The world of politics is often likened to a stage full of glitter and sweet promises. Yet, behind the veil of power, lies one of the most bitter tests for humans: the test of trust and integrity. Recently, HRH the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, ignited a very significant national conversation through “food for thought” for all Malaysians on the official Facebook page of the Selangor Royal Office.
The Sultan quoted the words of the 33rd president of the United States, Harry S. Truman: “No one can get rich in politics unless he’s a crook.” The posting was not just a polite reprimand from His Majesty but a stern warning about the fact that leadership has lost its way. When we look at the Islamic calendar, this message comes at a very opportune time—ahead of the celebration of Eid al-Adha or Hari Raya Korban. There is a very thick parallel line between His message and the philosophy of sacrifice upheld by Muslims. Leadership, in reality, is a form of continuous “sacrifice.”
The post touches on a paradox that often occurs in modern society. Logically, politics is a branch of public service. A politician is paid salaries and allowances prescribed by law to manage the country’s governance. Thus, mathematically, it is impossible for a servant of the people to amass extraordinary wealth just through his political career.
When Harry S. Truman mentioned the term “crook,” he was referring to individuals who use power as a key to open the nation’s treasure vaults for personal gain. The quote chosen by the Sultan is continued with a bitter truth: “If the wealthiest people in a society are its politicians, that society is fundamentally corrupt.”
This statement describes a sick system. When the wealth is no longer generated through the process of innovation, honest business, or the productivity of the people, but instead simply revolves in the hands of those in power, then the country is heading for moral and economic collapse. This is where integrity plays the role of a last bastion.
Towards the end of this month, Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Adha. We often look at this celebration from the point of view of ritual of the slaughter of an ox, goat, or camel to distribute its meat to the poor. However, the true essence of Eid al-Adha is the story of the enormous sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim A.S. and his son, Prophet Ismail A.S.
This philosophy of sacrifice teaches us about total surrenderto God’s commandments and a willingness to give up what we hold most to achieve His pleasure. For a leader, the “dearest thing” is often not a child or a life, but a lust for wealth, power, and flattery.
In the context of integrity, Hari Raya Korban should be a moment for leaders to “slaughter” greed in themselves. If Prophet Ibrahim A.S. was willing to sacrifice Ismail A.S. for obedience, a politician should be willing to sacrifice the opportunity to become rich illegally for the sake of obedience to the trust of the people and religious orders.
Corruption and embezzlement don’t start in the office or the meeting table; it starts in the heart. In the Islamic tradition, man has a lust that always leads to evil (nafs al-ammarah). It is this lust that whispers that “opportunities only come once” or “everyone does the same thing.”
The news of corruption and abuse of power that colours the media is a clear indicator that most leaders, both at the level of political parties and corporate or non-corporate institutions, still lack trust in their souls. The failure of leaders to sacrifice their passions makes them feel guilty about using their power for self-interest. Existing power is manipulated as a shortcut to accumulate the world’s wealth and luxury. It is also used as a license to legitimize the oppression and tyranny committed against members of society, particularly marginalized groups who suffer the most from such abuses of power.
When a leader fails to make a “sacrifice” to his passions, he will begin to see the position not as a burden of responsibility but as the spoils of war (ghanimah). The spirit of Eid al-Adha invites leaders to make sacrifices and internal transformation. This includes sacrificing greed and ego and prioritizing cronies.
Why is the Sultan of Selangor emphasizing this issue so much? This is none other than because when leaders are corrupt, the effect of their chains destroys the structure of society. A society that sees politicians getting rich for no apparent reason will start to normalize corruption.
When corruption becomes a culture, integrity is considered a weakness. Young people no longer dream of becoming honest professionals or employees; they may dream of getting into politics just to “make a quick buck” and eventually at that time we may have lost our moral compass.
Just as sacrificial meat is distributed fairly to those who are entitled, the wealth of the state must also be distributed fairly on a clean basis. When leaders “eat” the rights of the people through corruption, they are actually snatching “sacrificial meat” from the mouths of the poor who are hoping for government assistance.
Eid al-Adha imparts the lesson that Allah SWT will replace every sincere sacrifice with something better. Prophet Ibrahim was replaced by his son with a ram, and he was elevated to the rank of Khalilullah (Beloved of Allah).
Leaders who sacrifice the pursuit of illicit wealth probably do not have luxury bungalows abroad or overflowing bank accounts. However, they possess a peaceful soul, which is one that is free from the shadow of sin and the threat of legal repercussions. In addition, they earn genuine respect, etched into the people’s conscience without the need for monetary compensation. What is most important is the guarantee of blessings in which a country whose leaders are clean will always be blessed with blessings and sustainable economic stability.
The speech of the Sultan of Selangor and the upcoming Eid al-Adha celebration are a powerful combination of messages. It is a call for “Reform of the Soul.” We don’t need leaders who are only adept at talking about integrity on stage, but we need leaders who are willing to make personal “sacrifices” every time they sign a document or make a big decision.
True politicians are those who are “poor” in wealth but “rich” in devotion. They understand that politics is a bridge to goodness, not a ladder to the crown of luxury.
Let us welcome Eid al-Adha this time with renewed determination. To the leaders, make the spirit of sacrifice of the Prophet Ibrahim a guide to slaughter the lust of greed. To the people, let the message of the Sultan of Selangor be a yardstick in selecting and evaluating those who hold the trust.
Only with sincere sacrifice can integrity be restored, and only then can a society emerge from the shackles of corruption. Indeed, the power is temporary, but integrity and a clean name will remain immortal in the folds of history and in the eyes of God.
