08/03/2025
A Valuable Lesson From the Arab World: Offering Prayers for Our Leaders
By Abubacarr Mishari Njie, CEO, AMMP Gambia
During my travels across the Arab world, I had the opportunity to experience various cultural and spiritual practices that left a lasting impression on me. However, there is one practice that stands out above all others one that I believe could have a transformative impact on The Gambia if we embrace it.
In almost every Arab country I visited, I noticed a powerful and common tradition: people consistently pray for the success, health, and guidance of their leaders, particularly during Juma (Friday) prayers. On the surface, this may seem like a routine act, but upon reflecting on its deeper meaning, I came to realize how significant it truly is.
In these societies, praying for the well being of the leader is not merely a ceremonial act; it is a deeply ingrained practice. It reflects a collective belief that the leader’s success is directly connected to the country’s prosperity. When a leader is wise, strong, and righteous, the nation flourishes, and the people thrive.
This practice serves as a reminder that leadership is not an individual burden; it is a shared responsibility between the leader and the people. It’s about understanding that the strength of the leader is the strength of the nation, and that the welfare of the people is tied to the direction in which the leader guides the country.
As I observed this practice, I began to think about our own nation, The Gambia. We are a country with many diverse viewpoints, political opinions, and differences. But despite all these variations, one undeniable truth remains: the success of our country depends on the collective efforts of all of us. The future of The Gambia is not determined by one individual, but by all of us working together to build a better tomorrow.
We often hear the saying, Leadership is everything, and indeed, this is true. A nation’s future is shaped by the quality, vision, and decisions of its leaders. However, leadership is not just about the individual at the helm it’s also about the people who support them, advise them, and pray for their success. I firmly believe that when a community comes together in prayer for their leaders, it helps foster the kind of leadership that leads to unity, development, and progress.
Consider leadership like driving a car. If the driver is attentive, wise, and skilled, then the journey will be safe and successful for everyone on board. But if the driver is distracted or lacking in knowledge, the trip could become dangerous for all passengers.
Whether or not we agree with our leaders, we must recognize that their success is the success of the entire nation. We are all passengers in this journey together, and for us to reach our destination safely, we must lift our voices in prayer for the guidance, wisdom, and well-being of our leaders.
I am not calling for blind allegiance or unquestioning loyalty, but rather for a collective sense of responsibility. By praying for our leaders, we are praying for the future of The Gambia. We are praying for peace, progress, unity, and prosperity.
Let us come together as one people, with one shared vision, and pray for the strength and success of our country. Only in unity can we create a Gambia that is peaceful, prosperous, and filled with opportunity for all.
May Allah continue to guide our leaders with wisdom and bless The Gambia with peace and prosperity.