Between Leadership Crisis and Crisis Leadership: A Reading on Obstacles to Change and the Outcomes of Revolutions

Concepts have been intertwined for many years in the aftermath of revolutionary attempts in Arab Spring countries, raising the question of the delay in the desired change. Change requires essential prerequisites that begin within those who desire it, and are represented by possessing the elements of swift action that complement a long process of serious deeds, with the necessity of sincerity, patience, and persistence in defending achievements.

The ability to confront external challenges and the suitability of internal conditions are fundamental pillars for the success of any reform movement. In the absence of this ability, it becomes imperative for peoples to endure more difficulties with sufficient awareness to distinguish between wise and mistaken actions, which becomes more difficult in the absence of wise leadership that prioritizes the nation's interest over its own.

Many believe that revolutions may be stifled or suffocated under the weight of devastating blows, but a close look at modern Egyptian history proves otherwise. The revolution remains a latent fire under the ashes of oppression, awaiting the opportune moment to erupt again, which explains the persistence of the revolutionary spirit despite repeated attempts to extinguish it.

In January 1977, Egyptians protested against price increases in what became known as the Bread Uprising, which the late President Anwar Sadat described as the 'Uprising of Thieves'. Although the regime at the time managed to paralyze the movement, the flames continued to burn in people's souls for more than thirty years until the illuminating January 2011 revolution erupted.

History tells us that great leaders are not necessarily free from human flaws; what matters is their ability to lead and sacrifice. Leader Saad Zaghloul, who led the 1919 revolution against the British occupation, admitted in his memoirs to some of his personal flaws, yet he succeeded in mobilizing the Egyptian street and shaking the foundations of the monarchy and occupation.

Similarly, global figures like Gandhi in India had major shortcomings, which confirms that great personalities can make mistakes commensurate with the scale of their influence. The lesson lies in the extent of these personalities' connection to their nation's issues and their ability to overcome human shortcomings for the sake of the supreme goal of liberation and reform.

The mind acknowledges that perfection belongs to God alone, but the dilemma lies in preferring fleeting pleasures over the lasting interest of the homeland. With the passage of time, the falsehood of those who claim a desire for reform is revealed, while their souls pursue their own desires, leading to the disappointment of nations' endeavors and the decline of the spirit of virtue in the process of change.

Human nature's refusal to retreat from the spirit of virtue is one of the biggest dilemmas facing reform movements. While some maintain an outward stance of loving reform, inwardly, love for worldly things and the desire to monopolize blessings grow, confirming the poet's saying that generosity impoverishes and daring kills.

The claim of idealism is one of the most bitter diseases in the body of the nation, where eloquent speakers emerge who convince the masses of the correctness of their decisions by tongue only. Upon practical examination, one finds no trace of that idealism on the ground, making silence about these painful examples sometimes better than delving into them.

Humanity always needs a practical role model and a human biography that embodies noble principles, as were the prophets, peace be upon them. People need to see values walking before them in the conduct of leaders, which was embodied by the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, whose character was the Quran, to be a role model in leadership and reform.

Some movements prepared themselves for a traditional reform process lacking a revolutionary spirit, which made them surprised by the rebellious youth under their umbrella. This oscillation between absolute peaceful reform and the requirements of revolution led to an irresolvable confusion except through comprehensive reviews and efforts to align theory with reality.

The personality in our nation is born with a sound nature and automatically seeks a pioneer to lead it; if it does not find one, it pursues paths of private benefit. Sheikh Al-Ghazali previously warned against those who found no place in the world and thus entered into advocacy, harming it and seeking worldly gains through it, causing great pain to the reform process.

The fundamental question remains about the sincerity of demands and the reconciliation of souls with themselves. Why do some inject their private interests into issues of the public future? Protecting personal interests under the guise of reform delays the improvement of conditions and increases the burden on those on the path of change, and even harms generations that have not yet begun their journey.

Ultimately, when God wills, He prepares the causes and the appropriate leadership for reform and change, where the will of the people meets a leader who possesses scientific vision and sincerity. Only then will the vehicle of revolution be guided forward, surrounded by a group of loyalists who envision a better future, and indeed, tomorrow is near for those who await it.

The revolution is a fire simmering under the ashes of tyrants, and even if temporarily stifled, it ignites in noble souls for another day soon.