What are the characteristics of a just leader in Islam?
The just Imam is one chosen by the Muslims to rule, who rules his subjects with justice by implementing Allah's law among them. His characteristics include:
- He straightens every crookedness, guides every oppressor, rectifies every corruption, strengthens every weak person, gives justice to every wronged individual, and succors every distressed person.
- He is like the compassionate shepherd who tends his camels with the utmost care, like a loving father to his child, and like a tender mother to her infant.
- He is the guardian of orphans and the treasurer for the needy, and he is like the heart among the limbs: with its soundness, they are sound, and with its corruption, they are corrupt.
- He stands between Allah and His servants, hearing Allah's word and conveying it to them, and looking to Allah and showing Him to them.
- He follows Allah's command by putting everything in its proper place, without excess or deficiency, combining wisdom, courage, and chastity.
- He preserves the religion according to its fundamentals and establishes its rituals, and he safeguards the interests of the Muslims.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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