إن الحمد لله نحمده، ونستعينه، من يهده الله فلا مضل له، ومن يضلل فلا هادي له ، وأشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له، وأن محمدا عبده ورسوله . أما بعد:
Hearing the claims of both parties before making a decision
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿وَدَاوُودَ وَسُلَيْمَانَ إِذْ يَحْكُمَانِ فِي الْحَرْثِ إِذْ نَفَشَتْ فِيهِ غَنَمُ الْقَوْمِ وَكُنَّا لِحُكْمِهِمْ شَاهِدِينَ ﴿٧٨﴾ فَفَهَّمْنَاهَا سُلَيْمَانَ ۚ وَكُلًّا آتَيْنَا حُكْمًا وَعِلْمًا ۚ وَسَخَّرْنَا مَعَ دَاوُودَ الْجِبَالَ يُسَبِّحْنَ وَالطَّيْرَ ۚ وَكُنَّا فَاعِلِينَ ﴿٧٩﴾
❀ Allah Almighty said:
“And (remember) Dawud and Sulaiman when they were judging concerning the field in which at night a people’s sheep had grazed, and We were witnesses to their judgment. So We gave understanding of the judgment to Sulaiman, and to each We gave knowledge and prophethood, and We subdued the mountains and the birds to Dawud; they all used to glorify (Allah) with him, and We were the Doers of that.”
Hadith 1
«عن على رضى الله عنه قال: بعثني رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إلى اليمن قاضيا، فقلت: يارسول الله ترسلني وأنا حديث السن ولا علم لي بالقضاء؟ فقال: إن الله سيهدي قلبك ويثبت لسانك ، فإذا جلس بين يديك الخصمان فلا تقضين حتى تسمع من الآخر كما سمعت من الأول ، فإنه أحرى أن يتبين لك القضاء قال فما زلت قاضبا ، أو ما شككت فى قضاء بعد»
Muhaddith Albani, may Allah have mercy on him, has classified it as Hasan.
“Hazrat Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, appointed me as a judge and sent me towards Yemen. I said: O Messenger of Allah! You are sending me while I am young and do not have knowledge of making decisions. He, peace be upon him, said: Indeed, Allah will guide your heart and keep your tongue firm. So when two parties sit before you, do not decide between them until you hear the statement of the other as you heard the first. This is more likely to make the decision clear to you.”
Making Decisions Despite Ignorance and Lack of Knowledge
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿وَمَن لَّمْ يَحْكُم بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْفَاسِقُونَ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed – then it is those who are the disobedient.”
Hadith 2
«وعن ابن بريدة عن أبيه عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: القضاة ثلاثة واحد فى الجنة ، واثنان فى النار ، فأما الذى فى الجنة فرجل عرف الحق فقضي به ، ورجل عرف الحق فجار فى الحكم فهوفي النار، ورجل قضى للناس على جهل فهو فى النار»
Muhaddith Albani, may Allah have mercy on him, has graded it as Hasan.
“And Hazrat Ibn Buraidah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates from his father Buraidah that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: Judges are of three types: one will enter Paradise and two will enter the Fire. The one who will enter Paradise is the judge who recognized the truth and judged accordingly. The second is the one who recognized the truth but judged unjustly; he will enter the Fire. The third is the one who, despite ignorance and lack of knowledge, began to judge among people; he will enter the Fire.”
Punishment for those who humiliate the Amir and the ruler of the state
Hadith 3
«وعن ربعي بن حراش قال: انطلقت إلى حذيفة بالمدائن ليالي سار الناس إلى عثمان فقال: يا ربعي ! ما فعل قومك؟ قال: قلت: عن أى بالهم تسأل؟ قال: من خرج منهم إلى هذا الرجل ، فسميت رجالا فيمن خرج إليه ، فقال: سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: من فارق الجماعة ، واستذل الإمارة، لقي الله عز وجل ولا وجه له عنده »
Sheikh Shoaib has classified it as Hasan.
