We learn from a tradition of the Prophet that if a believer makes right ijtihad (re-interpretation of religious teachings in changing situations), he will receive a double reward, while if he errs in his ijtihad, he will still earn a single reward. It is sufficient to follow past precedents or traditional thinking when one engages in the work of preservation. However, to engage in intellectual leadership, one must possess a deeper understanding of the times and the capacity to engage in ijtihad, creative interpretation of Islamic sources and their application in changed circumstances. To perform the role of intellectual leadership, the Ulama must possess a deeper understanding of the times and the capacity to engage in ijtihad, creative interpretation of Islamic sources and their application in changed circumstances. Then they will be able to engage in scholarship, reform the minds of the Muslim ummah towards correct thinking and undertake dawah work, conveying God’s message to people.