TRANSLATION

Friday, October 3, 2025

 

Leadership, 

Governance and Mercy in Maqasidization

By Dr SHAYA'A OTHMAN



Summary

This article is from Chapter 7 of the book entitled "Maqasidization of Knowledge and Action"  authored by Dr Shaya'a Othman, which applies maqasid to leadership and governance, emphasising justice, consultation (shura), and mercy as the foundational principles of ethical leadership. It contrasts Qur’anic and Prophetic models with the failures of modern governance — corruption, authoritarianism, and populism. Case studies of Islamic finance, halal industries, and waqf highlight how maqasid-inspired governance already succeeds globally. The chapter proposes a framework for Maqasidic leadership that is accountable, ethical, participatory, and merciful, extending its relevance beyond Muslim societies to global governance institutions seeking justice and sustainability.




1 Introduction: The Crisis of Leadership

Leadership is the cornerstone of governance, yet it is also one of the deepest crises of our time. Around the world, nations are plagued by corruption, authoritarianism, populism, and incompetence. International institutions such as the UN, IMF, and WTO are criticised for serving the interests of the powerful rather than promoting justice.

For Muslim societies, the challenge is twofold: to overcome internal governance failures while also contributing to global leadership rooted in justice and mercy. The maqasid framework provides a compass for leaders to serve humanity, ensuring that governance preserves religion, life, intellect, progeny, and wealth.

The following Table 1 summarises and highlights the global leadership crisis across four critical dimensions: corruption, inequality, environmental failure, and loss of trust. Each crisis is interconnected, reflecting the limitations of secular governance models. A maqasidized leadership framework is urgently needed to restore justice, ethics, and trust in both national and global arenas.

Table 1: Global Leadership Crisis – Corruption, Inequality, Environmental Failure, Loss of Trust

 

Crisis Dimension

Manifestations

Consequences

Corruption

Abuse of power, bribery, nepotism, state capture.

Erodes governance, diverts resources, perpetuates injustice.

Inequality

Wealth concentration, wage gaps, unequal access to services.

Fuels social unrest, poverty cycles, and marginalisation.

Environmental Failure

Climate inaction, overexploitation of resources, and pollution.

Biodiversity loss, disasters, threats to life and livelihood.

Loss of Trust

Declining faith in governments, institutions, and leaders.

Weakens social cohesion, breeds cynicism, and destabilises democracies.

 

 

As shown above table, Table 1.1: The global leadership crisis reveals systemic failures across corruption, inequality, environment, and trust—underscoring the urgent need for maqasidized leadership approaches.

 


 

2. Qur’anic Models of Leadership

The Qur’an provides enduring principles for leadership:


·       Justice: “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice.” (Qur’an 4:58)


·       Consultation (Shura): “...those who have responded to their master and established prayer, and whose affair is [determined] by consultation among themselves...” (Qur’an 42:38).



·       Mercy: The Prophet was described as “a mercy to the worlds” (Qur’an 21:107).


 


There are three core Qur’anic principles, namely Justice, consultation, and mercy, that form the foundation of Islamic leadership. Unlike secular paradigms that often emphasise power or profit, these principles align leadership with maqasid al-shariah, ensuring that governance is ethical, participatory, and compassionate. Table 2: Qur’anic Principles of Leadership demonstrates how justice, consultation, and mercy provide an ethical and holistic framework for leadership.

 

Table 2: Qur’anic Principles of Leadership – Justice, Consultation, Mercy


Principle

Qur’anic Reference

Application in Leadership

Justice (ʿAdl / Qis)

“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice.” (Qur’an 4:58)

Leaders must ensure fairness, accountability, and the protection of rights for all, regardless of status.

Consultation (Shūrā)

“…and those who have responded to their master and established prayer and whose affair is [determined] by consultation among themselves…” (Qur’an 42:38)

Leaders should engage communities, institutions, and experts in decision-making, fostering participatory governance.

