Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Talks About Islamic Leadership Philosophies at UIII

UIII.AC.ID, DEPOK - The Faculty of Education (FoE) at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) recently welcomed Dr. Ahmed Mohamed, Assistant Professor at The Maldives National University, where he delivered a guest lecture on educational leadership from an Islamic perspective, exploring the core principles and philosophies of leadership in the context of Islamic teachings.

Dr. Mohamed began by elucidating the various Arabic terms for a leader, including imam, amir, malik, khalifah, and sulthan, indicating the multifaceted nature of leadership in Islam. He emphasized that the concept of leadership in Islamic texts is often conceptualized as ra‘in (leader), khalifah (steward), and amir (ruler). Referencing a hadith from al Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, Dr. Mohamed highlighted that "all of you are leaders and are accountable for your flock," indicating the universal and responsible nature of leadership in Islam .

Delving deeper, Dr. Mohamed described the underlying philosophies of educational leadership in Islam, anchored in the concepts of Tawhid (oneness) and ‘ilm (knowledge). "Tawhid holds that God is the ultimate authority above every leader," he explained, underscoring the importance of monotheism in Islamic leadership. Additionally, he mentioned the significance of knowledge, derived from both the Qur’an and the practices of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions .

Moreover, Dr. Mohamed emphasized the responsibility of leaders to strive for the common good, a concept repeatedly mentioned in the Qur'an. "It is the leader's responsibility to command the right and forbid the wrong," he cited, pointing out the crucial role of leaders in establishing and maintaining social justice. This directive is central to Islamic leadership, guiding leaders to prioritize ethical and just actions in their roles .

Dr. Mohamed also discussed the development of Islamic school leadership models, their competencies, and the challenges faced by leaders in Islamic contexts. This included exploring leadership models in Thailand and examining how Islamic values influence educational leadership in the Maldives. The discussion highlighted issues such as the lack of autonomy for school leaders, the challenges of being 'sandwiched' between the Ministry of Education and community expectations, and the impact of these factors on leadership practices .

Dr. Ahmed Mohamed's lecture at UIII was a significant contribution to the discourse on educational leadership, offering a unique perspective. His expertise and insights are invaluable for educators and leaders who seek to integrate ethical and spiritual dimensions into their leadership practices. His guidance serves as a beacon for those aspiring to lead with integrity and wisdom in the diverse and complex field of education.

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