“And Rabee bin Harash says: In the days when people rebelled against Sayyiduna Uthman رضي الله عنه and marched towards him, I went to the presence of Sayyiduna Hudhayfah bin Yamaan رضي الله عنه in Madain during those very nights. He asked me: Rabee! What has your people done? I said: About which of their actions are you asking? He said: Who are the people that went towards Sayyiduna Uthman رضي الله عنه? So I mentioned the names of some of those who went. He said: I heard the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم say: Whoever separates from the Muslim community and tries to disgrace the leadership and governance, he will meet Allah in a state where he will have no strength or support with Allah.”
Wishing Well for the Rulers
Hadith 4
«وعن أنس بن مالك ، عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: نضر الله عبدا سمع مقالتي هذه فحملها ، فرب حامل الفقه فيه غير فقيه، ورب حامل الفقه إلى من هو أفقه منه ، ثلاث لا يغل عليهن صدر مسلم، إخلاص العمل لله عز وجل، ومناصحة أولى الأمر، ولزوم جماعة المسلمين، فإن دعوتهم تحيط من ورائهم»
Sheikh Shoaib has declared it authentic without any deficiency.
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: May Allah keep fresh and cheerful the servant who hears my hadith and conveys it to others. Some people who convey jurisprudential and scholarly matters are not themselves jurists, and many people convey hadiths to those more knowledgeable than themselves. There are three things on which a Muslim’s heart does not betray: acting sincerely for Allah alone, wishing well for the rulers, and remaining with the Muslim community. The prayers of Muslims surround other Muslims.”
Obedience to the Rulers
قَالَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَأُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنكُمْ ۖ فَإِن تَنَازَعْتُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ وَالرَّسُولِ إِن كُنتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلًا﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“O you who have believed! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those in authority among you. Then if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you truly believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is better and best in the end.”
Hadith 5
«وعن عبادة بن الصامت، قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : عليك السمع والطاعة فى عسرك ويسرك ، ومنشطك ومكرهك، وأثرة عليك ولا تنازع الأمر أهله، وإن رأيت أن لك . زاد فى رواية : مالم يأمروك بإثم بواح»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Ubada bin Samit (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Whether it is difficult or easy, happiness or sorrow, and even if others are preferred over you, it is obligatory upon you to listen to the ruler and accept him, and do not dispute with those in authority regarding governance, and obey them, as long as they do not command you to commit an explicit sin.”
Hadith 6
«وعن أبى هريرة رضى الله عنه يقول: أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: من أطاعني فقد أطاع الله ، ومن عصاني فقد عصى الله، ومن أطاع أميرى فقد أطاعني ومن عصى أميرى فقد عصاني»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Whoever obeys me has indeed obeyed Allah, and whoever disobeys me has indeed disobeyed Allah. Whoever obeys my leader has obeyed me, and whoever disobeys my leader has indeed disobeyed me.”
Women’s Rule is Not Permissible
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿فَمَكَثَ غَيْرَ بَعِيدٍ فَقَالَ أَحَطتُ بِمَا لَمْ تُحِطْ بِهِ وَجِئْتُكَ مِن سَبَإٍ بِنَبَإٍ يَقِينٍ ﴿٢٢﴾ إِنِّي وَجَدتُّ امْرَأَةً تَمْلِكُهُمْ وَأُوتِيَتْ مِن كُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَلَهَا عَرْشٌ عَظِيمٌ ﴿٢٣﴾ وَجَدتُّهَا وَقَوْمَهَا يَسْجُدُونَ لِلشَّمْسِ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ وَزَيَّنَ لَهُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ أَعْمَالَهُمْ فَصَدَّهُمْ عَنِ السَّبِيلِ فَهُمْ لَا يَهْتَدُونَ ﴿٢٤﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“Not long after, (the hoopoe) came and said: I have come to know something you do not know, and I bring you true news from Sheba. Indeed, I found a woman ruling over them, and she has been given everything she needs, and her throne is magnificent. I saw her and her people worship the sun instead of Allah, and Satan has made their deeds attractive to them, and thus he has prevented them from the right path, so they do not receive guidance.”
