By Brian Figeroux, Esq. 

The Quran, the holy book of Islam, provides comprehensive guidance on various aspects of life, including leadership, morality, justice, and social welfare. It offers timeless principles that can be applied to assess the qualities of leaders in the modern world. This analysis explores how the teachings of the Quran can inform the evaluation of Joe Biden and Donald Trump as presidential candidates in the 2024 election, taking into account Biden’s age and Trump’s felony convictions.

Key Themes in the Quran

1. Integrity and Righteousness
2. Sura Al-Baqarah (2:177):

   “It is not righteousness that you turn your faces toward the East or the West, but righteousness is in one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the Prophets and gives his wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; those who fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.”

   – This verse emphasizes the importance of integrity, faith, and social responsibility. Leaders must demonstrate these qualities through their actions and commitments.

2. Sura Al-Ahzab (33:21):

   “Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad), you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much.”

   – The Prophet Muhammad is presented as an exemplar of integrity and righteous conduct, serving as a model for leaders to emulate.

2. Justice and Compassion
3. Sura An-Nisa (4:135):

   “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.”

   Justice is a core principle in the Quran. It requires leaders to be fair and unbiased and protect the rights of all individuals, especially the marginalized.

2. Sura Al-Ma’idah (5:8):

   “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.”

   – This verse underscores the necessity of compassion and fairness, even towards those one may dislike, reflecting the broader ethical framework leaders should uphold.

3. Wisdom and Discernment
4. Sura Al-Imran (3:159):

   “So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].”

   – Wisdom and consultation are vital in leadership, as exemplified by the Prophet’s approach to governance. Leaders should seek counsel and make informed decisions.

2. Sura An-Nahl (16:90):

   “Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.”

   – Wisdom in leadership involves promoting justice and moral behavior, and avoiding oppression and wrongdoing.

Evaluating Biden and Trump Through the Lens of the Quran

1. Joe Biden

Integrity and Moral Character:

   – A focus on empathy, integrity, and a commitment to ethical governance has marked Biden’s long career in public service. His scandal-free career aligns with the Quran’s emphasis on righteousness and integrity (Sura Al-Baqarah 2:177).

Age and Wisdom:

 – At 81, Biden’s age raises concerns about his physical and mental stamina. However, the Quran values wisdom and experience, often associated with age and the consultation of others (Sura Al-Imran 3:159). Biden’s extensive experience and consultative decision-making process reflect these values.

Policies on Social Justice:

   – Biden’s policy proposals focus on healthcare, education, and support for marginalized communities, aligning with the Quran’s emphasis on justice and compassion (Sura An-Nisa 4:135). His commitment to addressing systemic inequalities and promoting social welfare is consistent with Islamic teachings.

Accountability and Transparency:

   – Biden’s willingness to admit mistakes and adapt indicates a level of accountability valued in the Quran. His transparency in addressing his age and health issues demonstrates integrity and honesty (Sura Al-Baqarah 2:177).

2. Donald Trump

Integrity and Moral Character:

   – Controversies, including multiple felony convictions, have marked Trump’s presidency and public life. These legal issues raise serious questions about his adherence to the principles of integrity and righteousness emphasized in the Quran (Sura Al-Baqarah 2:177).

Leadership Style and Decision-Making:

   – Trump’s decisiveness and focus on economic growth reflect a pragmatic approach to leadership. However, his often unilateral decision-making style lacks the consultative aspect praised in the Quran (Sura Al-Imran 3:159).

Policies on Social Justice:

   – Trump’s policies emphasize strong national interests and economic growth but have been criticized for lacking compassion in areas like immigration and social justice. His approach does not fully align with the Quran’s call for defending the oppressed and promoting social welfare (Sura An-Nisa 4:135).

Accountability and Legal Issues:

   – Trump’s felony convictions and ongoing legal battles highlight significant issues with accountability. The Quran underscores the importance of leaders being accountable for their actions, and Trump’s legal troubles suggest challenges in this area (Sura Al-Baqarah 2:177).

Comparative Analysis

Integrity and Legal Issues

The Quran emphasizes the importance of integrity and moral uprightness in leadership. Biden’s relatively scandal-free career and commitment to ethical governance align more closely with these principles. In contrast, Trump’s felony convictions significantly deviate from the Quranic standard of integrity and righteousness.

Wisdom and Experience

The Quran values wisdom and experience, often associated with age and consultation. Biden’s long career in public service and his consultative approach reflect these values, despite concerns about his age. Trump’s leadership style, while decisive, often lacks the collaborative and discerning qualities highlighted in the Quran.

Justice and Compassion

Biden’s focus on social justice and support for marginalized communities aligns with the Quranic emphasis on justice and compassion. While Trump’s policies emphasize economic growth, they have been criticized for not fully addressing issues of social justice and compassion.

Accountability and Service

The Quran values leaders who are accountable and serve selflessly. Biden’s career reflects a commitment to public service and accountability. Trump’s leadership style and legal issues raise significant concerns about his alignment with these Quranic principles.

Conclusion

The Quran emphasizes qualities such as integrity, wisdom, justice, compassion, and accountability as essential for righteous leadership. In evaluating Joe Biden and Donald Trump through the lens of these Quranic principles, Biden’s long career in public service, focus on social justice, and overall adherence to ethical standards align more closely with the values emphasized in the Quran. Trump’s decisiveness and economic focus are notable, but his felony convictions and approach to governance raise significant concerns about his alignment with the Quranic principles of integrity and accountability.

Ultimately, the teachings of the Quran suggest that a leader who upholds righteousness, seeks wisdom, balances justice with compassion, serves selflessly, and maintains accountability is best suited for leadership. In this context, Biden’s qualities and record appear more closely aligned with these Quranic ideals.

  biden, comparative analysis, Quran, Trump