Introduction: The Muslim Changemaker’s Challenge
As changemakers in Singapore’s diverse society, we face the unique challenge of revitalizing Islamic faith while contributing positively to our multi-racial and multi-religious nation.
The recent Friday sermon from Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) titled “Leadership Begins from Within” offers profound wisdom for those of us striving to be agents of positive change.
The sermon begins with an essential reminder: before we can lead others – whether in our families, organizations, or communities – we must first lead ourselves.
This aligns perfectly with the changemaker’s mission of promoting Islamic revival through individual transformation while maintaining moderate values that allow us to live harmoniously with fellow Singaporeans of all backgrounds.
The Prophetic Model of Self-Leadership
The sermon highlights how Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) embodied the principle of self-leadership:
“He never commanded anything without first doing it himself.”
This exemplary approach teaches us that authentic leadership isn’t about imposing our will on others, but about living the values we wish to see.
As Sayyidatina A’ishah r.a. beautifully described, the Prophet’s character was “the Qur’an” – meaning his entire being reflected the divine guidance.
This offers a powerful blueprint: our effectiveness depends not on rhetoric but on our personal embodiment of Islamic values in everyday life.
Two Pillars of Self-Leadership for Changemakers
1. Steadfastness (Istiqamah) in Worship and Devotion
The sermon emphasizes that maintaining a consistent relationship with Allah through acts of worship is fundamental to self-leadership.
This steadfastness serves multiple purposes:
- It nurtures patience, perseverance, and self-discipline – qualities essential for sustainable activism
- It reminds us of our trust (amanah) and responsibilities before Allah
- It guides our behavior when leading ourselves and others with sincerity
In practical terms, this means maintaining our daily prayers, Quranic recitation, and daily Ma’thurat and other acts of worship even amid busy schedules and demanding work environments.
These practices become the spiritual foundation that supports our social engagement.
2. Noble Character as Essential to Leadership
The Prophet’s exemplary character – embodying honesty, humility, integrity, and principled behavior – forms the second pillar of effective self-leadership.
The sermon’s message is clear:
“Leadership without good character is flawed leadership.”
Character development becomes particularly important as we navigate diverse environments where we represent not just ourselves but our faith.
“Individuals with good character are the basis of a good society.”
Our interactions with colleagues, neighbors, and fellow citizens from different religious and cultural backgrounds become opportunities to demonstrate Islamic values in action.
Applying Self-Leadership in Singapore’s Multi-Religious Context
We can implement these principles in several practical ways:
In Professional Settings
- Demonstrate ethical conduct and integrity in all business dealings
- Lead by example through punctuality, reliability, and excellence in work
- Create inclusive environments where colleagues of all backgrounds feel respected
- Use professional platforms to advocate for justice and equality in ways that resonate with Islamic values
In Community Engagement
- Participate in interfaith dialogues with humility and openness
- Volunteer for initiatives that benefit Singaporeans of all backgrounds
- Support causes that promote social justice from an Islamic perspective
- Develop programs that address community needs while reflecting Islamic principles
In Personal Development
- Commit to continuous learning about both Islamic knowledge and contemporary issues
- Cultivate self-awareness about how our behaviors impact others
- Practice regular self-reflection to ensure alignment between our actions and values
- Seek mentorship from those who successfully balance Islamic identity with civic engagement
The Moderate Muslim Approach
The principles outlined in the sermon align perfectly with the concept of the “Moderate Muslim” as explored in Singapore’s context.
According to resources from the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, moderate Muslims are:
- Guided by Islamic principles but defined by the reality of Singapore’s context
- Committed to upholding peaceful means of change
- Supportive of democratic principles and the rule of law
- Respectful of others’ opinions and rights
- Contextual in their understanding and application of Islamic teachings
- Steadfast in upholding authentic Islamic values
This moderate approach doesn’t mean compromising on Islamic principles.
Rather, it recognizes that the most effective implementation of those principles comes through wisdom, contextual understanding, and respect for the multi-religious society we inhabit.
A Bottom-Up Approach to Positive Change
The sermon’s emphasis on self-leadership before leading others aligns with the changemaker’s approach of gradual, bottom-up societal improvement.
Rather than seeking top-down impositions of Islamic norms, this approach focuses on:
- Personal transformation first
- Family improvement second
- Community development third
- Broader societal influence through exemplary citizenship
This gradual approach respects Singapore’s diverse fabric while still working toward the Islamic ideal of a just, compassionate, and morally upright society.
Conclusion: The Changemaker’s Path Forward
“Self-leadership is the foundation of all leadership,” the sermon concludes. “If we cannot guide ourselves to be responsible and obedient servants of Allah s.w.t., we cannot expect to lead others to do the same.”
For changemakers, this wisdom provides both challenge and inspiration.
Our effectiveness in promoting Islamic revival and social justice doesn’t begin with grand strategies or public platforms, but with the daily, often unseen work of self-improvement.
By remaining steadfast in our relationship with Allah through sincere worship, adorned with noble character, we build the foundation for authentic leadership that can positively influence our families, communities, and ultimately, our nation.
As we strive to embody the Quranic description of Muslims as a “community of moderation” (ummatan wasatan), let us remember that the most powerful da’wah (invitation to Islam) isn’t through words alone, but through living examples of how Islamic values enhance not just individual lives but contribute meaningfully to the harmony and prosperity of our shared Singapore.
