LEADERSHIP IN ISLAMIC LAW: AN OVERVIEW OF THOUGHTS AND IDEALS OF SHAYKH ABUBAKAR AHMAD ARABI JOS

Abstract

Leadership in Islam is a trust that whoever is bestowed with it must act as Allah’s vicegerent on the face of the earth. It is a task that implies caring for the welfare of the led, doing what is best for them and guiding them on what is right and forbidding what is wrong. Thus, this paper used analytical approach in examining the concept and Shari’ah perspective of leadership. It surveys the principles leadership. It also studies the thoughts of Shaykh Ahmad Arabi, one of the contemporary legists of northern Nigeria, his life ideas as an exemplary Muslim leader, and philosophy about the objectives of a good leadership. The paper uncovers that Islam as a complete way of life, considers leadership as a foundation upon which all essence of life is built upon. It is a security that checks the provision and realization of the Shari’ah objectives, called Maqasid al-Shari’ah. It also discovers that the two cardinals of Shari’ah, known as Jalb al-Naf’ (bringing benefits) and daf’ al-ḍarar (preventing harm) depends on the existence of effective leadership. Therefore, concludes that the necessity for leadership in every human society is as that of life itself.