The Leadership Role of the Ulama

The Leadership Role of the Ulama spiritual guidance to people. So far as practical politics are concerned, those who engage in this field must possess the necessary capability. Not everyone can shoulder this responsibility. Based on this difference in people’s capabilities, the Prophet repeatedly suggested that the ummah appoint Abu Bakr as their leader after him. At the same time, he advised Abu Dharr al-Ghifari, Abu Hurayrah and Hassan ibn Thabit never to accept any governmental post. Owing to their inborn qualities, some people are more suitable for occupying official posts than others. Islam entrusts those who possess requisite political capability with administrative posts, whereas others should engage themselves in non-political fields as necessary as the political sphere. Politicians should be charged with carrying out administrative duties, while scholars should be held responsible for imparting education to people. The role of politicians and scholars is made clear in a tradition mentioned in chapter Kitab al-Fitan of the books of Hadith. Prophet Muhammad observed in no uncertain terms that in later times, owing to the general law of degeneration, perversion would set in in the rulers. They would become tyrannical and