Abu Musa Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I called on the Prophet (PBUH) with two of my cousins. One of them said to him: "O Messenger of Allah (PBUH), appoint me governor of some land over which Allah has given you authority.'' The other also requested for something of the same nature. Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "By Allah we do not appoint someone to this post who seeks it or someone who contends for it.'' - [Bukhari and Muslim]
Commentary: A person pushing himself up for an office should be deprived of it. Ambitious persons usually manage to get a high office for self-aggrandizement, damaging the interests of other people. A government should primarily aim at the welfare of people and not serve the interests of the privileged few or benefit the holders of key posts alone.
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Of course, that's not how it works anymore...but that's the Islamic rule on appointing leaders. So, if you ever make any leadership decisions in the future, whether it be small scale or something more important, remember the principle of not appointing someone who desires that position of leadership. And also remember that you yourself should not desire a position of leadership. If you are appointed as a leader, and you are willing to assume the responsibility that comes with that position, then Insha'Allah you will be able to lead justly with Allah's help. As Muslims, we should appoint our leaders based on their qualifications, character, fairness, and ability in relation to the position, and we should do this appointing by decisions made in Shura (consultation). If the world would follow the Islamic principles of leadership, then no doubt this world would be a better place.
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Rasulullah's (saw) Advice to a Governor
Rasulullah (saw) assigned Abu Musa (ra) as governor in Yemen. Before sending him off, he (saw) instructed him, "Abu Musa, when you arrive in Yemen, keep on teaching the people the Qur'an." (Musnad Ahmad)
What unusual instructions for his newly appointed governor!! In today's world, this is unheard of; however, our pious predecessors were only concerned about the Deen of Allah (swt) and everything they did was to establish the Word of Allah (swt) and Deen in people's lives.
During the khilafaath of Umar bin Khattab (ra), Abu Musa (ra) was assigned as governor of Basra. Umar (ra) included in his will that all the governors he appointed should serve a maximum term of one year after his death. After that, they should be removed and someone else can be appointed. He did this because he did not want to be held accountable in front of Allah (swt) for the mistakes of any governor he appointed because during his khilafaath, he could maintain a check on them, but after his death he didn't want accountability.
However, he specially requested that Abu Musa (ra) be kept for four more years. What confidence Ameer ul Mumineen had in this Sahabi that he is willing to take a personal guarantee for him!!
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