Muharram 25, 1448 (July 10, 2026)
Assalaamun Alaykum Warahmatullah Taallah Wabarakatuhu
Leadership as an Amanah: Reflections on the Life and Influence of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Alḥamdulillāh. We praise Allah, we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil within ourselves and from the consequences of our deeds. Whomsoever Allah guides, none can misguide; and whomsoever He allows to stray, none can guide. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is His servant and Messenger.
Dear brothers and sisters in Islam,
We should strive to fear Allah as He should be feared. Taqwa is the greatest provision for this life and the Hereafter.
Allah says:
“O you who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and do not die except as Muslims.” (Qur’an 3:102)
One of the greatest trusts that Allah places upon human beings is the trust of leadership. Leadership is not confined to presidents, kings, governors, judges or religious scholars. Every parent leads a family. Every teacher leads a classroom. Every employer leads workers. Every journalist shapes public opinion. Every imam guides a congregation. Every one of us is entrusted with responsibilities that will one day be accounted for before Allah.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
“Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.”
This profound hadith reminds us that leadership is not a privilege to be celebrated but a responsibility to be discharged with justice, sincerity and fear of Allah.
Today, we reflect on leadership through the public life of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran. Around the world, opinions about him differ considerably. Some admire his steadfastness and commitment to the ideals of the Iranian Revolution. Others strongly disagree with aspects of his governance and policies. Such differences are part of political life and historical debate.
As Muslims, however, we are called to learn from the lives of those who occupy positions of immense responsibility. We neither idolize leaders nor dismiss them without reflection. Instead, we ask: What lessons can we draw about leadership, accountability, patience, and service to one’s people?
For decades, Ayatollah Khamenei has occupied one of the most influential positions in the Muslim world. His tenure has spanned periods of war, sanctions, diplomatic tensions, scientific development, regional conflicts and social change. Whatever one’s political perspective, few would deny that his leadership has had a profound impact on Iran and on discussions about Islam, governance and international relations.
His long public service reminds us that influence is a trust from Allah. Influence can be used to unite or divide, to uplift or to oppress, to inspire hope or deepen despair. Every leader will stand before Allah to answer for how that influence was exercised.
Allah the Exalted says:
“Indeed, Allah commands justice, excellence and giving to relatives, and forbids immorality, wrongdoing and oppression.” (Qur’an 16:90)
Justice is the foundation of enduring leadership. Wealth cannot replace justice. Military strength cannot replace justice. Popularity cannot replace justice. A nation may survive hardship, but it struggles to survive injustice.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that among the seven whom Allah will shade on the Day when there is no shade except His is a just leader. This reminds us that leadership in Islam is measured not by titles or applause but by fairness, mercy and accountability.
Brothers and sisters,
The world today desperately needs leaders who fear Allah more than they fear losing power; leaders who speak the truth even when it is difficult; leaders who protect the weak, defend the oppressed, promote peace and seek reconciliation where others sow hatred.
This responsibility extends beyond political office. Religious leaders must avoid words that inflame division. Journalists must uphold truth over sensationalism. Community leaders must reject prejudice and promote mutual respect. Parents must nurture children with compassion and integrity.
Leadership begins with the self. Before reforming nations, we must reform our own hearts. Before criticizing rulers, we should ask whether we fulfil our own responsibilities faithfully.
The Qur’an reminds us:
“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves.” (Qur’an 13:11)
This divine principle teaches that lasting reform starts from within. Strong societies are built by people of strong character, sincere faith and moral courage.
May Allah grant us leaders who are guided by justice and wisdom, and may He make each of us trustworthy in the responsibilities He has placed upon us. Āmīn.
Next, is focusing on perseverance in leadership, accountability before Allah, unity of the Ummah, practical lessons for contemporary Muslim societies.
Servants of Allah,
Fear Allah and remember that this worldly life is temporary. Positions of authority, wealth, fame and influence are all fleeting. Every ruler will one day relinquish power. Every scholar will leave behind his books. Every preacher will eventually fall silent. Every journalist will write his final article. What remains is one’s record before Allah.
