THE ROLE OF THE ULEMA — Guidance and Reformation

refer to the deterioration in governance in later times, exhorting people that even if they see that their rulers have gone astray they must not challenge them. Even in such circumstances, these traditions suggest, they must not brand the rulers as ‘oppressors’ or revolt against them. This clearly indicates that the believers must respect the division between the ‘men of politics’ and the ‘men of knowledge’ even in such extreme conditions. This also suggests that it is not only in ordinary circumstances that the ulema of the ummah must fulfill their responsibility as teachers of the people. Rather, they must continue to play this constructive role even when they see that the rulers have fallen prey to corruption. No matter how degenerate the system of governance may appear to have become, the ulema must not deviate from the work that they have been entrusted with. Leadership based on society In the section on leadership and justice in the Mishkat al-Masabih it is reported that the Prophet said: Your leadership will be a reflection of you [the people]. From this Hadith, we learn about two distinct things: on one hand, the mentality of people, their likes and dislikes, and so on, and, on the other hand, leadership over people. The political structure and the nature of the leadership of a particular society, this Hadith teaches us, is indelibly shaped by the former. Politicians are charged with the task of administering and organizing the people, scholars have the responsibility of providing the people with the knowledge that they need. The ulema are charged with the responsibility of helping to shape people’s consciousness and guide them on the right path, leaving the task of governing people to politicians. A healthy society must observe this distinction of tasks and responsibilities. Violating this distinction is bound to lead to great disruption. If people are properly guided and their minds shaped in the right way by the ulema, they will enjoy the right sort of government. Conversely, if people’s character and minds are corrupted, the government that rules over them will be of the same sort.