“If a mule were to stumble in Iraq, I fear that Allah would ask me: O Umar, why did you not pave the road for it?”
This profound statement reflects the deep sense of accountability that early Muslim leaders held—not just for people, but for every living being under their care. It reminds us that leadership is not about status or position, but responsibility—especially for what goes wrong.
In Malaysia, over the past few months, we’ve witnessed a disturbing number of bus and lorry crashes. Lives have been lost. Families shattered. Futures erased in seconds.
Who is at fault?
Is it the driver who was overworked and under-rested?
The company that pushed for unreasonable hours to maximise profit?
The enforcement agency that turned a blind eye to vehicle conditions?
The policymaker who failed to improve road safety regulations?
The public who stays silent after each tragedy?
If Sayidina Umar were alive today, he would not look to blame others first. He would ask himself:
“What could I have done to prevent this?”
Until we reach that level of collective responsibility, accidents will keep happening—and the innocent will keep dying.
Let us honour the trust placed upon us—whether as leaders, managers, voters, citizens, or even just fellow road users.
Because accountability isn’t just a legal issue.
It’s a moral and spiritual one.
Peace, anas
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