The Leadership Role of the Ulama

THE LEADERSHIP ROLE OF THE ULAMA Scholars should be held responsible for imparting education to people, while the politicians should carry out administrative duties. The Ulama should avail of the non-political opportunities and ignore political problems. I n this essay, we would like to elaborate on the leadership role of the Ulama in contemporary times. To understand the role of the Ulama, we need to know, first of all, what role Islam has assigned for them. It will provide us with a standard to evaluate their activities in present times. The Role of the Ulama in Islam The Quran provides us appropriate guidance concerning the role of the Ulama thus: It is not right that all the believers should go out [in time of war] all together. Why, then, does not a party from every group come to [the Prophet] in order to acquire a deeper knowledge of religion and to warn their people, so that they can guard themselves against evil? (9:122)