Al-Muthana Ibn Haritha

Motivational

Doesn't expect praise

One of the battles Al-Muthana led in the war to conquer Persia was the one where Omar, the leader of the Muslims at the time, sent him an army, for aid and support. Leading the army was a man who had not tasted the bitter taste of war except for this one time, and during the war, Al-Muthana noticed the army that had been sent to aid him was slacking off, and they needed motivation. He sent them a letter saying nothing but “Do not let down the Prophet and God." They were fighting efficiently, and they had hit the epitome of their ferociousness. They were no longer worried about winning or losing, living or dying, but only about doing what was right.

What makes Al-Muthana one of a kind, and different from almost all other leaders in history, is that he did not expect praise or recognition, and these were not what motivated him. With a goal in mind, he sets off to do whatever needs to be done to achieve this goal, even if he needs to be the general of the Muslim army, and this is what happened. When he would ask for reinforcements from the Muslims, they would send armies, as well as leaders, who would take his place as general, leaving Al-Muthana among the the average soldiers. He did not object and simply stepped down, which not many people in that position can do.

Great analytical thinker

Concept from textbook

pg.177

Al-Muthatna Ibn Haritha fit two of the leadership styles mentioned in the book; Instrumental leadership, and expressive leadership.

Another example would be in the Battle of the Bridge, where Al-Muthana made it very clear when suggesting to the other leader not to cross the bridge, as the opposing army would surly be waiting for them. He did not heed to Al-Muthana’s words, and was killed, and his army was defeated. The remaining troops retreated back to Al-Muthana. The army was smaller than that of the enemies, but this did not discourage him, as this was the case in many wars, and they were always victorious. He planned out the formations, put soldiers in hard to reach areas, which gave them an advantage, leading them to victory.

Three arguments

1. Motivational

2. Great analytical thinker

3. Doesn't expect reward or praise

Thesis

Al- Muthana was an extremely motivational leader, an amazing analytical thinker and strategist, and he strives to satisfy only Allah, and his personal goals. He does not expect praise or reward, and he is self-motivated

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Great leaders in history

Al-Muthana Ibn Haritha Al-Shaybani

Works Cited

AmrKhaled-Ma'aAl-Tabieen-Episode2. Perf. Amr Khaled. YouTube- Broadcast Yourself Web. 19 Nov. 2012. < >.

“Ibn Haritha « SunnahFit." SunnahFit. Web. 19 Nov. 2012. <http://sunnahfit.wordpress.com/tag/ibn-haritha/ >.

White, Barbara. "Seven Qualities of a Good Leader." Bay Area CPA Firm, Tax Planning, Accounting, Business Valuations, Fremont, Palo Alto, Danville. Web. 18 Nov. 2012. <http://www.groco.com/readingroom/bus_goodleader.aspx>.

IslamBasics. Web. 19 Nov. 2012. <http://www.islambasics.com/view.php?bkID=119>.