Hadith 7
«وعن أبى بكرة قال: قال رسول الله صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم : من يلي أمر فارس قالو: امرأة، قال: ما أفلح قوم يلى أمرهم امرأة»
Sheikh Shoaib has declared it authentic.
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Bakrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Who is the ruler of Iran? The companions replied that it is a woman. He (peace be upon him) said: That nation will not prosper over which a woman rules.”
Statement about Foolish and Incompetent Rulers
قَالَ الله تَعَالَى: ﴿فَخَلَفَ مِن بَعْدِهِمْ خَلْفٌ أَضَاعُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَاتَّبَعُوا الشَّهَوَاتِ ۖ فَسَوْفَ يَلْقَوْنَ غَيًّا﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“Then after them came successors who neglected prayer and followed desires; so soon they will face destruction and misguidance.”
Hadith 8
«وعن جابر بن عبد الله أن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال لكعب بن عجرة: أعادك الله من إمارة السفهاء – قال: وما إمارة السفهاء؟ قال: أمراء يكونون بعدى لا يقتدون بهديي ، ولا يستنون بسبتي فمن صدقهم بكذبهم ، وأعانهم على ظلمهم، فأولئك ليسوا مني ، ولست منهم ، ولا يردوا على حوضي ، ومن لم يصدقهم بكذبهم، ولم يعنهم على ظلمهم، فأولئك منى وأنا منهم ، وسيردوا على حوضى»
Ibn Hibban and Hakim have declared it authentic.
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Jabir bin Abd that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said to Sayyiduna Ka’b bin Ujrah رضي الله عنه: May Allah protect you from the rule of fools and incompetent people. Sayyiduna Ka’b رضي الله عنه asked: What is meant by the rule of fools? The Prophet ﷺ replied: The rulers who will come after me will not follow my way nor act upon my Sunnah. Whoever confirms their falsehood despite it and supports their oppression and tyranny, he will have no relation with me, nor will I have any relation with him, and neither will they come to me at my pond (Hawd). But whoever does not confirm their falsehood nor assist them in their oppression, they are mine and I am theirs, and these are the ones who will come to me at my pond.”
Rulers Should Not Deceive Their Subjects
Hadith 9
«وعن الحسن أن معقل بن يسار اشتكى ، فدخل عليه عبد الله بن زياد يعني يعوده ، فقال: أما إني أحدثك حديثا لم أكن حدثتك به ، إنى سمعت رسول الله ، أو إن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: لا يسترعى الله تبارك وتعالى عبدا رعية ، فيموت يوم يموت وهو لها غاش إلا حرم الله عليه الجنة – وفي رواية فهو فى النار»
“And it is narrated from Sayyid Na Maqil bin Yasar (may Allah be pleased with him) that he fell ill and Ubaidullah bin Ziyad came to attend him. Sayyid Na Maqil (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I will tell you a hadith which I had not told before. I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say that when Allah grants a servant authority over the subjects, but if that ruler dies while deceiving his subjects, then Allah forbids Paradise for him. In one narration it is said: He is among the inhabitants of Hell.”
Prohibition of Seeking and Greed for Leadership
Hadith 10
«وعن عبد الرحمن بن سمرة قال: قال لي رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : يا عبد الرحمن لا تسأل الإمارة ، فإنك إن أعطيتها عن مسألة ، أكلت إليها ، وإن أعطيتها عن غير مسألة ، أعنت عليها»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Samrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said to me: Abdur Rahman! Do not seek trust (responsibility), because if you receive it by asking, then you will be handed over to it (you will bear all its responsibilities yourself, without Allah’s help), and if you receive it without asking, then (from Allah) you will be aided.”
The ruler should reconcile between two fighting parties
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ فَأَصْلِحُوا بَيْنَ أَخَوَيْكُمْ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ﴾
“Allah Almighty has said: The believers are indeed brothers, so make peace between your two brothers and fear Allah, so that mercy may be shown to you.”
