Living The Quran
From Issue: 475 [Read full issue]
Yusuf (Joseph)
Chapter 12: Verse 55
Civil Servant
(Joseph) said, "Give me charge of the treasures of the realm; I am trustworthy and competent."
It is important to note here that Joseph, peace be upon him, had pointed out both moral as well as the corporeal qualities that were necessary to qualify him for the post he had agreed to accept. In other words, he was not merely a virtuous and trustworthy man, but was also competent and capable of assuming fully his responsibilities over the state's resources. Moreover Joseph was able to propose himself for a role in public office because there was no other person in Egypt at the time as suitable and qualified for the post as he was. The public interest could only be best served by appointing a strong and honest person to take up the responsibilities that the position demanded.
Seeking leadership or public office is a grave matter if undertaken for reasons of self-aggrandizement and greed for power, privilege or domination. History is replete with the examples of many great nations that have been led to ruin and humiliation by despotic and power-hungry individuals.
Source:
"A Thematic Commentary on the Quran" - Muhammad al-Ghazali, pp. 244-245