Amongst the condemnations, calls for resignations, and numerous accusations, one sentiment is seldom present; we have to pray for our leaders.
Leaders have power over their people, many of whom are vulnerable or at the very least have given a portion of themselves over to them. They have said, “we see your success in this area of life and entrust you to lead us aright.” With all this power and trust comes responsibility. The more people, the more power. It is cynical to think that a leader —a spiritual leader in particular, would solely look at his congregants as a means to control others. The station of a spiritual leader is an intimate one. Yes, the desire for power and control are human, but so is the desire to do a good job —to fulfill promises. The more people entrusted to one’s care, the more people one can do right by. The more people one can lead on the path to Allah.
And yet; the more heartbreaks, the more opportunities for misunderstandings, the more opportunities for ill will and misalignment. The sheikh is not perfect, no one is. But they are also not power-hungry predators out for their next prey. Not if they are rightly guided, righteous, and upright. Intimate relationships can get sticky, bad blood, and misguided advice —the misguided adventures of a rightly guided do-gooder.
There are easier ways to prey on people than spending decades studying religion and dedicating one’s life to leading others —mostly for $0.00. There’s a saying that no good deed goes unpunished and our shuyukh know this all too well. A rightly guided sheikh, with an isnad back to the prophet, peace to him, and a heart of gold may fumble along the way. That does not make him evil, it only makes him human.
His task is near impossible. Especially in our times when a harsh word can equal front page accusations of “spiritual abuse” and the like. His job is not easy but he does it anyway, because that is what he was tasked to do.
A truly predatory sheikh who has lost his way and gone beyond the bounds of shariah should be warned against and leaving his ranks would be warranted. But a sheikh that one dislikes, finds off putting, or disagreeable, is merely misaligned. Perhaps he’s not the sheikh for you —but what are you warning against, his humanity?
Praying for our leaders because they are humans and human beings fail, but also praying for them because we are human and their failure signals our own downfall. If they go astray, what happens to us? If they can’t be good, what hope do we have? If they have fallen, surely we won’t be far behind.
We need good leaders, sound leaders, leaders up to the task of leading. Even failure or misgivings cannot solely be met with stakes and pitchforks they must also be met with prayers and kind words. “Ya Rabbi aid our leaders and protect them from sin, only you can perfect the righteous.”
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