Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and spiritual growth, offers a profound opportunity to realign our intentions and cultivate a deeper sense of purpose. It’s a time to embrace mindfulness and reflection, not only in our spiritual lives but also in our professional relationships.

In a world where it feels like we lack true leadership, I revisited the book Muhammad: 11 Leadership Qualities That Changed the World by Nabeel Al-Azami. The author highlights how the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) exemplified leadership through trust and emotional intelligence; and how he continues to inspire leaders across cultures and industries.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a master of communication, adapting his style based on the audience, ensuring clarity, and offering constructive feedback with care. His approach can be distilled into these five traits, many of which resonate deeply with authentic leadership today:

• Adaptability – Adjusting communication style to suit the situation and audience.

• Authenticity – Ensuring speech is concise, meaningful, and aligned with values.

• Assertiveness – Addressing difficult issues directly, without discouraging others.

• Appreciation – Using feedback to uplift, motivate, and guide with balance.

• Accountability – Seeking feedback from others and explaining reasoning with openness.

Inspired by these qualities, I reflected on how I can refine my leadership style—particularly in communication. One area where I want to grow is properly articulating myself, especially in difficult conversations. The emphasis on self-improvement and intentionality during Ramadan encourages me to refine this skill.

Why It Matters

As an HR leader, I understand that building a culture of trust and barakah (abundance) is crucial for long-term organizational success. When teams feel genuinely invested in collective success, collaboration becomes seamless, fueling innovation and collective wisdom.

The most effective way to achieve this is through authentic communication. This includes leading by example, ensuring actions align with values, and promoting trust through informed decision-making. Renowned author Brené Brown champions leaders who embrace vulnerability and openness. Leaders who embrace vulnerability and openness set the tone for teams to innovate freely in an environment of trust. 

Similarly, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us that leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege. Al-Azami emphasizes that the Prophet Muhammad’s leadership was transformative because it was deeply ethical, people-centered, and adaptable to changing circumstances. His leadership was not about power, but about influence, empowerment, and creating a legacy of justice and compassion. By embracing his leadership principles, we can continue to inspire excellence. 

My Ramadan Commitments

To follow the Prophet’s model, I am intentionally refining my communication approach by:

• Setting Intentions – Approaching every conversation with clarity and purpose.

• Showing Self-Awareness – Acknowledging my areas for growth to create space for others to do the same.

• Supporting Growth – Coaching and mentoring others in their personal and professional development.

Creating a Culture of Trust and Abundance

It's a known fact that authentic leadership fosters trust and abundance. When leaders model integrity, transparency, and informed decision-making, they empower their teams to do the same. By embracing these leadership principles—especially during Ramadan—we can cultivate stronger relationships, more resilient teams, and a workplace culture that thrives on trust, purpose, and collective success.

Lead on!

Tanal Basma