The Advice of Sa’id bin Amir to Umar bin Khattab

Advice

The statements of the Sahaba are not binding on Muslims but, they  are usually filled with wisdom worthy of implementing in one’s daily life. 

In an era where Muslim leaders always seem lost and ignorant of the duties of a leader, it might help to look back at what leadership meant to our pious predecessors, perhaps we will be better leaders when we get the chance the lead.

Read the seerah of Sa'id bin Amir here
https://towardsdalight.blogspot.com/2019/11/the-world-needs-leaders-like-said-bin.html

Sa’id bin Amir once came to Umar bin Khattab at the beginning of his caliphate and said: "I advise you to fear ALLAH in dealing with people and do not fear people in your relationship with ALLAH. Let not your actions deviate from your words for the best of speech is that which it confirmed by action. Consider those who have been appointed over the affairs of Muslims, far and near. Like for them what you like for yourself and your family and dislike for them what you would dislike for yourself and your family. Surmount any obstacles to attain the truth and do not fear the criticisms of those who criticize in matters prescribed by ALLAH".

LESSONS

1. Fear Allah: Most Muslim leaders in the world today value their personal relationships over obedience to Allah so much so that violating the rights of their subjects is seen as nothing as long as their friends, relatives, colleagues and associates are pleased. A leader must always fear his meeting with Allah on the Day of Judgment.
2. Speech and Action: We live in an era where individuals will do anything to clinch power, including lying to the public to win their trust. In many cases, the lies and deceit continue even when they get the power they crave. Making promises and failing to fulfill them is a major feature of a hypocrite. 
3. Care for Subjects: A lot of leaders in the world today feel they are the only humans hence; they alone have rights to welfare. So they give themselves all kinds of priviledges and claim ignorance of the need of their subjects even when they do most of the work keeping the state running. A Muslim, leader or follower, always loves for others what he loves for himself.
4. Loyalty to Allah: Due to fear of the criticism of the critics, there are very few Muslim countries in the world today where the government is trying to get the state in line with the rule of Allah-not even in policy making. In so many of the 'Muslim 'countries, there are even massive efforts to keep Islam out of public life all in a bid to please the disbelieving ‘super powers’. A leader must be brave enough to declare Allah as the ultimate law giver.