Leadership & Reading
Why do leaders need to read instead of just practicing leadership?
To avoid repeating mistakes, gain wisdom, and see the bigger picture.
What was the first word revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ?
Iqra – Read/Recite
Who said: “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.”
Harry S. Truman.
True or False — Podcasts and audiobooks can replace the depth of books.
False
Complete the analogy: Reading is like exercise because ___.
It strengthens your brain like exercise strengthens muscles
Leadership without reading is like driving with ___
No map / without directions.
Which Surah is named after the pen?
Surah Al-Qalam.
Which South African leader read philosophy & politics in prison to prepare for leadership?
Nelson Mandela.
What is the main strength of social media as a learning tool?
Quick, up-to-date insights / fast exposure
Fill in the blank: “Once you learn to read, you will be forever ___.” – Frederick Douglass
Free
Name one way reading trains patience and focus for leaders.
Sustained attention over long texts / delayed gratification.
Hadith: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon ___ Muslim.”
Every.
This tech billionaire reads ~50 books a year
Bill Gates
Give one weakness of videos/documentaries compared to books.
Oversimplified / someone else’s interpretation / lacks depth.
“The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who ___.”
Cannot read.
True or False — Charisma alone can make someone a great leader forever.
False, without knowledge they risk poor decisions.
Why is it significant that Muhammad ﷺ was illiterate yet told to read?
Symbolized the power of knowledge & reflection, not just literacy.
BONUSS
YIPPIEEE
Analogy: Social media = snacks 🍪, Books = ?
Full meal 🍲
Reading is like planting ___, because it grows into wisdom over time.
Seeds
Give one example of a world leader who was known as an avid reader.
Answer: Obama, Mandela, Bill Gates, etc.
What was the Bayt al-Hikmah (House of Wisdom) in Baghdad?
A great library & research center during the Islamic Golden Age
Which ancient Chinese general wrote The Art of War, still studied in leadership today?
Sun Tzu
If you only rely on “fast” information without books, what’s the danger for leaders?
Shallow knowledge, manipulation, poor decisions
Create your own analogy: “Reading is like ___.”
YIPPIEE