Picture this: Pakistan, 2009. You’re a revolutionary in a hostile nation. You believe your message will have a profoundly positive impact on your fellow citizens, but it seems they are so entrenched in the status quo that it is hard to get through to them. For one thing, they are mired in a state of corruption and despondency, unable or unwilling to break-out.

To the leaders, because you insist on ‘reactionary’ ideals such as honesty, integrity, solidarity and unity, you are a serious danger - a threat to the very fabric of existing society. They conspire against you, trying to undermine you at every turn. They fear you because if even a few were converted to your cause, society would be utterly transformed, the special interests would be overturned and the evils of the leadership would be exposed for all to see.

However, listening to you, although many nod approvingly, their commitment is superficial. Actually taking your message to heart would lead to a significant impact on their wealth, status and lifestyles. The material sacrifices would be enormous. Their income comes from impure sources - they would have to forego it; They are used to trampling on others to get ahead - they would have to start giving way; They wile away their days in self-indulgent frivolity - they would have to start paying attention.

It seems like a hopeless situation doesn’t it?

Actually, when the Noble Prophet (SAW) began his mission all those years ago he faced far worse odds. Yet by the grace of Allah, he succeeded in transforming the existing basis of society in every way, sweeping away the barbarity, corruption and cruelty that was fundamentally ingrained into the hearts and minds of Makkan society. He put his life, wealth and honour at enormous risk, came face to face with unthinkable suffering, and yet emerged the victor.

Today, some of us are trying to overturn the status quo and revive this sleeping nation. We know that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) is the supreme example to us and we know that his way is the best way. So how did he do it? And what lessons can we apply to the Pakistan of today?

1)    Divine Providence – The Noble Prophet (SAW) was sent by Allah as a Mercy to All Worlds. He is the pinnacle of creation, the supreme example, the most pure, selfless, graceful human being ever to exist. Being the most beloved of Allah, of course, he was destined for sublime victory.

When it comes to the matter of destiny, we are blessed too. Pakistan’s miraculous creation and survival is a clear sign. Other nations by now would have fractured and collapsed - Pakistan yet endures. From the prophecy of Ghazwa-e-Hind, to the tidings and visions of countless Auliya-Kareem, we know that Pakistan’s current troubles are merely temporary. Pakistan is the vanguard of the Muslim Ummah; destined to uplift, revive and defend Islam from all threats. A leader will surely arise - destiny demands it.

2)    The Power of Example - Although many preachers talk a good talk, they have no credibility – their own lives are a living testament to their hypocrisy. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) on the other hand, lived out his ideals in spite of all hardship. His personal character and conduct was beyond reproach – the model of grace, humility and courtesy. Even his greatest enemies acknowledged that he was incorruptible. His message was profound, but because he was the messenger, its impact was multiplied manifold. There are many pretenders – he was the real thing.

A true, righteous leader must safeguard his dignity and honour from morally compromising situations and positions. Allama Iqbal likened the true believer to a Golden Eagle. Eagles soar in the air. The harsh headwinds they encounter only lift them ever upwards. They rely on their own faculties and fear no-one except Allah. They live on high mountains and are never seen on the impure ground where vermin roam. Our aspiring leaders must be aloof (and be seen to be aloof) from the evils of society, otherwise their message will have no credibility. They must lead from the front and become the standard bearers – a benchmark of conduct and behaviour.

3)    Clarity and consistency - The mission of the Noble Prophet (SAW) was to spread glad tidings and warnings. He did so in an even-handed, gracious and perfectly courteous manner. Yet he never compromised on the message. He never toned down or wildly exaggerated when talking to differing groups for the sake of expediency. Whether preaching to the powerful or to the weak, he was entirely consistent. Also, he feared no-one but Allah, let alone any fear of personal consequences when telling truths.

