Many Islamic leaders prioritise wealth, power over responsibility: Perak Islamic Dept

KUALA LUMPUR – Many Islamic figures are reaping the luxurious benefits of their positions and wealth while abandoning their responsibilities towards the people, said the Perak Islamic Religious Department.

In its sermon today, the department said that a true leader should be like a “slave” in his servitude to the people while receiving payment in line with his efforts and completed work. 

Besides stating that leaders must have far-sighted visions and goals to advance society, the religious address urged superiors to repent and remember that holding a rank is a responsibility granted by god. 

“The power held by a leader is an entrusted responsibility that must be carried out and is an indication of a person’s faith level, just as the prophet stressed that one’s faith is incomplete if he cannot be trustworthy,” the text read, as reported by Getaran, The Vibes’ sister portal.  

“Trust is such a heavy responsibility that heavens, the earth and the mountains are not willing to bear it – but humans, who are cruel and have weaknesses, are ready to shoulder it (trust).” 

The sermon explained that Islamic leaders should avoid cruel acts that erode trust in their leadership, bringing burdens and suffering to the people.

Imploring leaders to fulfil their assigned duties sincerely, it said that such figures must also have the strength to reject any temptation towards bribery and corruption to avoid being branded as “munafik” (hypocrites). 

“Beware of destructive influences, which can even come from relatives and friends. Priority should be placed on entrusted responsibilities and not betraying God and the prophet. Those who fall prey to such influences are hypocrites,” it said. 

“Leaders are the ones who will be held accountable before God. If they (leaders) had successfully carried out their duties, they will be rewarded for refraining from breaking trust.” 

It emphasised that leaders should be elected and positions should be handed over to people who are trustworthy as transferring responsibility to deceitful individuals is akin to “passing over a goat to be cared for by a wolf.” – The Vibes, October 14, 2022