The conception of leadership covers such acts as those of formulating the ideas...

The conception of leadership covers such acts as those of formulating the ideas, mobilizing the forces, organizing the individuals and launching a movement. Our reply is that it is correct that the word 'Hidayat' signifies guidance but it is used in the sense of leadership also. Not only that, but it is used to convey the sense of leading to the desired goal too. Perhaps the words, Siyadat , Qiyadat and Imamat convey the sense of leadership better. There is one more question.

It is the question of the need of leadership and a leader. This pivotal point is the basis of the Prophets' teachings. In the Shi'ah creed the question of Imamat is based on the permanent need of the existence of an infallible and impeccable person. Another question is that of the conditions, means and principles of leadership. One more question is that of the objectives of leadership. Another question is that of the types of leadership.

"Thorough knowledge of human physiognomy is essential for a leader, and for that matter for any man who works with other people on any level, whether in the house, in the school, in the factory or in any other organization". ( Preface to Leadership, p. 25 ) We have cited a well-known tradition regarding travelling. The Holy Prophet has said that if two (or three) persons travel together, they should choose one of them as their chief and the manager.

This tradition shows how much importance Islam attaches to leadership and to discipline. Relationship between leadership on the one hand and organization and discipline on the other. Leadership is an art that can be learnt like any other arts. "Human behaviour has its own laws or mechanism. Every action produces a corresponding reaction. If we want to work smoothly with other people, we must know the laws and the mechanism that govern their behaviour.

Men are like a mystery box, to open which a special key is required. Their cooperation can be secured by means of knowledge and graceful manners, not by force. The laws of human behaviour are not to be formulated. They are to be discovered like the laws of physics, chemistry and physiology. The rules and regulations made to guide human conduct will be received well only if they are in consonance with the laws of human nature and human behaviour". ( Preface to Leadership, p.

25 ) The same book quotes a high official of the secretariat as having said: "Our office equipment has been modernized, but unfortunately our men are worn out." Ref: No.