Not many in position of authorities really know the implication of holding position of authority.

They only seek power by whatever means in order to actualise  self interest.  When Allah offered this trust- amanah to the heavens; earth and the mountains, they refused just because they knew if they failed, they would be punished.

Man, as the leader of other creatures accepted the offer ignoring the implication even when he knew he might fail to discharge the duties of amanah as required.

“We did indeed offered the Trust to the Heavens and the Earth and the Mountains; but they refused to undertake it, being afraid thereof: but man undertook it.”  (Quran 33: 72).

Accepting the trust

That is why politicians and others in authority abuse power, betray the word “trust” (Amanah) with reckless abandon.  The servant betrays his master just as master lets down his servants and importantly becomes unfaithful to his country.

Even though he swore by the holy books to discharge this amanah faithfully, as he would have sworn to Almighty Allah at the point of accepting the trust, he never bothered about the consequence of his misdeed.

The followers also at the slightest opportunity, become desperate for power undoing everyone to get the baton; and the mischief continues. A deputy governor is always pre-ocupied with the decoy to  remove his boss just to take over the position.

Since there is no art to find the mind’s construction in the face (thanks to Shakespeare); suspicion becomes the norm in the corridors of power with the readiness to axe the least critic.

Every move of our politicians is never to fulfil the amanah; constitutional duties of delivering the dividends of democracy but to bulgarize our patrimony; and when their self interest is threatened; then democracy is threatened.

The Quran says Whoever desires glory and power,- to Allah belong all glory and power. To Him mount up (all) Words of Purity: It is He Who exalts each Deed of Righteousness. Those that lay Plots of Evil,- for them is a Penalty terrible; and the plotting of such will be void (of result).  (Quran 35:10)

Another chapter of the Holy Quran says:”Say: O Allah, Lord of power! You give power to whom You please, and You remove from power whom You please. You give honor to whom You please and You disgrace whom You please. In Your hand is all Good. Indeed, over all things You have power.”

(Qur’an 3:26) Allah instructed us to fulfill our pledges, our promises and commitments. If we make a promise, we have to fulfill it. In Surah Al-Mu’minun (The Believers), Allah says “Those who are faithfully true to their trusts and to their covenants; and those who strictly guard their prayers. These are indeed the inheritors who shall inherit Paradise.” (Qur’an, 23:8-11)

We should remember that our beloved Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) was called “Al-Amin”: The Trustworthy. He fulfilled all of his promises from his childhood until his death. He never betrayed anyone, and he never lied in his life.

He was the best example of a human. Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) explained to us that weighing, measures, deposits, private talks, advising, just to name a few are some of the amanah we have to fulfill. In one Hadith, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) informed us to fulfill Amanah even if the other party is not trustworthy. “Discharge the settlement to those who entrusted you, and don’t betray even the one who broke his promise.” Ahmad and Abu Dawood.

Allah in his infinite wisdom created among his servants the strong and the weak, the rich and the poor, the handsome and the ugly. We just have to appreciate that differences and never to take advantage.

If people trust one another and if they act accordingly, we will live in peace and harmony.  The vaulting ambition of some and fraudulent activities of those in position of authorities will only create a state of anarchy, confusion and restiveness in the society.

The power and position we are struggling to kill ourselves over are merely trials and afflictions of life.  They were created by  Allah to serve as fitnah. Allah gives power just as He humbles; He made some the servants just as He relegates. He gives to take, and tests to reward.

O Allah! guard us against Your trials. Allah our Lord, make this country safe for us and let us dwell in peace. O Allah advance us in knowledge and let us be among those who listen to the Word and follow  it.

O Allah our Lord, choose for us good leaders that will remove us out from the depths of darkness, retrogression and illusion, unto the lights of erudition, knowledge, progress and righteousness  and from the muddy shallows of lusts unto the heavens of Thy throne.

May the peace and blessings of Allah continue to abide with Prophet Muhammad and his Companions. Amin.