Allah, the Most High, says:
“Every soul shall taste death, and you will only be given your full compensation on the Day of Resurrection.” (Qur’an 3:185)
This verse should humble every one of us. It reminds presidents and peasants alike that no one escapes the final appointment with Allah.
When reflecting on the life of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Muslims should not merely ask whether they agreed or disagreed with every political decision he made. Rather, we should ask a more personal question:
What kind of legacy am I building?
Most of us will never govern a nation. We may never address millions of people or influence international affairs. Yet every one of us is shaping a legacy through our words, our actions and our character.
A father leaves a legacy in his children.
A mother leaves a legacy in her sacrifices.
A teacher leaves a legacy in her students.
An imam leaves a legacy in his congregation.
A journalist leaves a legacy in every truthful story he tells and every falsehood he refuses to publish.
Allah reminds us:
“So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.” (Qur’an 99:7–8)
Nothing is insignificant before Allah.
Brothers and sisters,
One quality that has marked many influential leaders throughout history is steadfastness. Whether people praise or criticize them, they remain committed to what they sincerely believe to be right.
Islam teaches steadfastness—but it also teaches humility.
A believer remains firm upon truth while remaining open to sincere advice.
A believer does not confuse determination with arrogance.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) welcomed consultation (shūrā), listened to companions and accepted differing opinions where revelation had not settled the matter.
Allah says:
“…and consult them in matters. Then when you have decided, place your trust in Allah.” (Qur’an 3:159)
This verse remains a timeless principle for leaders at every level.
Our communities flourish when leaders consult rather than dictate.
Families flourish when husbands and wives listen to one another.
Organizations flourish when decisions are made with wisdom rather than ego.
Likewise, our Ummah needs leaders who combine conviction with compassion, strength with justice, and courage with mercy.
Dear believers,
One of the greatest challenges facing Muslims today is division.
We are divided by ethnicity.
We are divided by schools of thought.
We are divided by politics.
We are divided by nationality.
Yet Allah reminds us:
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (Qur’an 3:103)
Unity does not require uniformity.
It requires mutual respect.
It requires sincere dialogue.
It requires recognizing that every Muslim who sincerely bears witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger deserves dignity and brotherhood.
As Chairman of the Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria, I have seen firsthand how dialogue can bridge misunderstanding. The media, religious institutions and civil society all have a responsibility to reduce hatred rather than inflame it.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“The Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand other Muslims are safe.”
How much stronger our Ummah would become if every public discussion reflected this prophetic standard.
My dear brothers and sisters,
Leadership is not about being remembered for monuments, titles or ceremonies.
True greatness lies in serving humanity sincerely for the sake of Allah.
The greatest leaders in Islam were those who feared Allah in private just as much as they inspired people in public.
They prayed when no one was watching.
They wept when they remembered their shortcomings.
They sought forgiveness before seeking applause.
Let each of us therefore ask ourselves today:
If my life were to end tonight, what would people remember?
Would they remember kindness?
Would they remember honesty?
Would they remember justice?
Would they remember compassion?
Or would they remember arrogance, oppression and broken promises?
These questions matter more than our occupations or social status.
Finally, let us remember our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), the greatest leader humanity has ever known. His leadership was founded upon mercy, justice, humility and complete submission to Allah.
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May Allah grant our leaders wisdom.
May He protect Muslim lands from conflict and injustice.
May He unite our hearts upon truth.
May He guide our scholars, journalists, public servants and community leaders to sincerity and righteousness.
May He forgive our parents, our teachers and all believing men and women, living and deceased.
May He grant peace to lands afflicted by war, heal the wounded, comfort the bereaved and strengthen those working for justice and reconciliation.
Our Lord, grant us goodness in this world and goodness in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
Indeed, Allah commands justice, excellence and generosity to relatives, and He forbids immorality, wrongdoing and transgression. He admonishes you so that you may take heed. (Qur’an 16:90)
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Endeavour to recite Surah Al-Kahf (Chapter 18: Verses 1-110).
Juma’ah Mabrouq
