4 & 11...

4 & 11: "Nowadays the need of leadership is discussed under the general heading of management. Industrial management, commercial management, technical management and administrative management are all probably classified as administrative sciences. Our age is the age of administration and management". ( Preface to Leadership, p. 35 ) "Do not cross this stage unaccompanied by a Khizr (true guide).

It is a dark place; beware of going astray." "He will perish who does not have a wise man to guide him and a foolish man to support him." The famous Persian poet, Hafiz says: "Try to learn if you do not know. Unless you walk yourself, how will you be able to lead others?" Describing the qualifications required for a leader, Plato says that the kings must be philosophers. The eminence of a philosopher must be combined with the grandeur of a king.

Conditions and Means of Leadership "A leader must be able to play a creative role in: (i) Organizing divergent human forces, (ii) And utilizing them for achieving the desired objectives, both individual and collective." ( Preface to Leadership, p.

45 ) The following Qur'anic verse explicitly shows the active and reformative leadership of the Holy Prophet of Islam: "It was by the Mercy of Allah that you were lenient with them, for if you had been stern and fierce of heart, they would have dispersed from you. So pardon them and seek forgiveness for them and consult with them upon the conduct of affairs. And when you are resolved, then put your trust in Allah.

Surely Allah loves those who put their trust in Him." (Surah Ale Imran, 3:159) The incident of Abu Lubabah and his repentance and the incident of the three persons who lagged behind at the time of the Battle of Tabuk, and were subsequently excommunicated by the order of the Holy Prophet. They were left isolated and so took shelter in the hills.

"And to the three also (did He turn in mercy) who were left behind, when the earth, vast as it is, was straitened for them, and their own souls were straitened for them, till they bethought them that there is not refuge from Allah save towards Him." (Surah at-Taubah, 9:118) The incidents of Sa'd ibn Rabi', Abuzar and Abdullah ibn Jumu' are unique examples of securing general cooperation and carrying out public affairs and relationship.

One of the requirements of a leader is his possessing of cooperative spirit and his practical participation in general effort. Initiative is all the more necessary.