The Speaking Tree | February 22, 2025
As the election euphoria settles and weight of governance lands on the shoulders of the new chief minister of Delhi, people of this state have renewed hope.
Now begins the real test of leadership.
Leadership is not about power but about responsibility. It is Amanah, trust, a duty to serve with integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to public welfare. The Quran discusses changing nature of political power in chapter 3, verse 26. God grants and takes away power to whomever He wills. He has control over everything.
This verse reminds us that leaders must approach governance with the awareness that their position is temporary and subject to Divine will.
The Quran describes Queen of Sheba, known as Bilqis in Yemeni and Islamic tradition and as Makeda in Ethiopian tradition, as a pragmatic and wise queen who was always considerate of her people.
One of her statements, mentioned in the Quran, reads: “I never decide any affair until I have conferred with you, 27:32.” It signifies that effective leadership is built on wisdom, consultation, and careful decision-making – qualities essential for both governance and personal matters. Good leadership emerges through collective wisdom and humility, avoiding rash decisions, fostering trust and unity.
She is also quoted as saying: “When mighty kings invade a country, they despoil it and humiliate its noblest inhabitants, 27:34.” This implies hostile confrontation leads to harm. It does not result in any constructive progress. True power lies in empathy that a woman naturally possesses, along with wisdom and respect for others.
Good governance is not just performance – it is a responsibility. The Prophet said: “The leader of a people is their servant,” Tarikh Dimashq 33/313. The most effective leaders understand that public trust is earned through fairness, transparency, and accountability.
A leader must prioritise justice and fairness and foster trust, without which democracy weakens and the gap between the govt and the governed widens, leading to disillusionment.
Today’s citizens demand tangible change – policies that directly improve their lives. They want quality education, reliable infrastructure, accessible healthcare, employment opportunities, and a system that ensures fairness and equity.
States should compete constructively by benchmarking themselves against one another, creating measurable indices that track progress in these critical areas. The goal should be to restore India’s status as ‘the golden bird’, known for its prosperity, innovation, and inclusiveness.
Therefore, the collective fortunes of a nation are directly tied to spiritual and ethical transformation of its citizens.
Hence, leadership must focus not only on external development but also on nurturing spiritual strength of individuals and instilling a sense of duty, unity, and goodwill.
True leadership is rooted in service, selflessness, and a vision for the greater good. Chief ministers have the power to transform destinies.
How they honour people’s trust will define their legacy.