Hadith 11
«وعن همام بن منبه قال: هذا ما حدثنا أبو هريرة عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ، فذكر أحاديث منها: وقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : اشترى رجل من رجل عقارا له ، فوجد الرجل الذى اشترى العقار فى عقاره جرة فيها ذهب ، فقال له الذى اشترى العقار: خذ ذهبك مني ، إنما اشتريت منك الأرض ، ولم أبتع منك الذهب ، فقال الذى شرى الأرض: إنما بعتك الأرض وما فيها ، قال: فتحاكما إلى رجل ، فقال الذى تحاكما إليه : ألكما ولد؟ فقال أحدهما: لى غلام ، وقال الآخر: لي جارية ، قال: أنكحوا الغلام الجارية . وأنفقوا على أنفسكما منه ، وتصدقا »
“And it is narrated from Humam bin Munabbih, he said: These are the hadiths that were narrated to us by Hazrat Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). He narrated several hadiths, among them was that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: A man bought land from another man, and the man who bought the land found a jar in his land containing gold. The man who bought the land said to the seller: Take your gold from me; I bought the land from you, not the gold. The seller said: I sold you the land and whatever was in it. They both took the dispute to a person, and that person said: Do you have children? One said: I have a son, and the other said: I have a daughter. So he said: Marry the boy to the girl with that gold, and spend some on yourself and give some as charity.”
The Judge Should Make an Effort to Understand the Matter
Allah Almighty said: قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿وَدَاوُودَ وَسُلَيْمَانَ إِذْ يَحْكُمَانِ فِي الْحَرْثِ إِذْ نَفَشَتْ فِيهِ غَنَمُ الْقَوْمِ وَكُنَّا لِحُكْمِهِمْ شَاهِدِينَ ﴿٧٨﴾ فَفَهَّمْنَاهَا سُلَيْمَانَ ۚ وَكُلًّا آتَيْنَا حُكْمًا وَعِلْمًا ۚ وَسَخَّرْنَا مَعَ دَاوُودَ الْجِبَالَ يُسَبِّحْنَ وَالطَّيْرَ ۚ وَكُنَّا فَاعِلِينَ ﴿٧٩﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“And (remember) Dawud and Sulaiman when they judged concerning the field in which that night a flock of people’s sheep had strayed, and We were witnesses to their judgment. So We made Sulaiman understand it, and to each We gave judgment and knowledge, and We subdued the mountains and the birds to Dawud; they all used to glorify (Allah) with praise, and We were the Doers of that.”
Hadith 12
«وعن أبى هريرة عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: بينما امرأتان معهما أبناهما ، جاء الذنب فذهب بابن إحداهما ، فقالت هذه لصاحبتها: إنما ذهب بابنك أنت ، وقالت الأخرى: إنما ذهب بابنك ، فتحاكمتا إلى داود فقضى به للكبرى، فخرجنا على سليمان بن داوود – عليهما السلام – فأخبرناه ، فقال: اثتوني بالسكين أشقه بينكما ، فقالت الصغرى: لا ، يرحمك الله هو ابنها ، فقضى به للصغرى»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Two women had their sons with them when a wolf came and took the son of one of them. The elder woman said to her companion: He has taken your son, and the other said: He has taken your son. So they both came to Hazrat Dawood (peace be upon him) for judgment, and he ruled in favor of the elder woman. Afterwards, they went to Hazrat Sulaiman bin Dawood (peace be upon them) and informed him of their case. He said: Bring me a knife, I will divide him equally between you. Then the younger woman said: No, may Allah have mercy on you! He is her son. So he ruled in favor of the younger woman.”
The ruler should exercise ijtihad
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿وَالَّذِينَ جَاهَدُوا فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا ۚ وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَمَعَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“And those who strive in Our cause – We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.”
Hadith 13
«وعن أبى قيس مولى عمرو بن العاص ، عن عمرو بن العاص ، أنه سمع رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: إذا حكم الحاكم فاجتهد ثم أصاب ، فله أجران، وإذا حكم فاجتهد ثم أخطأ ، فله أجر»
“And Abu Qais, the freed slave of Hazrat Amr ibn al-As (may Allah be pleased with him), narrated from Hazrat Amr ibn al-As (may Allah be pleased with him) that he heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say: When a ruler makes a judgment and strives (to understand the truth thoroughly), then if he is correct, he will have two rewards; and if he makes a judgment and strives but errs, he will have one reward.”