Mercy (Ramah)

“And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” (Qur’an 21:107)

Leadership guided by compassion and care prioritises the well-being of people, the environment, and future generations.


 

3. Prophetic and Early Islamic Leadership

Prophet Muhammad

The Prophet Muhammad embodied the highest form of integrated leadership, combining spiritual, political, and social authority. His governance in Medina was a living model of maqasid values, where religion was protected, justice ensured, and communal harmony established. The Constitution of Medina guaranteed freedom of religion for Muslims, Jews, and others, while promoting mutual defence and cooperation. His leadership emphasised mercy, consultation, and service to the people, setting a benchmark for ethical and inclusive governance.

Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (r.a.)

As the first Caliph, Abu Bakr al-Siddiq emphasised humility, accountability, and service. In his inaugural speech, he declared: “If I do right, support me; if I do wrong, correct me.” This ethos reflected a deep commitment to justice and community participation. Abu Bakr safeguarded religion and unity during a time of great instability, resisting apostasy and consolidating the Muslim community. His leadership showed that legitimacy in governance depends on accountability and moral integrity.


Umar ibn al-Khattab (r.a.)

Caliph Umar is often remembered as the model of justice and welfare-oriented leadership. He institutionalised welfare stipends for the poor, widows, and orphans, ensuring food security and dignity for vulnerable groups. His regulation of markets and insistence on fair pricing highlighted his concern for economic justice. Umar also expanded the Islamic state while upholding the protection of non-Muslim communities, illustrating the balance of power with ethical governance. His leadership exemplified maqasid in action, ensuring the preservation of life, wealth, and dignity.


Uthman ibn Affan (r.a.) and Ali ibn Abi Talib (r.a.)

The leadership of Uthman and Ali demonstrated both the strengths and challenges of governance in turbulent times. Uthman was noted for his generosity, especially in financing public works and preserving the Qur’an in its standard written form. Yet his era also exposed the difficulties of nepotism and political dissent. Ali emphasised justice and equality, but his caliphate faced civil war and division. Both leaders highlight that leadership requires not only vision and ethics but also the ability to navigate conflict while upholding maqasid principles of justice and unity

Table 3: Case Studies of Early Islamic Leaders and their Maqasid Contributions


Leader

Maqasid Contributions

Prophet Muhammad

Constitution of Medina, freedom of religion, justice, communal harmony, mercy, and consultation.

Abu Bakr al-Siddiq

Accountability, humility, unity of the Muslim community, protection of religion and justice.

Umar ibn al-Khattab

Welfare stipends, food security, market regulation, justice for Muslims and non-Muslims.

Uthman ibn Affan

Generosity, financing public works, preservation of the Qur’an, and challenges of nepotism.

Ali ibn Abi Talib

Justice and equality, leadership during civil strife, emphasis on unity and ethical rule.

 

As shown in Table 3, the early Islamic leaders demonstrated how maqasid-based leadership was embodied in practice. Their successes and challenges illustrate that true leadership rests on justice, accountability, welfare, and mercy—principles urgently needed for contemporary governance.

 



4 Maqasid and Modern Leadership

Leadership today requires navigating complex challenges — globalisation, AI, climate change, inequality. Maqasid provides a framework for leaders to anchor their decisions:

  • Hifz al-Dīn: Ensure freedom of belief and protect ethical values in governance.
  • Hifz al-Nafs: Protect lives through healthcare, security, and peacebuilding.
  • Hifz al-‘Aql: Promote education, free inquiry, and responsible technology.
  • Hifz al-Nasl: Protect families, future generations, and sustainability.
  • Hifz al-Māl: Promote equitable economic systems, fair taxation, and anti-corruption.

The following Table 4 demonstrates that maqasid objectives map directly onto leadership responsibilities. A maqasidized leadership model ensures that governance is not only functional but ethical, protecting the essential dimensions of religion, life, intellect, progeny, and wealth. By aligning policies with these objectives, leaders can achieve justice, trust, and long-term well-being. It also highlights how governance can be directly aligned with ethical and divine guidance.

