Essential skills for Islamic Leaders.

1. Leadership Skills
For Islamic Leadership

2. PART I
Individual Skills
• Public Speaking
• Writing
• Nasiha (Advice)
• Communication
• Time Management

3. PART II
Group Skills
• Forming a Committee
• Chairing a Committee
• Arranging a Meeting
• Chairing a Meeting
• Using Audiovisuals
• Talking to the Media
• Establishing Local Organization

4. INDIVIDUAL SKILLS
Public Speaking

5. Towards Effective Public Speaking
• Planning and Preparation of Content
• Delivery Techniques
• Questions and Answers: Challenge and
Opportunity
• Models of Effective Public Speaking
• Public Speaking Checklist

6. I-Planning and Preparation of Contents
A-Step by Step Approach:
a. Know the audience-Come early and leave
late and know your allies and adversaries
b. Establish credibility: Prophet (S) gathered
Mekkans and asked “If I tell you that an army
is about to come from the foot of this
mountain, will you believe me.” They
replied, "Yes.”

7. 2- How to Structure the Speech
a. State the subject
b. Analyze the subject
c. Report previous solutions
d. Diagnose and suggest solutions
e. Conclude

8. B-Increase Effectiveness
1. Continuity- Speech should flow smoothly.
Transition could be – Rhetorical or vocal
2. Diction-Use mature language.
3. Notes- It is best not to stray away from notes
Do not read continuously from notes
Notes indicate that we prepared the
talk and all points are covered.

9. II-Delivery Techniques
• Dua of Prophet Musa (A): Taha,20:25-28

10. II-Delivery Techniques
A. Practice- for effective delivery. Record the
speech and then listen to evaluate
B. Body language, voice and visual contact
1-Body Position:
• Gesturing- Rehearse in front of mirror using
different gestures
• Standing- Appear confident, feel free to move
around, do not pace the floor. Less distance to
audience gives impression of intimacy.

11. 2-Visual Contact
• Look people in the eyes
• Not to fix gaze on opposite sex
• Do not focus on people’s head or stare on
faces
• Faraway gaze indicates we are not in touch
with them
• Public speaking requires more volume
• Try to speak to each area of audience

12. 3-Voice
a. Volume- Raise the voice to be clearly heard
b. Pitch- Monotone is tiring
Patterned pitch, which goes up and
down at regular intervals
c- Rate- Talk fast without stumbling and be clear.
d- Pause- at important points and at critical
points.

13. C-End of talk
• A brief capitulation of main points can be
useful
• Impromptu rambling summary with many
repetitions of “Finally” or in “conclusion” can
ruin a talk.
• To safeguard against this, plan a definite
beginning and ending.

14. D-The Speaker’s Self
• Speaker must possess and project qualities
that earn him the respect
• Sincerity, affability and energy
• Communicate a feeling of excitement, interest
and enthusiasm
• If we are not enthusiastic about the
subject, audience quickly loses interest and
turns itself off to the speech.

15. III-Questions and Answers
• Challenging opportunity to accomplish
remaining goals.
• To neutralize hostility restate the question
• Normally answers should be short
• If opportunity is to offer new information then
do so.

16. IV-Models of Effective Public Speaking
• Prophet’s speech to the Ansar after the
campaigns of Hunayn and Ta’if.
• Prophet’s last sermon at Hajjatul Wada
• Speech of Jafar Ibn Abi Talib (R) in the court of
Najjashi, King of Abyssinia.
• Speech of Khalifa Abu Bakr (R) after he took
oath of office.

18. Towards Better Writing
I. Purpose
II. Problems
III. The Writing Process
A-Planning
B-Drafting
C-Revising
D-Proofreading
IV-Writer’s Block
V-Tips

19. I-Purpose
• Ideas and information to be made permanent
and easily accessible
• Motivate others to act according to message
• Free up time of writer when his ideas are
replicated and distributed to wider readers
• Guide and direct others with new ideas
• Establishing credibility and authority of writer
• Increase chances of success by permanently
spelling out choices of course of action
• Be an effective means of Dawah

20. II-Problems
• Researching too little or too much data
• Poor organization of subject matter
• Failing to revise the first draft
• Using too long sentences or words
• Expressing writer-centered point of view
• Directing the writing to wrong audience
• Mistakes of grammar and style

21. III-Writing Process
A. Planning- What can be written about the
subject. Jot down the points and ideas.
B. Drafting- Prepare first draft in concise form.
C. -Revising- Weed out un important details.
Eliminate anything confusing.
D. Proof reading- Check for grammar, spelling
and punctuation errors.