A ruler should not judge in anger
Hadith 14
«وعن عبد الرحمن بن أبى بكرة قال: كتب أبى – وكتبت له – إلى عبيد الله بن أبى بكرة وهو قاض بسجستان: أن لا تحكم بين اثنين وأنت غضبان ، فإنى سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: (لا) يحكم أحد بين اثنين وهو غضبان»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Abi Bakrah, who said: My father wrote a letter to the judge of Sijistan, Ubaidullah bin Abi Bakrah. And I wrote that when you are in a state of anger, do not judge between two people because I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: No person should judge between two (people/parties) while he is angry.”
The ruler should create ease for his subjects
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“Allah intends ease for you and does not intend hardship for you.”
Hadith 15
«وعن سعيد بن أبى بردة قال: سمعت أبى قال: بعث النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم أبى ومعاذ بن جبل إلى اليمن فقال: يسرا ولا تعسرا ، وبشرا ولا تنفرا، وتطاوعا»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Saeed bin Abu Burda, who said: I heard from my father, who said: The Prophet ﷺ sent my honorable father (Abu Musa, may Allah be pleased with him) and Muadh bin Jabal, may Allah be pleased with him, to Yemen and said to them: Create ease, do not create hardship, give glad tidings, do not cause hatred, and bring about unity among yourselves.”
Advise the ruling parties to correct the matter
Hadith 16
«وعن أم سلمة رضي الله عنها : أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: إنما أنا بشر وإنكم تختصمون إلى ، ولعل بعضكم أن يكون ألحن بحجته بعض فأقضي على نحو ما أسمع ، فمن قضيت له من حق أخيه شيئا فلا يأخذه، فإنما أقطع له قطعة من النار»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Umm Salama (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: I am only a human being, you bring your cases to me, it may happen that one of you is more eloquent in presenting his case than the other, and I hear his words and judge in his favor. But if I judge in favor of one against his brother, do not accept it, for I am giving him a piece of fire.”
Salaries of officials and agents appointed over zakat
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿فَجَاءَتْهُ إِحْدَاهُمَا تَمْشِي عَلَى اسْتِحْيَاءٍ قَالَتْ إِنَّ أَبِي يَدْعُوكَ لِيَجْزِيَكَ أَجْرَ مَا سَقَيْتَ لَنَا ۚ فَلَمَّا جَاءَهُ وَقَصَّ عَلَيْهِ الْقَصَصَ قَالَ لَا تَخَفْ ۖ نَجَوْتَ مِنَ الْقَوْمِ الظَّالِمِينَ ﴿٢٥﴾ قَالَتْ إِحْدَاهُمَا يَا أَبَتِ اسْتَأْجِرْهُ ۖ إِنَّ خَيْرَ مَنِ اسْتَأْجَرْتَ الْقَوِيُّ الْأَمِينُ ﴿٢٦﴾ قَالَ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ أَنْ أُنكِحَكَ إِحْدَى ابْنَتَيَّ هَاتَيْنِ عَلَىٰ أَن تَأْجُرَنِي ثَمَانِيَ حِجَجٍ ۖ فَإِنْ أَتْمَمْتَ عَشْرًا فَمِنْ عِندِكَ ۖ وَمَا أُرِيدُ أَنْ أَشُقَّ عَلَيْكَ ۚ سَتَجِدُنِي إِن شَاءَ اللَّهُ مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ ﴿٢٧﴾ قَالَ ذَٰلِكَ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَكَ ۖ أَيَّمَا الْأَجَلَيْنِ قَضَيْتُ فَلَا عُدْوَانَ عَلَيَّ ۖ وَاللَّهُ عَلَىٰ مَا نَقُولُ وَكِيلٌ ﴿٢٨﴾
❀ Allah Almighty said:
“Then one of the two (girls), walking shyly, came to him. She said: Indeed, my father invites you so that he may reward you for having watered for us. So when Musa came to him and told him the whole story, he said: Do not be afraid; you have escaped from the wrongdoing people. One of the two (girls) said: O my father! Hire him as a servant. Indeed, the best person to hire is the strong and trustworthy one. He (to Musa) said: I wish to marry you to one of my two daughters on the condition that you serve me for eight years; and if you complete ten years, it will be from your own accord. And I do not want to put you to hardship. If Allah wills, you will find me among the righteous. Musa said: This is between me and you. Whichever term I complete, there shall be no injustice to me, and Allah is the witness over what we say.”
