” Secrets ” Authentic leadership is not about titles or authority. It’s about vision, integrity, and the power to inspire others to a shared purpose. In his inspiring book Secrets of Leadership and Influence, Sulaiman Ibn Awad Qaiman provides a comprehensive guide for those who aspire to lead by purpose, influence, and integrity grounded in Islamic values.
Whether you’re running a home, serving a community, or an organization, this book shows how true influence begins with self-control, intelligence, and being deeply rooted in the values that the Qur’an and Sunnah teach.
Leadership as a Trust and Responsibility
Islamic leadership starts with the concept that leadership is a duty, not an advantage. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated, “Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.” This hadith is the foundation of the book’s concept: leadership entails service, responsibility, and justice.
Qaiman reminds readers that successful leaders are those who recognize that they are accountable before Allah. This mindset shapes every decision and action they take, making them trustworthy and dependable figures in their families, communities, and workplaces.
Leadership Traits from the Lives of Prophets
One of the most rewarding aspects of the book is its emphasis on prophetic leadership. From Prophet Nuh (AS)’s patience to Prophet Yusuf (AS)’s strategic genius, and to Prophet Musa (AS)’s courage, Qaiman derives eternal lessons that are applicable even now.
The writer emphasizes the way the Prophets led not through intimidation or domination, but through humility, compassion, and vision. These are the standards by which anyone who is seeking to influence others while being honest and God-conscious must live.
Influence Begins in the Heart
Leadership in Islam is not ego it’s sincerity. Qaiman stresses the need to cleanse one’s intentions. Influence starts from within, with the leader’s heart. A clean heart gives rise to clean actions, and clean actions create true loyalty and trust.
The book describes how sincerity (ikhlas), patience (sabr), and trust in Allah (tawakkul) are the internal characteristics that grant a leader real power. They make sure that one’s influence is based on honesty, rather than manipulation or pretentious charisma.
The Art of Listening and Communication
Good leaders don’t just talk—they listen. One of the secrets revealed in this book is how deeply the Prophet ﷺ would listen to his companions, making each one feel valued. This book teaches that leadership includes empathy, listening with the heart, and responding with wisdom.
Qaiman provides real-life advice on how a leader must speak—clearly, calmly, and with purpose. He illustrates how Islam teachings encourage speaking the truth and, at times, knowing how to keep silent.
Building a Team with Purpose
No one becomes a success single-handedly. The Qur’an itself refers to consultation (shura) as a major tenet. Qaiman discusses how the Prophet ﷺ established healthy teams by trusting the companions, acknowledging their strengths, and assigning tasks according to strengths.
This part of the book is particularly useful for team managers or organization administrators. It shows readers how to establish a healthy culture on trust, respect, and vision.
Leading in Times of Difficulty and Crisis
Leadership is subjected to its greatest test in difficult times. Qaiman pays part of his book to ensuring leaders do not waver in difficult times. He reminds one of how the Prophet ﷺ was calm in the most difficult of battles, how he never lost the larger picture, and how he always sought Allah’s help through prayer and consultation.
This section of the book empowers the reader. It reminds us that real leaders are not people who never experience problems but those who experience them with faith, wisdom, and courage.
Practical Steps to Personal Leadership Growth
Apart from spiritual advice, Qaiman provides practical steps towards better leadership in daily life. He advocates for journaling, self-reflection, goal setting, and regular dua. All these steps are designed to assist readers to grow professionally and personally.
He emphasizes the need for time management, self-discipline, and by-example leadership. In Islam, it is actions, not words, that matter, and this book empowers leaders to put words into action.
The Effect of Leadership on the Ummah
When leaders lead with integrity and fairness, the whole society is better off. Qaiman describes how proper leadership can motivate communities, solidify families, and bring back nations. The influence of righteous influence has far-reaching effects.
He takes references from Islamic history such as leaders like Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), Salahuddin al-Ayyubi, and others who were established with a mix of knowledge, taqwa, and justice. Their achievements establish that leadership established on Islamic values makes a sustainable difference.
Who Is This Book For?
Secrets of Leadership and Influence is not only for CEOs or academics. It’s for anyone who influences whether over a child, a classroom, a team, or community. It for dads, mums, students, teachers, and da’ees.
It’s also a valuable read for anyone who wants to improve their character, grow in self-confidence, and become a role model others naturally follow. It reminds us that leadership is not about titles it’s about actions, sincerity, and vision.
Conclusion: Lead With Faith, Influence With Ihsan
Sulaiman Ibn Awad Qaiman’s Secrets of Leadership and Influence is not just a leadership guide its a guide to spirituality. It demonstrates that the greatest leaders are not those who desire fame or power, but those that desire Allah’s pleasure and act with ihsan (excellence).
In an era of ego-based models of leadership, this book reminds the reader of what is most important: character, purpose, and submission to Allah. It encourages us to lead by example, to influence by sincerity, and to never forget that every action of leadership is worship.
Read more: 60 Great Women Enshrined in Islamic History By Dr. Tareq As Suwaidan