 

Table 4: Mapping Maqasid Objectives onto Leadership Responsibilities


Maqasid Objective

Leadership Responsibility

Practical Examples

Protection of Religion (Hifz al-Din)

Ensure freedom of faith, moral guidance, and integrity in governance.

Guarantee religious freedom, promote ethical governance, uphold accountability.

Protection of Life (Hifz al-Nafs)

Safeguard human dignity, security, and welfare.

Healthcare policies, social safety nets, protection from violence.

Protection of Intellect (Hifz al-‘Aql)

Foster education, critical thinking, and protection from harmful ideologies.

Invest in schools and cyber education, regulate manipulative AI/tech.

Protection of Progeny (Hifz al-Nasl)

Protect families, future generations, and social harmony.

Family support policies, child protection, and promoting ethical culture.

Protection of Wealth (Hifz al-Mal)

Ensure economic justice, fair distribution, and financial integrity.

Zakat, waqf, anti-corruption measures, and ethical market regulation.

.

 


 

5. Governance Failures: Lessons from the Modern World

Today, the modern world is facing a leadership and governance crisis that manifests in different forms across nations and global institutions. Despite technological advancement and economic growth, governance often fails to uphold justice, equity, and trust. Through the lens of maqasid al-shariah, these failures highlight the urgent need for a value-driven framework that prioritises justice, consultation, and accountability over self-interest and exploitation.

5.1 Authoritarianism

Authoritarian regimes concentrate power in the hands of a few and silence dissent, denying citizens the right to consultation (shūrā) and justice. By ignoring public accountability, they violate maqasid principles that require governance to serve the people’s welfare. Authoritarianism undermines intellect and freedom, replacing collective wisdom with tyranny.

5.2 Populism

Populism thrives on short-term popularity and emotional appeals while sacrificing long-term justice and stability. Populist leaders often erode institutions, polarise societies, and promote division. From a maqasid perspective, this undermines justice, intellect, and unity, prioritising power and immediate gain over ethical governance and sustainable welfare for future generations.

5.3 Corruption

Systemic corruption erodes trust between people and their leaders, draining wealth (hifz al-māl) from the community. When public resources are diverted for personal gain, justice is violated, poverty worsens, and inequality grows. Corruption undermines the maqasid principle of protecting wealth, which emphasises circulation, fairness, and accountability in governance.

5.4 Global Governance

International Institutions like the IMF, WTO, and UNSC are often criticised for reinforcing elite dominance rather than protecting weaker nations. Their structures perpetuate inequality, undermine equity, and prioritise the economic and political interests of the powerful. From a maqasid perspective, this violates justice, dignity, and global cooperation, further marginalising vulnerable communities.

The following Table 5 summarises and demonstrates how authoritarianism, populism, corruption, and inequitable global governance undermine justice, trust, and equity. In contrast, a maqasid-based framework provides universal and ethical alternatives: accountability, consultation, protection of wealth, and inclusive justice for all nations.


Table 5: Failures of Modern Governance vs. Maqasid Framework


Governance Failure

Modern Reality

Maqasid Alternative

Authoritarianism

Concentration of power, silencing dissent, tyranny.

Justice and consultation (ʿadl & shūrā) ensure accountability and participation.

Populism

Short-term popularity, erosion of institutions, social division.

Long-term justice, unity, and ethical leadership rooted in maqasid principles.

Corruption

Abuse of wealth, systemic graft, loss of trust.

Hifz al-māl (protection of wealth) through fairness, transparency, and accountability.

Global Governance

Institutions serving elites, exclusion of weaker nations.

Equity, justice, and inclusive cooperation aligned with maqasid ethics.