Hadith 17
«وعن عبدالله بن السعدي أخبره: أنه قدم على عمر فى خلافته فقال له عمر: ألم أحدت أنك تلي من أعمال الناس أعمالا فإذا أعطيت العمالة كرهتها؟ فقلت: بلى ، فقال عمر: فما تريد إلى ذلك؟ قلت: إن لى أفراسا وأعبدا وأنا بخير، وأريد أن تكون عمالتي صدقة على المسلمين . قال عمر: لا تفعل فإني كنت أردت الذى أردت فكان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يعطينى العطاء فأقول: أعطه أفقر إليه مني ، حتى أعطاني مرة مالا فقلت: أعطه أفقر إليه مني ، فقال النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم : خذه فتموله وتصدق به ، فما جاء ك من هذا المال – وأنت غير مشرف ولا سائل – فخذه وإلا فلا تتبعه نفسك»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abdullah bin Sa’di (may Allah be pleased with him) that he went to Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) during his caliphate, and Hazrat Umar asked him: Is it true what has been said about you that the affairs of the people are entrusted to you and when you are given your salary, you dislike taking it? He said: This is true. Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) asked: What is your intention behind this? I said: I have many horses and slaves, and I am prosperous, and I want my salary to be given as charity on the Muslims. Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: Do not do that, for I also once intended what you intend. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) would give me something, and I would say: Please give it to someone who is more in need than me. Once the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) gave me wealth, and I repeated the same, saying: Give it to someone who is more in need than me. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Take it and after becoming its owner, give it in charity. When you receive wealth in such a way that you neither desire it nor have asked for it, then take it, and if it is not received in this way, then do not pursue it.”
A Trustworthy Person Can Seek Leadership
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿قَالَ اجْعَلْنِي عَلَىٰ خَزَائِنِ الْأَرْضِ ۖ إِنِّي حَفِيظٌ عَلِيمٌ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty said:
“(Yusuf) said: Appoint me over the storehouses of the land; indeed, I am a knowing guardian.”
Hadith 18
«وعن أبى ذر قال: قلت: يا رسول الله! ألا تستعملني؟ قال: فضرب بيده على منكبي ، ثم قال يا أبا ذرا إنك ضعيف. وإنها أمانه وإنها ، يوم القيامة، خزي وندامة ، إلا من اخذها بحقها وادى الذى عليه فيها»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) that I said, O Messenger of Allah! Will you not appoint me as a governor? He placed his hand on my shoulder and said: Abu Dharr! You are weak, and this (leadership) is a trust, and on the Day of Resurrection, it will be a cause of humiliation and disgrace, except for the one who accepts it with truthfulness and fulfills the responsibility that comes with it (well). (He will be exempt from humiliation and disgrace.)”
Separation from the Muslim Community is Not Correct
Hadith 19
«وعن أبى هريرة رضى الله عنه عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم أنه قال: من خرج من الطاعة، وفارق الجماعة ، فمات، مات ميتة جاهلية ، ومن قاتل تحت راية عمية ، يغضب لعصبة ، أو يدعو إلى عصبة ، أو ينصر عصبة ، فقتل فقتلة جاهلية ، ومن خرج على أمتي . يضرب برها وفاجرها ، ولا يتحاشى من مؤمنها، ولا يفي لذي عهد عهده ، فليس منى ولست منه»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: Whoever abandons the obedience of the (current) Imam and leaves the congregation and dies, then he dies the death of ignorance (Jahiliyyah). And whoever fights under the banner of blind fanaticism, becomes angry for the sake of his tribalism (nation or clan), or invites towards any fanaticism, or is killed for any fanaticism, then (this) will be the death of ignorance. And whoever kills the good and the bad among my Ummah and rebels against them (takes the path of rebellion), neither considers any believer nor respects any covenant, then neither does he have any relation with me, nor do I have any relation with him.”
