Which means: “His character was the Qur’an”
The excellent qualities of the Prophet s.a.w., including his leadership, are mentioned by Allah in Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 21:
Which means: "Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have a good example to follow, for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day, and who remembers Allah often."
Dear blessed congregation,
The entire life of the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. is a treasury of guidance on self-leadership, which should be an example for all Muslims. Following are two valuable lessons from his life that we can emulate together:
First: The steadfastness (istiqamah) of the Prophet s.a.w. in worship and devotion.
The Prophet s.a.w. always maintained a close relationship with Allah s.w.t. through consistent and continuous acts of worship.
Steadfastness in worship is a fundamental pillar of selfleadership, because a continuous spiritual connection with Allah shapes our character and strengthens our resolve to do good. Consistent worship nurtures patience, perseverance, and self-discipline, helping us face life’s challenges with resilience.
Steadfastness in devotion also reminds us of our trust (amanah) and responsibilities before Allah. This quality of istiqamah guides our behaviour when leading ourselves as well as others with full sincerity.
Second: Leadership must be paired with noble character.
The Prophet s.a.w. was renowned for his exemplary character, embodying the highest levels of honesty, humility, integrity, principledness, and much more. These are some traits that every leader should possess. In conclusion, leadership without good character is flawed leadership. We must adorn ourselves with noble character if we truly aspire to be leaders in any field.
Dear blessed congregation,
Self-leadership is the foundation of all leadership. If we cannot guide ourselves to be responsible and obedient servants of Allah s.w.t., we cannot expect to leadothers to do the same.
Therefore, let us strive together to emulate the Prophet’s leadership, by remaining steadfast in our relationship with Allah, through sincere worship, adorned with noble character. May these virtues guide us and those we lead toward goodness and righteousness. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.
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