Nation can progress only through selfless leadership — Ahmadi Islamic cleric

An Islamic cleric of the Ahmadiyya Movement, Maulvi Hafiz Ismaeel Ahmad, has urged leaders in the country to embrace selfless service and place the welfare of citizens above personal interests to accelerate national development.

Delivering a sermon during the Eid-ul-Adha celebrations in Accra, the missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said the lessons of sacrifice, unity and humility associated with the festival should inspire leaders and citizens to work collectively for the progress of the country.

“It is not possible for any country to develop if the leaders are not selfless. Rather, Islam is saying that they are the servants and we are the masters who have given them the position,” he said.

Maulvi Ahmad was preaching to hundreds who had gathered at the Bustan E Ahmad Complex in Accra to observe the Eid-ul-Adha prayers.

This year, however, recorded lower numbers than previous years due to the decentralisation of celebrations following unpredictable rainfall.

Sacrifice

He explained that Eid-ul-Adha commemorates the sacrifice and obedience demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim, his wife Hajra, and their son Ismail, who willingly submitted to the command of Allah.

The story, he said. symbolised complete devotion to God and the readiness to sacrifice personal comfort for a greater purpose.

Drawing lessons from the occasion, Maulvi Ahmad said leadership should be viewed as a responsibility to serve people rather than an opportunity for personal gain.

“The Holy Prophet Muhammad mentioned that the leader of a people is actually their servant,” he said.

He emphasised that countries could not develop where leaders pursued selfish interests and distanced themselves from the needs of ordinary citizens.

“When leaders see themselves as servants, and they are serving the people, they would not put their own ulterior motives at the centre stage,” he stressed.

The cleric said the spirit of sacrifice enumerated by Eid-ul-Adha was also necessary for national unity and cooperation.

Maulvi Ahmad compared the roles played by Prophet Ibrahim, Hajra and Ismail to the shared responsibilities required of leaders, public servants and citizens in nation-building.

“So from a national perspective, a nation would not be able to progress if we all don't get our act together.

Those who are mere citizens would take the place of Hazrat Ismail, the son. And those who are in the topmost leadership would take the place of Hazrat Ibrahim.”

“Those who are in civil service or other government positions would take the place of Hazrat Hajra, the wife.

And it is only when they all get their act together that such a sacrifice can be made. And the reward of such sacrifice is what we see today,” he explained. 

True meaning of Eid

Maulvi Ahmad further urged Muslims to remember the importance of charity and compassion during the celebration.

He said Islam encouraged Muslims to share meat from sacrificial animals with family, neighbours and the poor rather than keeping everything for themselves.

The Ahmadi cleric described selfishness and disregard for the needy as conduct contrary to Islamic teachings.

He also cautioned Muslims against practices he described as modern innovations that contradicted Islamic teachings.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission also held various prayers in localised mosques and places of worship.