Hadith 20
«وعن علقمة بن وآئل الحضرمي، عن أبيه قال: سأل سلمة بن يزيد الجعفي رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ، فقال: يا نبي الله! أرأيت إن قامت علينا أمراء يسألونا حقهم ويمنعونا حقنا، فما تأمرنا؟ فأعرض عنه ، ثم سأله فأعرض عنه، ثم سأله فى الثانية أو فى الثالثة فجذبه الأشعث بن قيس ، وقال: اسمعوا وأطيعوا فإنما عليهم ما حملوا وعليكم ما حملتم»
“And Alqama bin Wa’il Al-Hadari narrated from his father that Salma bin Yazid Al-Jufi, may Allah be pleased with him, asked the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, and said: O Prophet of Allah! What do you think if rulers are appointed over us who demand their rights from us but do not give us our rights? What do you command us in such a situation? He turned away from him, he asked again, and he turned away again. Then when he asked a second or third time, Ash’at bin Qais, may Allah be pleased with him, pulled him away. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: Listen and obey, for the responsibility given to them is upon them, and the responsibility given to you is upon you.”
Be patient with the oppression of rulers
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اصْبِرُوا وَصَابِرُوا وَرَابِطُوا وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“O you who have believed! Be patient, remain steadfast, and stand firm at your posts, and fear Allah so that you may succeed.”
Hadith 21
«وعن أسيد بن حضير؛ أن رجلا من الأنصار خلا برسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ، فقال: ألا تستعملني كما استعملت فلانا؟ فقال: إنكم سلقون بعدى أثرة، فاصبروا حتى تلقوني على الحوض»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Asid bin Hudair (may Allah be pleased with him) that an Ansari spoke privately to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and said, ‘Will you not appoint me as a leader just as you appointed so-and-so?’ He said: ‘After me, you will see yourselves preferring yourselves (over others). Be patient with that until you meet me at the Pond (Al-Kawthar). (There, you will receive immense reward for this patience and endurance through my intercession).'”
Loyalty to the Caliph of the Time is Obligatory
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿ثُمَّ أَرْسَلْنَا رُسُلَنَا تَتْرَىٰ ۖ كُلَّ مَا جَاءَ أُمَّةً رَّسُولُهَا كَذَّبُوهُ ۚ فَأَتْبَعْنَا بَعْضَهُم بَعْضًا وَجَعَلْنَاهُمْ أَحَادِيثَ ۚ فَبُعْدًا لِّقَوْمٍ لَّا يُؤْمِنُونَ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“Then We continuously sent Our messengers; whenever a messenger came to a nation, they denied him. Then We destroyed one after another, and We made them stories. So there is a distance for those who do not believe.”
Hadith 22
«وعن أبى حازم قال قاعدت أبا هريرة خمس سنين ، فسمعته يحدث عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: كانت بنو إسرائيل تسوسهم الانبياء، كلما هلك نبي خلفه نبي ، وإنه لا نبي بعدى، وستكون خلفاء تكثر قالوا: فما تأمرنا؟ قال: فوا ببيعة الاول فالاول، وأعطوهم حقهم، فإن الله سائلهم عما استرعاهم»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Hazim that I remained in the company of Hazrat Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) for five years. I heard him narrating this Hadith of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him): The Prophets of the Children of Israel used to govern their collective system; when one Prophet passed away, another Prophet would succeed him. And now, undoubtedly, there is no Prophet after me. Now there will be Caliphs, and there will be many of them. The Companions asked: What do you command us? He said: First, and then after that, remain faithful to the pledge of allegiance given earlier, give them their rights, and Allah Himself will question them regarding the responsibilities entrusted to them.”
