Muslim history often emphasises personality as a propelling force for historical movement. There are several reasons for this all rooted in cultural, religious and political contexts. Bernard Lewis, a prominent scholar of Middle Eastern history, observes, “In Muslim history, as in the history of other civilisations, great men appear, usually, though not always, in the role of leaders and rulers.”

This observation underscores the historical tendency to highlight individuals who wielded significant political or military power and shaped the course of events. The role of charismatic leaders like Saladin, who unified Muslim forces against the Crusaders, or Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, who expanded the Ottoman Empire, exemplifies how personalities have been pivotal in shaping Muslim history.

Moreover, Islamic traditions place a strong emphasis on leadership and the responsibilities of rulers. As Montgomery Watt notes, “Islam … has always tended to assume that the government of a country is in the hands of a single ruler.”

This emphasis on centralised authority and leadership, combined with the religious legitimacy conferred upon rulers, contributes to the elevation of personalities in historical narratives. The caliphs, sultans and emirs who governed vast Muslim territories often served as not just political leaders but also religious figures, embodying both temporal and spiritual authority. This dual role further solidified their prominence in historical memory, as their actions and decisions resonated deeply within Muslim societies and beyond.

In essence, the focus on personalities in Muslim history reflects a complex interplay of political structures, religious beliefs and cultural norms, where leaders are not only seen as historical actors but also as symbols of authority and guidance. This emphasis serves to illuminate the dynamics of power and governance within Muslim civilisations, highlighting how individual leadership has shaped the trajectory of historical movements and societal developments over centuries.

The proposition that personality centrism and a militaristic narrative dominate Muslim history writing, a trend that became far too conspicuous in the last 150 years, has profound implications for how historical memory and identity are shaped within Muslim-majority countries such as Pakistan. This phenomenon, critiqued by scholars like Bernard Lewis, Montgomery Watt and Habib Hourani, extends beyond mere historiographical trends to influence cultural perceptions and societal values.

Historically, the portrayal of Muslim leaders has often been influenced by contemporary political, social and cultural contexts. This has resulted in what has been termed the “rider on the horse back syndrome,” where the emphasis is on highlighting militaristic and jingoistic aspects of leadership rather than their cultural, intellectual or administrative contributions. This skewed narrative tends to glorify military conquest and leadership prowess, overshadowing other dimensions that may have been equally or more significant in shaping societies.

Scholars like Bernard Lewis and Montgomery Watt have noted a distortion of historical narratives towards emphasising military achievements. They argue that this trend not only serves political agendas but also perpetuates a mindset that prioritises coercive methods over peaceful negotiation and intellectual discourse. This critique underscores how historical narratives can be manipulated to reinforce certain values and behaviours in societies.

In contrast, Islamic scholars and thinkers throughout history have articulated diverse perspectives on leadership and governance. Writers like Al-Farabi emphasised principles of justice, consultation (shura) and ethical governance as essential attributes of ideal leadership. These perspectives highlight a rich tradition of intellectual discourse and ethical considerations that are often overshadowed by militaristic narratives in contemporary historiography.

Moreover, throughout Muslim history, numerous leaders have made substantial cultural and administrative contributions that have left enduring legacies. The Islamic Golden Age stands out as a pinnacle of achievement, where scholars and scientists made groundbreaking advancements in diverse fields, such as science, medicine, astronomy and architecture. As noted by Bernard Lewis, “The civilisation of Islam grew from the genius and energy of a small number of men.” This era saw people like Ibn Sina (Avicenna), whose medical work was foundational in Europe for centuries, and Al-Biruni, a polymath who made significant contributions to astronomy, mathematics and anthropology.

In the context of South Asian political history, figures such as Razia Sultan, Alauddin Khilji and the Mughal King Akbar are notable not only for their military exploits but more so, for their profound administrative reforms. Razia Sultan, as one of the few female rulers in medieval India, implemented administrative policies that aimed at improving governance and fostering religious tolerance. She tried hard to break the shackles of Ilbiri Turks, and allowed other ethnicities to climb the ladder of social mobility.

Alauddin Khilji is remembered for his economic reforms and the establishment of a strong administrative system that centralised power. His price control system and military reforms elevate him as one of the most capable rulers in India. Akbar, known for his policy of Sulh-i-Kul (universal tolerance), promoted religious harmony and implemented administrative reforms that enhanced the efficiency of the Mughal Empire.

Leaders like Sher Shah Suri and Tipu Sultan offer prototypes of effective governance for contemporary civilian leaders to emulate. Sher Shah Suri’s administrative innovations, including the introduction of an efficient revenue system and a network of roads (such as the Grand Trunk Road), set benchmarks in governance and infrastructure development. Tipu Sultan, often referred to as the Tiger of Mysore, implemented progressive reforms in taxation, administration and military organisation, reflecting his vision for a modern and self-sufficient state.

These historical examples underscore the importance of understanding leadership beyond military conquests, focusing instead on the lasting contributions of leaders who prioritised governance, justice and societal welfare. By instructing the youth about these figures and their transformative reforms, societies can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted roles of leaders in shaping civilisations and inspiring future generations. This approach not only enriches historical knowledge but also instils values of innovation, inclusivity and effective governance that are essential for building sustainable and prosperous societies today.

In the contemporary context of Pakistan, the glorification of militaristic leaders in historical narratives not only shapes perceptions of the past but also profoundly influences societal attitudes towards conflict resolution and governance. Aysha Siddiqa, in her analysis of Pakistan’s military influence, highlights how historical narratives are constructed to reinforce the legitimacy and authority of military leaders. She argues, “Pakistan’s military exploits are often portrayed as heroic endeavours in defence of national interests, thereby perpetuating a narrative that glorifies militarism and reinforces a military-centric approach to national security.” This portrayal tends to overshadow alternative narratives that emphasise diplomatic efforts or civilian leadership in resolving conflicts.

Hassan Askari Rizvi explores the implications of this narrative dominance, stating, “The emphasis on militaristic achievements creates a societal mindset that values assertiveness and strength over dialogue and compromise.” This mindset can manifest in governance practices where coercive methods are prioritised over inclusive and consensus-driven approaches to policy-making. Muhammad Waseem echoes this concern, observing, “The persistent glorification of military prowess can lead to a culture where military solutions are perceived as more effective and legitimate than peaceful negotiations or diplomatic engagements.”

This preference for militaristic narratives can hinder the development of a culture that values diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution. As Aysha Siddiqa notes, ”By downplaying the significance of diplomacy and negotiation, and emphasising military achievements, Pakistan risks perpetuating a cycle of conflict and instability.”

This cycle not only affects domestic governance but also impacts Pakistan’s international relations, influencing perceptions of the country as a reliable partner in regional and global diplomacy.

The glorification of militaristic leaders in Pakistan’s historical narratives shapes societal attitudes and behaviours towards conflict resolution and governance. By critically examining these narratives and promoting alternative perspectives that value diplomacy and peaceful negotiation, Pakistan can foster a culture that prioritises dialogue and consensus building, contributing to long-term stability and prosperity both domestically and internationally.

The writer is a professor in the faculty of Liberal Arts at the Beaconhouse National University, Lahore