22. IV-Writer’s Block
• This means writer is stuck and can’t think of
another word to write.
• Force oneself to keep writing. One idea leads
to another and one gets back to the subject
• Talk to someone about the block and get new
leads or ways to approach the subject
• Leave the writing aside and come back to it
latter with a fresh outlook.

23. V-Some tips on writing
• Base your prose on facts
• Avoid business jargon, over used phrases
• Edit for a leaner and crisper style
• Strengthen prose by using more verbs
• Use the active voice and let subjects do actions
• Avoid repetitions and use synonyms instead
• Prophet (S) said, "The best of words are those
that are precise and concise.”

24. NASIHAH

25. Nasihah (Advice)
I. The Nature of Nasihah
II. Nasihah as Feedback
III. Nasihah as an Obligation
IV. Nasihah in Action
A-From Generalities to Specifics
B-From Knowledge to Behavior

26. Learning Objectives
• Identify the elements of advice giving process
• Give advice in Islamically recommended way
• Receive advice in an Islamically accepted
manner.

27. I-The Nature of Nasihah
• Prophet (S) said, “Religion is sincere advice.”
• Prophet (S) took pledge from Jarir Bin Abdullah
on 3 things; establishing Salah, paying Zakah and
offering Nasiha to every Muslim( including ruler
and the ruled.
• If we love our fellow Muslims, then one measure
of this love is how much sincere advice we give
him.
• Giving Nasihah was always the mission of the
Prophets. (7:68,7:93)

28. II-Nasihah as a Feedback
• As humans we can’t observe our actions. Our
brothers and sisters are to observe these and
correct us.
• Prophet (S) said,” A believer is a mirror to his
brother” Mirror is to reflect exact image-
nothing more and nothing less.
• Omar (R) said,”May Allah have mercy on him
who sends my faults to me as a gift.”

29. Nasihah Feedback
• Advisor must be patient, tactful, use proper
words and choose proper atmosphere
• One who is advised must welcome it with open
heart, open mind and smiling face. He should
then act to improvement.
• Advisor must express love and sincerity. Tone
must not show superiority, ridicule or censure
• Communicate advice in private first.
• While we welcome advice yet we must guard
against being deceived. (7:21, 12:11)

30. III-Nasihah as an Obligation
• Advice must be offered for the sake of Allah
• Prophet (S) said,” Nations before were
destroyed due to neglect of advice.”
• We should not be put off by those who are
not receptive to our advice.
• We must realize that our opinion may be in
error. So, we advice should not turn into a vain
debate. It should be brotherly discussion.
• Advice is sometimes not well received.(7:79)

31. IV-Nasihah in Action
A-Generalities to Specifics
• And remind, surely reminding benefits the
believers. 51:55
• Reminding is not educating. Knowledge is there
but we tend to forget or be unaware of our
behavior.
• Allah has prescribed 2 solutions:
1-Continuous remembrance of Allah through Zikr
(3:191)
2-Reminder by mirror believers in pointing out
mistakes and correcting them.

32. B-From Knowledge to Behavior
• In the fieldwork , we must point our specific
behavior mistakes and correct these.
• This practice springs out of our love and care
for others. Others must reciprocate it.
• Prophet (S) said, “You shall not attain Iman
until you love for others what you love for
yourself.
• This is in contrast to materialist socieities.

