Are there modern leaders who can be role models for us?

A true role model is hard to find among political leaders, because hypocrisy rules almost everywhere. The best model has been placed by God within every human being, and the only perfect models are those whom God Himself chose as His messengers.

Looking back over the last century, people often search for great leaders to follow. But in politics, economics and society, hypocrisy is so widespread that hardly any leader can be found who is a model in everything. Even the best have their weaknesses and flaws.

Islam first turns our gaze inward. The first verse above speaks of the nature with which Allah created mankind. The second says that He gave the soul a sense of what is wrong and what is right. Every person therefore carries within an image of goodness that God Himself has imprinted.

This inner model does not lie. If a person listens honestly, it tells them what is good. People lie when they deliberately misread this inner voice because they dislike what it says. That is why there is no better message than the one already within us, if we are sincere.

Besides this there are models who are perfect: the messengers whom God Himself chose. The third verse above calls the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) an excellent model. Their lives show what human nature looks like when it remains completely pure.

So whoever is looking for a role model should first look honestly within, and then to the messengers of God, rather than placing their hopes in politicians.