Unfortunately, the bigger the organization or community, the more politics and problems are found. It takes strong and faithful individuals to be in this position, and that is why any one of our brothers or sisters who is in these positions should think very hard if they are able to commit to the rightful purpose of our centers and organizations.
It is not easy to run any kind of organization. It takes a lot of time, effort, energy, and most importantly, patience! Our Islamic centers and mosques are usually run on an entirely volunteer basis. Although it is a tough job which many of our dear brothers and sisters take up for good intentions, it comes with a lot of responsibility when it comes to setting an example.
Unfortunately, the bigger the organization or community, the more politics and problems are found. It takes strong and faithful individuals to be in this position, and that is why any one of our brothers or sisters who is in these positions should think very hard if they are able to commit to the rightful purpose of our centers and organizations.
Before stepping up and taking charge, we must all ask ourselves what the purpose of our centers are, and what is “my” purpose in helping? It is very easy to become power-hungry and control-happy for any human being. If a person feels that they are happy when people have to ask them permission to do things, then they should rethink their position, because there is something very wrong with that.
The issue may arise often when it comes to our Islamic “youth” groups. Some younger brothers and sisters become the “youth” leaders, but may not be ready themselves to be in such a position. When a person is “in charge”, (s)he is thrown into the spotlight and looked at very closely by the whole community. This is not why a person should make sure (s)he is following Islam as close to perfect as possible, but because setting off a good image as to who our role models should be, it is very important.
How sad it is when community or youth leaders are found attending mixed-gender gatherings, using profane language, openly listening to prohibited forms of music, shaving their beards, not observing Hijab, or being in physical contact with the opposite gender. The list can go on.
If people see that those who lead and run our communities and centers are not strong in their actions, then those who may be looking up to these people will get the wrong message. Taking these responsibilities means setting a good example and being a role model for all. As all Muslims should try their best to follow the footsteps of our dear Holy Prophet and the Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them all), there is a greater need on those individuals who hold leadership roles in their respective communities to do so.
Our communities should spend more time offering programs and activities which will help everyone in the community work together, not separately, on bettering the individual self. If this is the intended purpose of our communities, then leaders will not be looked at and judged as a different “class”; rather, they will also be able to pull up those who may need a hand.
The more we focus on bettering ourselves together as communities, the more our communities will progress, and in return, the global Muslim Ummah will too. At the end of the day, it is not about the role, the power, the leadership, or the title, but it is about being the best Muslims we can be and showing the world what true Islam is as a unified body of followers.