 



6. Mercy as a Principle of Leadership

Secular leadership models often prioritise efficiency, power, and domination. Leaders are frequently judged by their ability to expand influence, secure resources, or impose order. Yet history shows that power without compassion leads to exploitation, oppression, and eventual collapse. Maqasidization reframes leadership by placing mercy (ramah) at its core, aligning governance with divine guidance and the Prophetic model. Mercy is not weakness—it is strength guided by justice, responsibility, and care for all creation. Through mercy, leadership transforms from domination into service, ensuring that governance nurtures rather than oppresses.

6.1. Mercy to the Poor: Welfare and Zakat

The Prophet Muhammad taught that leadership must prioritise the needs of the most vulnerable. Mercy to the poor is expressed through zakat, waqf, and social welfare programs that ensure wealth circulates fairly and dignity is preserved. In the maqasid framework, this embodies hifz al-māl (protection of wealth) and hifz al-nafs (protection of life). Leadership rooted in mercy guarantees that poverty alleviation is not charity but an obligation of justice. Modern applications include universal healthcare, food security, and economic safety nets inspired by zakat principles.

6.2. Mercy to the Environment: Stewardship (Khilafah)

Mercy extends beyond humans to all creation. The Qur’an describes humanity as khalifah (stewards) of the earth, entrusted with protecting its resources. Leadership based on mercy prioritises sustainable policies, environmental justice, and protection of ecosystems for future generations. This aligns with hifz al-nafs (protection of life) and hifz al-nasl (protection of progeny). Unlike secular models that often exploit the environment for short-term profit, Maqasidization calls for policies of restraint, balance, and accountability, ensuring mercy toward the earth and its creatures.

6.3. Mercy to Minorities: Protection of Rights and Dignity

The Prophet and the early caliphs guaranteed protection for non-Muslims under Islamic governance. Mercy requires leaders to safeguard the dignity, freedom, and security of minorities, ensuring they live without fear or discrimination. This reflects hifz al-dīn (protection of religion) and hifz al-‘aql (protection of intellect), as diversity enriches society. In modern governance, mercy toward minorities translates into inclusive policies, equal opportunities, and protection from persecution. Leadership without mercy risks exclusion, radicalisation, and social unrest, while merciful governance builds unity and trust.

6.4. Mercy in Justice: Fairness without Oppression

Justice is the cornerstone of governance, but justice without mercy can become rigid and oppressive. The maqasid framework calls for justice infused with mercy—ensuring fairness while avoiding cruelty. This reflects the Prophetic practice, where even punishment was tempered with compassion and opportunities for repentance. Mercy in justice protects individuals from excessive punishment, upholds due process, and prioritises reconciliation over retribution. In contemporary systems, this means reform-oriented justice, restorative practices, and fair legal processes that preserve dignity.

Mercy transforms governance from a system of domination to one of service. Leaders who embrace mercy align themselves with the Prophetic model, where authority is a trust (amānah), not a privilege. By applying mercy to the poor, the environment, minorities, and justice, Maqasidization ensures governance that is just, compassionate, and sustainable. This principle is essential in a world where secular models have often failed to balance power with humanity.

Table 6 contrasts secular governance, which often treats welfare, environment, minorities, and justice as secondary concerns, with a maqasidized framework that elevates mercy as a guiding principle. Mercy ensures governance is not reduced to power but elevated into an act of service for humanity and all creation

Table 6: Mercy in Governance – Applications across Society


Domain

Secular Model

Maqasidized Leadership (Mercy-Based)

Poor & Vulnerable

Welfare is often treated as optional or a political tool.

Zakat and waqf institutionalised; welfare as an obligation of justice and dignity.

Environment

Exploited for growth and profit.

Stewardship (khilafah); policies of sustainability and intergenerational justice.

Minorities

Often marginalised or discriminated against.

Full protection of rights, dignity, and freedom of religion.

Justice

Punitive systems, harsh laws, and oppression of dissent.

Justice with mercy: fairness, restorative justice, compassion in application.

.



