The story of the village of hope

Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon *

Long ago, in a land surrounded by mountains and rivers, there was a small village called Amal (Hope). The people of Amal lived simple lives, thriving on their unity and hard work. But one year, disaster struck—a severe drought left their crops withered, their wells dry, and their hopes shattered. Hunger and despair began to take over, and arguments replaced their once harmonious discussions.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, the village elders decided to seek guidance. They heard of a wise traveler who had dedicated his life to studying the lives of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Khilafat-e-Rashidah—the era of the rightly guided caliphs. When the traveler arrived, the elders pleaded with him:

“Our village is falling apart. We are losing faith in our unity and our leaders. Teach us how to build a just and prosperous society, even in difficult times.”

The traveler smiled warmly and said, “Let me share with you the stories of those who ruled with justice, compassion, and humility, guided by the teachings of Islam. Their examples will not only guide you but also help you transform your community.”

Justice – The Foundation of Society

The traveler began, Justice is the bedrock of a prosperous society. Without it, trust crumbles, and chaos reigns. During the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), he once overheard a child crying in the middle of the night. Disguised as a common man, he approached the house and discovered a mother boiling stones to calm her hungry children.

Instead of sending someone else, Umar himself carried a sack of flour on his back and delivered it to the woman. When his companion offered to help, Umar replied, ‘Will you carry my burden on the Day of Judgment?’

This is the essence of justice: not just ensuring fairness in courts but taking personal responsibility for the well-being of every individual under your care. A just leader sleeps peacefully knowing no one goes to bed hungry or oppressed.”

The villagers nodded, reflecting on how fairness and personal accountability could bring peace to their village.

Accountability – Leadership as a Trust

The traveller continued, “Leadership is not about power; it is a trust (Amanah). When Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) became the first Caliph, he stood before the people and declared, ‘Obey me as long as I obey Allah and His Messenger. If I disobey them, then you owe me no obedience.’

He held himself accountable to the people and to Allah. He was not a ruler above the law but a servant of the people, willing to be corrected if he erred. Leadership thrives when it is guided by humility and accountability, not arrogance and greed.”**

The elders of the village realized that they too must hold themselves accountable, ensuring their decisions benefit the community rather than serving their personal interests.

Lesson 3: Compassion – The Heart of Leadership

The traveller shared another story: “During his caliphate, Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) once saw a camel struggling under a heavy load. Tears filled his eyes as he said, ‘Fear Allah in your treatment of animals.’ If such was his compassion for animals, imagine the mercy he showed his people. Compassionate leadership brings hearts together and inspires loyalty. Leaders must never ignore the cries of the needy, for their service is a duty to Allah.”

The villagers were moved, realizing that compassion begins with small acts of kindness and understanding, especially toward the weakest among them.

Unity – Strength in Brotherhood

The traveler then said, “Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA), the fourth Caliph, once reminded the people of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) words: ‘The believers are but brothers.’

During his time, divisions arose, yet Ali worked tirelessly to unite the people, even at great personal cost. He taught that division weakens a community, while unity strengthens its foundation. A divided nation falls, but a united one can overcome any challenge.”

The villagers understood that their infighting was tearing them apart. They pledged to rebuild their unity, setting aside their differences for the greater good.

Leadership by Example – The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Finally, the traveler said, “All of this wisdom comes from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who said, ‘The leader of a people is their servant.’

The Prophet led by example. He mended his clothes, carried his own belongings, and shared his food with the poor. His humility inspired his followers, and his leadership transformed a fractured society into a unified and just Ummah. A leader who leads by example creates a ripple effect, inspiring others to do the same.”

A New Dawn in Amal

Inspired by these stories, the people of Amal began to transform their lives. The elders ensured justice was upheld, food and water were distributed fairly, and grievances were addressed swiftly. Leaders held themselves accountable and invited feedback from the people. Compassion became a cornerstone of their community, with neighbours helping one another during times of need. Unity flourished as everyone worked together, remembering that their strength lay in their togetherness.

Over time, the drought ended, but the lessons they learned became the foundation of their community. Amal became a shining example for neighbouring villages, a place where fairness, humility, and service to others were the guiding principles.

A Message for Modern Leaders

The traveler’s stories hold profound lessons for modern leaders, offering a timeless blueprint for ethical and compassionate leadership. At the heart of leadership lies the principle of justice—the foundation of any prosperous society. A true leader ensures that every individual under their care is treated fairly and given their due rights, regardless of their social or economic standing.

Justice demands that decisions be free from favouritism, bias, and personal gain, creating an environment of trust and security. Leaders who prioritize justice lay the groundwork for a nation where harmony prevails, and grievances are resolved swiftly and equitably.

Equally important is the concept of accountability. Leadership is not a privilege to wield unchecked power but a sacred trust bestowed upon an individual by both the people and, ultimately, Allah. Modern leaders must recognize that they are servants of their people, answerable for every decision and action they take.

Just as the rightly guided caliphs held themselves accountable before Allah and their citizens, today’s leaders must remember that their authority is temporary, but the consequences of their actions will echo through eternity. Accountability ensures that leaders remain humble, self-aware, and committed to the welfare of their nation.

Compassion is another cornerstone of exemplary leadership. A leader must care deeply for the needs of the most vulnerable members of society—the poor, the weak, and the voiceless. Acts of kindness and mercy are not mere gestures but vital tools for building trust and fostering unity. When leaders prioritize the well-being of their people, they inspire loyalty and ensure that no one feels neglected or abandoned.

Compassionate governance not only strengthens the bond between a leader and their people but also reflects the values of humanity and moral integrity.

Unity is essential for the survival and prosperity of any nation. Division, discord, and selfish agendas are the seeds of a nation’s downfall. Leaders must rise above personal ambitions and partisan divides to bring people together.

By fostering a sense of shared purpose and collective responsibility, they can strengthen the fabric of society, making it resilient in the face of challenges. A united nation stands tall, capable of overcoming even the gravest adversities.

Finally, humility defines true leadership. A leader who serves with humility and leads by example earns the respect and love of their people. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the rightly guided caliphs exemplified this through their selflessness, simplicity, and dedication to serving others. Humility transforms leadership from a position of dominance into a role of service, inspiring others to emulate the same values in their lives.

Modern leaders must deeply reflect on these principles and embrace the timeless wisdom of the Khilafat-e-Rashidah. By embodying justice, accountability, compassion, unity, and humility, they can build societies rooted in fairness, prosperity, and peace. Leadership is not about securing power but about creating a legacy that uplifts humanity and earns the pleasure of Allah.

The story of Amal is not merely a tale of transformation but a reminder for leaders and citizens alike. It teaches us that with the right values; even the most challenging times can be overcome. In today’s world, where injustice, division, and selfishness often dominate, these principles serve as a beacon of hope.

Leaders must strive to create a world where fairness, kindness, and unity prevail, for the betterment of society and as a means to fulfil their divine responsibility.