When the Young Ones become Leaders.

In the Youth Camp, amongst the participants and the committee, many a times, the team leaders who were appointed are not necessarily the oldest or most experienced person. And within those situations lie lessons in loyalty, respect, patience and wisdom

We witnessed some amazing examples amongst the team members : there’s one particular brother who was much older than everyone else within the team – in fact, senior enough to be their parents’ age - yet he actively cooperated with all his young team leader’s instructions, proactive in obtaining solutions, never complained about tasks, and steadfastly stuck to his post despite the rough challenges and lack of sleep. It was very motivating to the team, and he became a defining example of what it means to be a true team player.

But on the other hand, we also witnessed some severe cases of insubordination and lack of respect. Some individuals simply refused to listen to their leader, ignored instructions or just did according to what they saw fit, because “this young man, he doesn’t know what he’s doing.” They became a toxic influence to the team, and pulled the lazy ones with them.

Sometimes a person is given a position of leadership and responsibility, due to merit or any other reason, even though he may be among the younger and less experienced. We witness this in our workplace, the corporate world, even in charity and da’wah organizations - in fact we even have examples in the Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam).

The Prophet ecognized that it was to be a potential source of conflict for many years to come. So amongst his final advice to us –
“I enjoin you to have taqwa (consciousness, fear) of Allah,
And that you LISTEN and OBEY, even if a slave is appointed as a ruler over you.
He among you who lives long enough (after I have gone), will see many differences.
So upon you, is to observe my sunnah, and the sunnah of the rightly guided successors (Khulafa ar-Rashideen) – Cling to them firmly with your molar teeth!”

(Narrated by Abu Daud and At-Tirmidzi who graded is 'hasah sahih', Hadith #28 in The compilation "40 Hadith" by Imam An-Nawawi)

The companions displayed utmost respect and loyalty to their leader, as long as orders were not in contradiction to Islam: no matter the age, the 'status in society', or level of ‘competency’ of the leader.
They understood that the most important greater good is to achieve unity. Even if they disagree with certain decisions, they would sort it out by mutual consultation and advice with their leaders and not influence the rest. They would propose solutions, but respect if they are turned down. They become active team members who actively work towards achieving common victory and not personal glory.

On the other hand, the munafiqoon (hypocrites) like Abdullah ibn Ubayy ibn Salul, would always question the leaders’ instructions, and instead of mutual advice and consultation, would much rather spread rumours and gossip amongst the group, splitting up the ranks and causing disunity – supposedly because “they know better”.

An important reminder to myself and to you - we should ask ourselves – as team players, are we acting like sahabah, or like munafiqun?


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