KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, has called on leaders to take a leaf from Prophet Muhammad's strategic mindset to achieve transformation in the face of challenges and obstacles.
In his royal address in conjunction with Maal Hijrah celebrations, Sultan Nazrin said a strategic mindset dared to step "outside the norm" and view situations from a broader perspective.
"It involves analysing, planning, and generating new ideas to achieve goals, driving progress in a constantly changing and competitive world," he said, adding Perak has chosen the theme "Strategic Minds Trigger Dynamic Communities" for the state's Maal Hijrah celebrations.
Sultan Nazrin said Prophet Muhammad consistently exemplified such a mindset which became key to his success, not only in spreading Islam, but as a statesman and military commander.
His Royal Highness cited four strategic approaches of the Prophet, the first being how he spread Islam.
"He (Prophet Muhammad) didn't rush to openly deliver the message of Islam, nor did he hastily declare the governance of Mecca under Islamic principles."
The Prophet, Sultan Nazrin said, carefully assessed the environment and circumstances and spread Islam discreetly starting with a small number of family members and trusted companions.
"It was nurtured like a fire within the husk, shielded from public view to ensure the safety of early followers facing staunch opposition from the Quraysh polytheists in Mecca.
Sultan Nazrin said this highlighted the importance of patience and perseverance when presenting new ideas to ensure they are communicated clearly and effectively.
His Royal Highness also cited the Prophet's organisation of the Hijrah, which saw his followers leave Mecca and migrate to Medina.
"The migration to Madinah was a strategic move in advancing Islamic propagation. Madinah offered a fertile environment for the budding seeds of Islam to thrive."
The migration to Madinah, Sultan Nazrin said, elevated the Prophet from a preacher to a statesman and visionary leader who facilitated the spread of Islam across the Arabian Peninsula.
"Thirdly, recognising the significance of unity and cohesion, Prophet Muhammad successfully brought together the Ansar and Muhajirin upon their arrival in Madinah.
"This was followed by a strategic effort to forge strong communal bonds and foster collaboration among people of varied beliefs, cultures, ethnicities, and tribes."
Sultan Nazrin said this was achieved by introducing the Charter of Madinah, a written constitution which provided a foundational governance framework.
The document provided equitable guarantees and protections to all, ensuring fairness and justice across diverse communities of tribes, ethnicities, and religions.
"The Charter of Madinah was unprecedented, it stands as the first written constitution in the history of governance.
"Enacting such a charter represented a pioneering reform, introducing a written, structured legal framework that revealed the government's thinking, which could be read, studied, and understood by all."
The fourth approach, Sultan Nazrin said, involved the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, which affirmed peace between Medina and Mecca, and established the latter and the Kaaba as the rightful possession of the Muslim community.
"Mecca was acquired not through warfare but through the wise steps of Prophet Muhammad in forging a peace treaty.
"He chose peace over conflict and negotiation over dispute. Although appearing to concede externally in the short term, it yielded internal triumphs in the long term."
Sultan Nazrin said Prophet Muhammad's strategies can offer new hope in a world increasingly beset by conflict and division.
His Royal Highness said the Prophet's examples offer invaluable lessons for conflict resolutions, negotiations, and community development.
"Reflecting on the life of Prophet Muhammad, it is evident that he was a master strategist. "Despite his numerous victories and successes, he remained modest, exemplifying exceptional humility and always remembering his position as a humble servant of Allah S.W.T."
Sultan Nazrin urged Muslims to take guidance from the Prophet's strategic thinking and for leaders to adopt his principles.