The leadership crisis in Indonesia, marked by widespread corruption, collusion, and nepotism, reflects the weak internalization of the value of amanah (trust) among power holders. This article examines the concept of leadership as amanah in QS. al-Nisā'/4:58 through a comparative study of M. Quraish Shihab's interpretation in Tafsir Al-Mishbah and Sayyid Quthb's in Tafsir Fi Ẓilāl al-Qur'an. This research employs a descriptive-qualitative method based on library research, using thematic (maudhu'i) and comparative exegetical analysis. The findings show that both exegetes agree that leadership is a divine trust demanding moral integrity, competence, and the enforcement of universal justice, while rejecting every form of abuse of power. They differ, however, in emphasis: Shihab, with his socio-contextual exegetical style, foregrounds personal ethics, professionalism, and inclusiveness within a pluralistic society, whereas Quthb, with his ideological-revolutionary style, situates the trust of leadership within the framework of God's sovereignty (hakimiyyah) and the obligation to establish sharia as a socio-political system. This divergence stems from each exegete's socio-historical context Shihab within Indonesia's plural society, and Quthb amid Egypt's political turmoil. These findings affirm that the Qur'anic values of trust and justice remain relevant as an ethical framework for addressing the contemporary crisis of public trust and leadership governance in government, education, and business.
Copyrights © 2026