33. COMMUNICATION

34. Communication
I. What is communication
A- Judgment and Interpretation
B-The Prophetic Way
C-Please make me feel important
II-Ways to Communicate
A-Tips on Communicating
B-Do you say what you mean and mean what you say?
III-Cross Checking of Information
IV-Communication Check Lists
A-Communicating Without Words
B-Do’s and Don’ts of Communication

35. I-What is Communication?
• To let people know and allow them to come to
mutual understanding with you.
• A-Pre-Judgement and Interpretation- It is a major
obstacle in dealing with people. We should
replace it with description of behavior
• B-The Prophetic Way- Receive people with love
and accept them as they are. Treat them with
care, gentleness and encouragement. Be sensitive
to their needs and show sympathy and affection.

36. C- Please make me feel important
• Everyone is borne with this sign on their
forehead.
• Prophet (S) used to address everyone turning
his body towards the addressee
• When people do not get response to their
phone calls or e mails, you are telling
them, "You do not exist.

37. II-Ways to Communicate
• A-Tips on Communicating:
1. Do not try to seek power over people.
2. Interact with everyone
3. Spend each break period in a meeting with someone
different.
4. Do not wait for latecomers in a meeting
5. Paraphrase the message you hear to ensure proper
reception
6. More we understand, more we manage. Less we
understand, more we manipulate
7. Prophet (S) teaches us to find over 70 excuses for other’s
bad behavior

38. B- Do you say what you mean?
• Words do not have meanings, people do.
• Words are just symbols, not realities
• Words are not absolute, they are learned in a
certain context.
• Meanings can be hidden or buried.
• Words reflect cultural and personal
dimensions.

39. Words To Forget Words To Remember
• I should, I have to • I want to , I choose to
• I shall try to do it • I will do it, in sha Allah
• Someday • Today, now
• But (negates previous • And
statement)
• Risk
• Opportunity
• Problem
• Challenge, opportunity
• Too difficult
• Challenging
• Worried
• Interested
• I am sorry
• Excuse me, I regret
• Why (stopper, attack)
• Help me understand
• I feel helpless
• I would like your help
• That is just the way I am
• My potential for change is
• I need you to
• I want you
• You (it is blameful, accusative)
• I(honest, responsible)

40. III-Cross-Checking of Information
• We hear often,” It is a problem of
communication.” Response should be, “Fix it”.
• We trust our brothers and sisters but put the
news in the hold mode till you confirm it.
• It is useful to repeat instructions loudly to
assure correct transmission and reception
• Intention is to get to the truth and not
accusing others of purposely misleading.

41. IV-Communication Check List
• A-Communicating without words:
• Body-Head position
Face
Eyes
Shoulders
Posture
Movements
Actions and Gestures
Dress

42. Communicating without Words
• Voice- Tone
Softness
Speed
• Space-Distance, Marking, Changing
• Touch-Shaking hands
Hands on shoulders
Holding hands
Hug
Kiss

43. Do’s Don’t’s
• Make eye contact (same • Interrupt when having a
gender only) when listening point to make
• Check for understanding • Ridicule what others
and use of paraphrase say, even if it seems silly.
• Affirm with nods and • Give personal opinion on
gestures isses.
• Share laughter with people • Ask why all the time
• Share feeling of sadness • Carry the conversation
• Get others involved in the single handed.
conversation • Criticize other’s ideas
• Graciously accept opinions without being asked to do
which are different so.
• Compliment other people

44. Words of Importance
6 most important words I appreciate you and your efforts
• 5 most important words • I am proud of you
• 4 most important words • What is your opinion
• 3 most important words • Would you please
• 2 most important words • Thank you
• 1 most important word • We
• The least important word • I

45. SMILE
IT HELPS TO COMMUNICATE
• Your smile in the face of your brother is an act
of charity (Sadaqah). Sunan Al Tirmidhi.

47. How to manage your time?
I. The Nature of Time
II. The Use of Time
III. Lost Time
A-One Day at a Time
B-The Meaning of Time
IV. How the Time Passes
V. Some Hints for Saving Time
A-Take Time
B-Time Well Spent
VII. A Case Study; What does a minute cost?

48. Learning Objectives
• Identify and minimize major time wasting
habits
• Identify and cultivate time saving habits
• Do more in the time available
• Lead a more productive work and personal
life.