Today our leaders make false promises, spread disinformation and throw slander without the slightest hesitation or shame. Personal integrity, honesty and courtesy is viewed as a debilitating weakness that will seriously impede ones climb to the top of the tree. With only false ideological bases from which policies are formulated, politics has turned into a circus, designed to deceive and entice rather than enlighten and assist. We need a leader who tells harsh truths, no matter how painful or embarrassing they are. Someone who instead of telling us what we want to hear, tells us what we badly need to know.

4)    Building a loyal team – The Messenger of Allah (SAW) was an inspirational figure. As highly charismatic as he was, he attracted devotees from all around - people looking for direction, purpose and salvation from the broken society around them. The Sahaba–Kareem were totally devoted to their Master and willing to sacrifice anything and everything. Regardless of how moral or otherwise they had been in days past, in emulation of the Noble Prophet (SAW) and under his guidance, they developed such high moral fibre that perhaps only few have been able to surpass their station since.

One person can instigate a revolution in our country, but he must gather like-minded souls around him for the revolution to spread and take hold. Importantly, the movement must be able to survive and even flourish after the demise of any leaders through a cadre of devotees. Rather than a crude ‘cult of personality’ based on dynastic lines or personal magnetism that we often witness in Pakistan, the band must be loyal to a grand cause - a cause greater than any one person. Instead of indulging in paranoia regarding his own chairmanship, the leader must also systematically train and guide his followers to an equal level as himself. He must place the mission above his own personal pride and position if he is truly sincere and committed to long-term success.

5)    Targeting key people – As outstanding as his qualities were, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) knew he could not bring the message personally to each and every person in the land. Building a team was one way of spreading the good news, but he knew that in Makkan society, there were certain key people who, if they saw the light of Islam, would bring many other followers in their wake - so he sought them out. These people were highly regarded. In a tribal society, chieftains are among the ‘aristocracy’ and are thus very influential. Their opinions are often sought and their lead followed. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) often expressed the wish that people of the calibre of Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) and Hazrat Khalid ibn al-Walid (RA) would join Islam. When they did, they only reinforced and strengthened the morale of the faithful and the spread of the Deen.

In history, there have been very few so-called ‘grassroots’ revolutions. More often, popular revolutions are instigated by a small vanguard of individuals who by targeting and recruiting key people in positions of influence are able to achieve ‘critical mass’ for the movement. The fact is, most people are asleep or uninterested in the grand scheme of things. They may have opinions, but they largely avoid conflict and confrontation. Targeting society’s opinion-leaders is a highly effective way of bringing societal change. When people ask how - when anti-Americanism is so rife in Pakistan - that it still seems like Pakistan dances to Washington’s tune, it is because the CIA does not care about the opinion of the common man, only the allegiance of the powerful beaurocrat and politician. Remember, Allama Iqbal’s vision achieved fruition only when he transformed the influential Muhammad Ali Jinnah into the transformative Quaid-e-Azam.

Far off the beaten track as we are, all we want in Pakistan is to get ‘back to basics’. Only an ideology and movement that emulates the one instigated by the Messenger of Allah (SAW) and the Sahaba-Kareem will succeed in repairing our broken society. But we often forget that they did not have success handed to them on a plate. They too overcame great hardships and troubles on the way. Our current travails are not unique. If we look closely, we will find parallels with those over 14 centuries ago.

Yes - today we have all manner of new-fangled systems of mass communication, but only by following a few basic principles will we bring change to our society. Fashions, norms and practices may ebb and flow, but the essential nature of people (fitrat), does not change. People are delighted by the same ideals now as they always have been. We just need to inspire them into action and reignite their sense of devotion to Pakistan and the Ummah of the Messenger of Allah (SAW).

The Noble Prophet (SAW) and the Sahaba-Kareem never compromised on ethics. They simply lived by Qur’anic guidance. As a result, their beautiful legacy remains with us to this day. Today our Machiavellian leaders plot and scheme with impunity to gain the trappings of power. Do they not realise how many morally compromised leaders the world has witnessed? All are long gone, long forgotten. Just look around you. Gutter-politicians never really rise above the gutter.

Meanwhile, Eagles soar overhead, and their piercing cries echoe through eternity.

Pakistan Zindabad.