By Ahmad Shuaibu Isa
I was born and raised in Zaria, within the renowned Ahmadu Bello University. Surrounded by intellectual vigour and historical depth, I was fortunate to attend both Islamic theological schools and conventional schools. My childhood was marked by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, which only grew as I matured. But as I entered adulthood, I began to question the very notion of perfection—what it truly means and what it takes to approach it. These reflections became central to both my intellectual and spiritual growth.
Zaria, with its unique blend of academic excellence and Islamic heritage, proved to be the ideal backdrop for such reflections. Like many peripheral societies across Africa, the people of Zaria are grounded in values of respect, dignity, humility, and community—values rooted in both Islamic teachings and local traditions. These principles foster a deep appreciation for knowledge, with the community honouring both religious scholarship and academic achievement, merging intellectual curiosity with moral integrity.
The Theory of Sacred Imperfection: A Unified Framework Across Disciplines
The intersection of International Studies, Sociology, and Political Science highlights a shared ideal: the “better kind” of leadership. This leadership model places emphasis on moral resilience, ethical striving, and collective progress. The theory of Sacred Imperfection posits that societal and political advancement is not dependent on flawless leadership or immaculate diplomacy but on the efforts of imperfect individuals who strive to rectify their mistakes, learn from them, and use these experiences to serve the collective good.
1. Imperfection as a Catalyst for Ethical Governance: Whether in local politics, global diplomacy, or societal leadership, imperfections offer opportunities for self-reflection and growth. Leaders who embrace their flaws remain humble and responsive to the needs of their people. Imperfection, when accepted, accelerates ethical development in governance.
2. Resilience in Leadership and Society: Imperfection is at the heart of resilience in both leadership and social structures. The better kind shows that leadership is not about achieving perfection but about continuously striving for moral growth. Their struggles reflect the broader challenges faced by societies, where solutions emerge from ongoing efforts to align with higher values.
3. Diplomacy and Social Change: On the international stage, imperfection shapes the dynamics of diplomacy, peace-building, and global collaboration. Those who embrace mistakes and remain open to learning are more likely to foster lasting alliances and resolve conflicts through mutual respect and humility.
Lights Beneath the Light: The Better Kind and Sacred Wisdom in Their Imperfection
The better kind serve an essential role in both the spiritual and moral fabric of society. They are accessible role models of sincerity and moral striving, demonstrating that goodness is not the domain of the infallible but something attainable by anyone committed to self-improvement. While prophets embody infallibility (ismah), the better kind reflect the resilience of repentance (tawbah), humility, and perseverance in overcoming personal flaws. Their journey shows that moral excellence is not a destination of perfection but a continual effort to better oneself.
Though they may never achieve prophetic perfection, the better kind remind us that divine closeness is available to anyone who sincerely strives towards goodness. Their journey inspires others to begin their own paths of growth, showing that imperfection is an integral part of the journey towards divine proximity.
Despite their noble intentions, the better kind are not immune to the pressures and complexities of life. Societal expectations, personal desires, and cultural influences can cloud their judgment, leading to mistakes that harm or disillusion. However, these lapses are not moral failures; they present opportunities for growth and introspection. By embracing humility and self-reflection, these individuals grow stronger, more compassionate, and more attuned to the wisdom of their journey.
When Divine Mercy Alone Can Heal the Heart
At times, the better kind’s mistakes may be so profound that only divine mercy can restore their peace. While human forgiveness is limited, Allah’s mercy is infinite, capable of healing the deepest wounds and purifying the soul. Through genuine repentance (tawbah), the better kind find both forgiveness and a renewed sense of purpose, enabling them to continue guiding others towards goodness.
Their redemption, however, is not only personal but collective. Their transformation allows them to become beacons of light, inspiring others with renewed hope and spiritual clarity.
The Dangers of Malignant Forces
The better kind often face external forces that undermine their efforts. Envy, hypocrisy, and the pursuit of status can seek to discredit, manipulate, or isolate them. These toxic influences, often cloaked in false appearances, create confusion and doubt, leading the better kind to question their worth. Such malice can cause the virtuous to retreat, feeling misunderstood or marginalized, and may even lead to disillusionment.
The consequences are profound. When the sincere are silenced, society’s moral fabric weakens, allowing arrogance, deceit, and injustice to prevail. The better kind must remain vigilant, trusting in divine guidance and remaining unwavering in their pursuit of truth. Their strength lies not in public validation, but in their steadfast commitment to divine values and mutual support.
Embracing Sacred Imperfection
The better kind are defined not by their imperfections, but by how they respond to them. Their journey is a testament to the human condition—a cycle of striving, falling, and rising again. Their efforts show that the path to divine closeness is not one of flawless existence, but of sincere, unceasing effort. Imperfection, rather than an obstacle, is the means by which they grow, learn, and inspire others.
In a world driven by ego, materialism, and deceit, the better kind serve as quiet forces of transformation. Their imperfect lives reflect the higher call of divine submission, reminding us that the true path to spiritual enlightenment is not through perfection, but through continuous striving towards goodness and truth.
The Deviation of African Leadership from the Better Kind
The concept of the “better kind” in leadership, which values imperfection and moral resilience, sharply contrasts with the reality of many African leaders today. In many cases, African leaders have evolved into tyrants and puppets of imperialism, serving the interests of foreign powers rather than those of their own people.
Today, numerous African leaders prioritise personal power and wealth over the welfare of their citizens. These leaders, who claim to uphold the values of governance, often neglect their moral responsibilities, plunging their nations into cycles of corruption, inequality, and violent repression. Rather than confronting their flaws, they perpetuate them with authoritarian rule, maintaining power through manipulation, coercion, and suppression of opposition. As a result, their people are left disillusioned, marginalised, and suffering.
These leaders often act as pawns of larger imperialist powers, supporting policies that benefit foreign corporations or governments while leaving their own nations impoverished, resource-exploited, and politically unstable. The consequences are evident: widespread corruption, inadequate infrastructure, lack of healthcare and education, and increasing violence in many African nations.
Unlike the “better kind,” who view their imperfections as opportunities for growth and community betterment, these leaders embody a darker side of governance—greed, betrayal, and complicity. Their leadership serves the interests of global powers, not their own people, making them “monsters” of their own creation. They are motivated not by moral duty but by a desire to hold onto power, often at any cost.
Conclusion
The failures of many African leaders highlight the importance of ethical leadership—leadership that serves the common good and reflects the values of humility, self-reflection, and resilience. In contrast to these corrupt, imperialistic leaders, the better kind acts as beacons of hope, guiding their people through struggles, learning from their mistakes, and striving for collective growth. For Africa to realise true liberation and progress, it must reject corrupt, tyrannical systems of governance and embrace leadership rooted in integrity, justice, and societal well-being.
Ahmad Shuaibu Isa
Saturday, May 17, 2025