Indeed, His Eminence Sheikh Nuh Al-Qudah, may Allah have mercy upon him, was our Sheikh and spiritual father. How often he used to say to the Muftis (those who issue religious edicts): "You are like my sons," and "I am like your father." Yes, he was a father and a leader, and what a good father and leader he was.
Many admirers have spoken about our master, His Eminence, Sheikh Nuh Al-Qudah (may Allah have mercy on him). However, there is an important aspect of his personality that I have not seen clearly addressed — and that is the aspect of leadership.
Leadership means to influence people in such a way that they commit to your message and goals — that is, to lead them toward the objective in order to achieve the desired outcome.
It is no secret that His Eminence, may Allah have mercy on him, was an exceptional leader wherever he went and in every land he visited. He guided everyone who knew him toward seeking the pleasure of Allah, the Almighty, and adhering to His noble Sharia. This was his constant concern throughout his life, which was filled with obedience and devotion.
Undoubtedly, a leader possesses qualities that make him worthy of leading people — and how difficult it is to lead human beings! It is the mission of the Prophets, Messengers, peace be upon them, and the righteous scholars.
Among these qualities are:
First: Truthfulness — It is a moral trait whereby a person's words and state align with reality. Such a person does not know lies, deceit, fraud, or manipulation. Rather, he is frank, sincere, and clear. Allah the Almighty Says (What means): "O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are truthful" [At-Tawbah, 119].
This is how our beloved father and Sheikh, may Allah have mercy on him, was — truthful in his words and actions. He would only issue fatwas that sought the pleasure of Allah, regardless of whether people were pleased with them or not. He even wrote an article titled: "The Mufti is the One Who Gives You a Fatwa That Saves You, Not One That Merely Pleases You."
I recall that his keenness for truthfulness and precision was immense. On a meeting, he confided in me that he wished to send some muftis abroad for study at the expense of certain universities. I asked him: "Why don’t you inform your fellow muftis of your efforts in this regard?" He replied: "No; I’m not yet certain of the success of this endeavor. If I tell them and then fail to accomplish it, they will say that I wasn’t truthful with them. After that, they won’t believe anything I say. They’ll say: "This is just like that previous time…"What an example of leadership that was. Truly, what a leader he was.
Secondly: Trustworthiness: This is a moral quality that enables its possessor to return the rights to their rightful owners and give everyone their due. As Allah, The Almighty Says (What means): "Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due..." [An-Nisa/58].
It is well known that our late Sheikh, may Allah have mercy on him, was extremely diligent in safeguarding public funds. In an extraordinary instance, rarely seen elsewhere, he returned nearly one million and two hundred thousand dinars from the Department’s (Iftaa` Dept.) budget to the public treasury over the course of two years... Truly, what excellent leadership, and what a remarkable leader.
Thirdly: Patience: A moral quality that enables its possessor to control themselves and their desires.
Our late Sheikh, may Allah have mercy on him, was a role model in patience: patience in worship, in avoiding sin, in facing hardships, and in dealing with people. Allah, The Almighty, Says (What means): "Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account." [Az-Zumar/10].
He would often be bothered by some people’s questions, actions, and the manner they dealt with him. I would be amazed at his patience. He would look at me, read my mind, and say, "A beautiful patience, and Allah is the One sought for help." He would add, "The leader is like a father to everyone, and a father must be patient with his children." Truly, what an excellent leadership, and what a remarkable leader.
Fourthly: Humility: This is a moral quality that enables its possessor to appreciate and respect others.
Anyone who interacted with our late Sheikh, may Allah have mercy on him, knows that he was a true embodiment of humility. Despite his vast knowledge and high status, he always valued and respected everyone. He would stand to shake hands with anyone who entered his office, despite his old age and difficulty in movement.
He, may Allah have mercy on him, would accept feedback from his sons, the Muftis, and engage in discussions with them. He would even abandon his own opinion if the alternative opinion seemed closer to the truth. His authority never hindered him from accepting and acknowledging the truth. He would always humbly say when discussing with the Muftis: "We are brothers... and I am like your father." Furthermore, if he came across an incorrect or incomplete answer, he would write: "Kindly for discussion," and then discuss it with the person without making them feel they were wrong. He would engage in the discussion as an equal peer, and this was rare.
Moreover, when he would speak on the phone and you asked, "Who is this?" he would simply reply, "Nuh." If he sent a text message, he would sign it with just his name: "Nuh." Truly, this reflects excellent leadership and a noble leader.
Fifth: Respect: This is a moral trait through which people are made to feel important.
Respect was one of the first qualities you would notice when interacting with the late Sheikh, may Allah have mercy on him. He always made those around him feel that they were the most important person in his life, that they were relied upon, and that they were worthy of his trust.
He expressed this in various ways: assigning tasks, seeking advice, or engaging in casual conversation.
The result of this approach was that people's self-confidence would be strengthened, they would feel appreciated, and they would be motivated to give more, continue contributing, and work continuously with this outstanding leader. Truly, this was excellent leadership by a noble leader.
May Allah have mercy on our Sheikh and grant him the highest place in Paradise.