7. Case Studies of Maqasid-Based Governance

The power of maqasid-based governance lies in its universality and practical impact. While secular paradigms often falter due to profit-driven or power-centred approaches, maqasid al-shariah has quietly inspired systems worldwide. From finance to food, education, healthcare, and welfare, examples abound that show maqasid values resonate far beyond the Muslim world. These case studies demonstrate how Maqasidization can guide ethical, inclusive, and sustainable governance, providing a model for the global community.

 

7.1 Islamic Finance

Islamic finance is now a global industry adopted even in non-Muslim countries such as the UK, Luxembourg, and South Africa. Its principles of fairness, prohibition of interest, and risk-sharing reflect the maqasid aims of protecting wealth (hifz al-māl) and preventing exploitation. Aligning finance with ethics, it offers stability and inclusivity compared to speculative capitalism.

7.2 Halal Industry

The halal industry — covering food, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals — has expanded globally because it guarantees safety, hygiene, and ethical production. Accepted by Muslims and non-Muslims alike, halal certification embodies the maqasid values of protecting life (hifz al-nafs) and progeny (hifz al-nasl). Its growth shows how Islamic principles can serve humanity universally.

7.3 Malaysia’s Waqf Initiatives

Malaysia has pioneered the revival of waqf (endowments) for modern applications in education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. These initiatives demonstrate how maqasid principles of wealth circulation, social justice, and sustainability can be embedded into governance. By institutionalizing waqf, Malaysia strengthens hifz al-māl and hifz al-nafs, making resources accessible to the poor and future generations.

7.4 Global Examples

Maqasid values are reflected even in secular contexts. Welfare systems in Scandinavia protect the vulnerable, environmental policies in Europe prioritise stewardship, and global human rights frameworks echo dignity and justice. These parallels show that maqasid principles are universal, offering pathways to align governance with ethics and sustainability for all nations.

Table 7: Case Studies of Maqasid-Based Governance


Case Study

Maqasid Principle Reflected

Impact / Application

Islamic Finance

Hifz al-māl (protection of wealth), justice in contracts

Global adoption, fairness, stability, alternative to exploitative capitalism.

Halal Industry

Hifz al-nafs (protection of life), hifz al-nasl (progeny)

Safe, hygienic, ethical products accepted worldwide by Muslims and non-Muslims.

Malaysia’s Waqf

Circulation of wealth, hifz al-māl, hifz al-nafs

Education, healthcare, and social services funded sustainably.

Global Parallels

Justice, mercy, stewardship, dignity

Welfare states, environmental policies, and human rights frameworks reflect maqasid values.

 

These case studies demonstrate the real-world application of maqasid-based governance. From Islamic finance and the halal industry to waqf and global parallels, the maqasid framework shows its universal relevance, offering ethical, just, and sustainable alternatives to secular paradigms.

 

Figure 1: Visual of Case Studies of Maqasid-Based Governance



8. Toward a Maqasidic Model of Leadership

Leadership in Islam is not merely a function of administration or authority; it is a sacred trust (amānah) rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah. The maqasid al-shariah provide a timeless framework to guide leaders in ensuring justice, balance, and compassion. These five objectives — protection of religion (if al-dīn), life (if al-nafs), intellect (if al-ʿaql), progeny (if al-nasl), and wealth (if al-māl) — underpin every policy and decision. A Maqasidic model of leadership insists that governance must serve not only efficiency or power but the holistic well-being of individuals and societies. In this context, the following key features define what a Maqasidic leader must embody.

8.1 Key Features of Maqasidic Leadership

1.   Justice as Core

Justice is the foundation of leadership, ensuring fairness, accountability, and equity. The Qur’an commands leaders to “stand firmly for justice, even against yourselves” (Qur’an 4:135).

A Maqasidic leader applies justice in policy, economy, and law enforcement, preventing exploitation, discrimination, and oppression. This reflects if al-māl, al-nafs, and al-nasl, as justice protects rights, livelihoods, and human dignity.