49. I. The Nature of Time
• What is the longest, yet the shortest;
• The swiftest, yet the slowest;
(happy, suffering)
• All of us neglect it , and then we regret it;
• Nothing can be done without it;
• It swallows up all that is small; (i.e., unworthy)
• It builds up all that is great.

50. II- The Use of Time
• Two categories of people:
1- Unfortunate, procrastinators- Always going to
start something tomorrow
2-Fortunate-Ready to go right now. For them
there is no tomorrow
Killing Time: It is crime like murder
“I don’t have time.” This phrase means there are
other things more important to me.

51. A-One Day at a Time
• The Prophet (S) tells us:
Not a single dawn breaks out without two
angels calling out: “Oh! Son of Adam! I am a
new day and I witness your actions, so make the
best out of me because I will never come back
till the Day of Judgment.”
(Al Ma’thur of the Prophet)

52. B-The Meaning of Time
3 Concepts
• 1-Moment when the opportunity is the highest
• 2-A measure of seconds, minutes, hours and
years. This is the shallowest concept. It destroys
initiative and creative impulses
• 3-Time is not imprisoned by the clock. They
commit their hearts to a task/mission they love
which is blazing with purpose. Success is
governed by spirit of dedication and sacrifice.
Getting people to organize their time is the most
difficult task

53. III-Spare Time
What could you do with your unused time?
• Quran and Hadith could be memorized
• Books can be written
• Degrees could be earned
Spare time can be lot when calculated:
15 minutes a day= 11 days a year
30 minutes a day=22 days a year
Time=Money
We do not let anyone steal our money but we do
Time= our life

54. IV-How Time Passes
• Time passes fast
• You will have to plan and program actions into
your busy schedule to accomplish things
• Set aside a certain time each day for things to
achieve and stick to it
• Regret for time wasted can be good for the
time remaining.
• Time remaining is enough if we will only stop
the waste.

55. V-Some Hints for Saving Time
• Jot down things to do each morning
• Never visit someone without informing
• Always jot down plans and ideas in spare time
• Plan rest time and match them with prayers
• Utilize spare time by reading, memorizing
• When you make appointment with
someone, make sure both parties understand
time
• Adjust travelling time to reach in time
• Have all items at hand when doing any thing

56. Hints for Saving Time
• Avoid people who are selfish enough to steal your
time
• Do not make a trip if you can accomplish the
same with phone, e mail or conference call
• Fill your car with gas whenever you pass by your
favorite gas station
• Keep proper change for tolls or parking meters
• Before shopping , make a list.
• Take time off periodically to
pray, meditate, contemplate and charge the
batteries of faith.

57. VI- Things to Remember About Time
• A- Take Time-
• To think, it is the source of power
• To play, it is the cistern of perpetual youth
• To read, it is the foundation of wisdom
• To pray, it is the greatest power on earth
• To love and be loved, iman is love and hate
• To be friendly, it is the road to happiness
• To laugh, it is the best medicine
• To give, life is too short to be selfish
• To work, it is the price for success

58. B-Time Well Spent
• Prophet (S) said, "He whose two days are
equal (in accomplishments) is a sure loser.”
Sunan al Daylami.
• Great minds discuss ideas
• Small minds discuss people
• Very small minds discuss themselves

59. Two Time Tamers
The Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule)
• Theory-
• The significant items in a given group constitute a
relatively small portion of the total items in the
group.
• Application-
• List all items you must act on.
• Recognize the 20% of the items that are likely to
yield 80% of the desired results.
• Act on them first

60. Parkinson’s Law
• Theory-
• Work expands to fill the time available for its
completion
• Applications-
• Set a deadline to each task and stick to that
deadline.

61. Questions for Discussion
• 1- Why is time today more valuable than tomorrow?
• 2-How do people who succeed differ in their use of
time from those who fail?
• 3- How do you calculate the monetary value of time?
Give an example.
• 4- Why is making schedules necessary for good time
management?
• 5-What are three common major time wasting actions?
• 6-How do you guard your time against them?