Criteria for Future Leaders (A Study of the Soul of Muslim Leadership)

Highlighting the various leadership issues that have emerged in various regions, cities and areas in Indonesia today is very complex and of a nature. sustainable (continuous). In the eyes of society, these problems arise in every region of Indonesia for various reasons; one fundamental reason is the leadership crisis among the nation's current generation of leaders. The leadership of this generation is too fragile and weak.

In fact, to achieve success in leadership, one must meet the basic standards of a leader who can deliver him/her to be able to act, carry out, play a role, and be responsible for his/her main work as a leader in actualizing the vision and mission of the State.

Leadership is often defined as the ability to influence a group to achieve goals. The question is, how can a leader fulfill his or her responsibilities if his or her leadership qualities are severely lacking? In this short essay, the author will attempt to outline several criteria for future leaders whose leadership electability will be accepted by society.

According to the dictionary Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary; The leadership of a person or people in charge of an organization. Etymologically, leadership comes from the word lead, the definition of which is, to control of a group of people, a country or a situation. Terminologically, the word leader means someone who controls a group or country. In other words, a leader is simply a position or position.

Therefore, in the context of position, it must be interpreted as a legal means of providing various services needed by subordinates. Instead, it should justify any means to legitimize one's leadership to achieve a goal. When many people hold this view, they will use their position as a negative tool to perpetuate their position. This is what is currently being widely practiced by leaders experiencing a leadership crisis.

What are the criteria for a prospective leader needed by society in today's climate? Ibn Taymiyyah, in his book, states that the essence of leadership cannot be separated from politics and religion. If politics were not regulated by religion, it would become wild and far from justice. The entirety of religion is knowledge and justice.

Ibn Taymiyyah's statement serves as a foundation for understanding the leadership criteria needed by today's society. Leadership is inseparable from politics, as the majority of leaders are nominated by various political coalitions, although in reality, many leaders emerge from outside the political ranks. We can witness this in various countries and regions around the world, particularly in Indonesia.

Apart from political and non-political issues, religion is a solid foundation for leadership. Many leaders put it aside divine values in his leadership. Yet, this is the main pillar that will prevent him from committing various deviations in his leadership. Real-life examples include corruption, authoritarianism, self-imposing laws, and resistance to criticism. These leadership criteria are essentially deceptive and detrimental to the people and society.

To avoid deviation, religious values must be present in a leader's soul to maintain the balance of their leadership. When a leader is aware of the duties they carry, they will understand that this responsibility will be judged not only by society but also by God. By embodying the role of religion in one's leadership, the issue of justice can be realized.

For example, in Indonesia, Ridwan Kamil served as Mayor of Bandung from 2013 to 2018. Who doesn't know Surabaya Mayor Risma, or Tri Rismaharani, who was elected Mayor of Surabaya from 2010 to present? Her achievements include successfully closing the Dolly's location. Prostitutes (WTS) in Surabaya, specifically on Jalan Putat Jaya, Surabaya. They are examples of leaders who are not only intellectually intelligent but also mentally and spiritually astute. This has earned them a place in the hearts of their people.

An intelligent and wise leader is one who can create political integration, communication, and cooperation with his community. Good cooperation and communication will generate public trust. When the community trusts their leader, it will be much easier to implement all planned programs. A leader is obeyed and respected not because of their position, but because they provide for the rights of the community and uphold the values of justice within the system they lead.

In other words, as Muhammad Abduh said, a leader has two tasks, namely worship God And serve the community. To worship requires faith. And to serve, knowledge is needed. Next, the criteria for future leaders are leaders who have a clear vision and mission. And he is not easily tempted by short-term profits that will reduce his authority and self-esteem in front of society. A leader is required to be able to read the conditions of the community and area he leads.

It is impossible for a leader to provide equal justice if he cannot read a map of the area he leads. Leaders sometimes never see the real conditions of the lower classes, or people who live in areas that are difficult to access by vehicle. Therefore, as a leader, one must be wise and responsible towards the lower classes, especially when the community is struck by a disaster or natural disaster that requires the leader to directly intervene. This may be seen as small and ordinary, but the true essence of this form of leadership participation is what the lower classes need.

A person's success is determined by the level of their leadership. The level of leadership also determines the extent and extent of their influence. Therefore, a leader must be able to positively influence those they lead. Positive influence here means being able to move the community to consistently support and provide moral support for their leadership.

Leaders must be magnanimous when criticized by their people. This criticism should be used as a basis for evaluation and adoption of better policies. If a leader does not accept criticism, suggestions, and input from his people, then he is not a just and responsible leader. Yet, upholding justice in leadership is a significant responsibility. According to Al-Attas, justice is achieved through the application of good manners. “Loss of adab implies loss of justice” The opposite of justice is tyranny. When a leader cannot provide justice to his people, he is actually tyrannizing his people.

The majority of leaders today are simply hungry for power and position. Consequently, their leadership fails to provide the people with rights and justice. Various projects and aid, whether from the central government or other agencies, are spent not on the welfare of their people, but on enriching themselves and their families. They build luxurious homes, purchase expensive vehicles, and are ashamed to appear modest in front of their people. This stigma and conditions have made today's society more critical and selective in choosing the ideal leader they believe they should be.

After reading the brief explanation of the criteria for future leaders above, the author attempts to summarize several important points. First, A leader must be able to bring religious values into his leadership. Second, leaders must be able to establish good political integration with society. Third, A leader is expected to have a clear vision and mission and provide a positive influence on the community he leads. Final, A leader must be fair to his people. Because justice will keep a leader away from injustice and authoritarianism.

At the end of this essay, the author hopes that in the future, a cadre of young leaders will emerge who are just and aware of the conditions of their people, especially in West Nusa Tenggara. This will prevent the public from feeling disappointed and deceived by promises and slogans of justice that favor the poor and the common people. The people now need leaders who don't talk much but do a lot. The people need proof, not promises.

Wallahua'lam bis shawaab.