2.   Consultation and Participation

The maqasid framework affirms shūrā (consultation) as a core principle of governance (Qur’an 42:38). Leadership is not autocratic but participatory, where communities are involved in shaping decisions. This principle resonates with modern democratic ideals but is rooted in prophetic tradition. Consultation ensures that policies are inclusive, protecting intellect (if al-ʿaql) and promoting responsible, collective decision-making.

3.   Ethical Economy

The maqasid insist on economic systems that circulate wealth and prevent exploitation. Leadership must institutionalise zakat, waqf, and fair contracts, ensuring no concentration of wealth in the hands of elites. By prohibiting riba (usury) and unjust trade practices, the maqasid protect wealth (if al-māl) and safeguard life (if al-nafs) from poverty. An ethical economy becomes a foundation for stability, dignity, and sustainability.

4.   Social Welfare

True leadership is judged by how it treats the weakest members of society. The maqasid demand policies that ensure access to healthcare, education, housing, and safety nets for the poor. Welfare is not charity but a right embedded in if al-nafs and if al-nasl. A Maqasidic leader institutionalises compassion, making social solidarity central to governance. This prevents inequality from eroding unity and ensures resilience in times of crisis.

5.   Global Engagement

Maqasid-based leadership is not inward-looking. It recognises that Islam’s universal values — justice, mercy, dignity — have global application. Leaders must contribute to international governance, trade, and climate policies rooted in maqasid principles. This reflects the Qur’anic role of Muslims as a “middle nation” (ummatan wasaan), Qur’an 2:143), guiding the world toward fairness.

6.   Mercy as Spirit

Without mercy, justice becomes rigid, consultation becomes mechanical, and governance becomes oppressive. Mercy is the spirit that transforms leadership from domination to service. A Maqasidic leader embodies compassion to the poor, minorities, and even the environment, reflecting if al-nafs and if al-nasl. The Prophetic model of leadership teaches that mercy is the defining hallmark of civilisation.

8.2 Vision

A Maqasidic leader is not only a ruler but a servant of the people, a steward of resources, and a guardian of justice and mercy. By aligning policies with maqasid principles, such leadership ensures holistic wellbeing, resilience, and harmony — offering the world an alternative to the failures of secular paradigms.

8.3 The Contrast Between Secular Leadership and Maqasidic Leadership

The contrast between secular leadership and Maqasidic leadership, is highlighted in Table 8 It shows how justice, consultation, ethics, social welfare, global engagement, and mercy together form a comprehensive framework for governance rooted in Islamic principles

Table 7.8: Maqasidic Leadership Framework – Justice, Consultation, Ethics, Welfare, Global Vision, Mercy

Feature

Secular Models

Maqasidic Leadership

Justice

Often politicised, favouring elites

Accountability, fairness, and equity are rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Consultation

Formal democracy, but may lack sincerity

Shūrā-based participation ensures inclusiveness and collective wisdom.

Ethical Economy

Profit-driven, wealth concentrated

Circulation of wealth via zakat, waqf, and prohibition of exploitation (ḥifẓ al-māl).

Social Welfare

Welfare as optional or charity

Welfare as obligation; healthcare, education, housing ensured as rights.

Global Engagement

Competitive blocs, power politics

Ethical contribution to global governance based on justice, stewardship, and dignity.

Mercy

Often absent in governance discourse

Central principle: leadership as service, protecting life, dignity, and the environment.


Figure 2: Visual of Maqasidic Leadership Framework – Justice, Consultation, Ethics, Welfare, Global Vision, Mercy

 

 

Generated image

 

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*    9. Conclusion: Leadership as Mercy to Humanity

Leadership today stands at a crossroads. Secular models have failed to resolve corruption, inequality, and global crises. Maqasidization offers a new vision — rooted in divine guidance, enriched by historical precedent, and adaptable to modern challenges.

Leadership, when guided by maqasid, becomes not domination but mercy. It builds just, inclusive, and sustainable societies where all — Muslims and non-Muslims alike — flourish under principles of justice, dignity, and compassion.

This Maqasidic leadership is urgently needed for nations, communities, and global institutions alike.




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