Muslims’ ruler is a shield
Hadith 23
«وعن أبى هريرة عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: إنما الإمام جنة ، يقاتل من ورائه ، ويتقى به ، فإن أمر بتقوى الله عزوجل وعدل، كان له بذلك أجر ، وإن يأمر بغيره، كان عليه منه»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The Imam (the ruler of the Muslims) is a shield; behind him, war is fought, and through him, protection is obtained. If the Imam commands to fear Allah Almighty and acts with justice and fairness, he will be rewarded for it, and if he does otherwise, the burden will be upon him.”
Prohibition of Betrayal in Spoils of War
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿وَمَا كَانَ لِنَبِيٍّ أَن يَغُلَّ ۚ وَمَن يَغْلُلْ يَأْتِ بِمَا غَلَّ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ ۚ ثُمَّ تُوَفَّىٰ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“It is impossible for any prophet to betray, and whoever betrays will be brought with what he betrayed on the Day of Resurrection. Then every person will be fully recompensed for his deeds, and no injustice will be done to them.”
Hadith 24
«وعن أبى هريرة قال: قام فينا رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ذات يوم ، فذكر الغلول فعظمه وعظم أمره، ثم قال: لا ألفين أحدكم يجيء يوم القيامة ، على رقبته بعير له رعاء ، يقول: يارسول الله اغثني ، فأقول: لا أملك لك شيئا، قد أبلغتك ، لا الفين أحدكم يجيء يوم القيامة ، على رقبته فرس له حمحمة ، فيقول: يارسول الله اغثني ، فأقول: لا أملك لك شيئا، قد ابلغتك ، لا ألفين احدكم يجيء يوم القيامة ، على رقبته شاة لها تغاء، يقول: يارسول الله اغثني ، فأقول: لا أملك لك شيئا، قد أبلغتك ، لا الفين أحدكم يجيء يوم القيامة ، على رقبته نفس لها صياح، فيقول: يارسول الله! اغثني، فأقول: لا أملك لك شيئا، قد أبلغتك ، لا الفين أحدكم يجيء يوم القيامة، على رقبته رقاح تخفق، فيقول: يارسول الله ! اغثني ، فأقول : لا أملك لك شيئا، قد أبلغتك ، لا ألفين احدكم يجيء يوم القيامة ، على رقبته صامت ، فيقول: يا رسول الله اغثني، فأقول: لا أملك لك شيئا، قد ابلغتك»
“And Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that one day the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stood among us (to deliver a sermon) and mentioned the betrayal in spoils of war. He described such betrayal and its matter as extremely serious, then he said: I do not want to see any one of you on the Day of Resurrection coming with a camel riding on his neck, groaning, and saying: O Messenger of Allah! Help me, and I will say: I have no power to do anything for you, I had conveyed the truth to you (in this world). I do not want to see any one of you in such a state that he comes on the Day of Resurrection with a horse riding on his neck, neighing, and saying: O Messenger of Allah! Help me, and I say: I cannot do anything for you, I had conveyed the truth to you. I do not want to see any one of you in such a state that he comes on the Day of Resurrection with a goat riding on his neck, bleating, and saying: O Messenger of Allah! Help me, and I say: I have no authority over anything for you, I had informed you of the truth. I do not want to see any one of you on the Day of Resurrection in such a condition that a person’s life is riding on his neck and he is groaning in oppression, and that person says: O Messenger of Allah! Help me, and I say: I cannot do anything for you, I had told you everything. I do not want to see any one of you in such a state that he comes on the Day of Resurrection with cloth loaded on his neck fluttering, and he says: O Messenger of Allah! Help me, and I say: I have no power over you, I had informed you of everything. I do not want to see any one of you in such a state that he comes on the Day of Resurrection with silent wealth (gold and silver) loaded on his neck, and he says: O Messenger of Allah! Help me, and I say: I have no power over anything for you, I had already informed you of the outcome.”
The ruler should adopt leniency towards the subjects
Hadith 25
«وعن عبد الرحمن بن شماسة قال: أتيت عائشة أسألها عن شيء، فقالت: ممن أنت؟ فقلت: رجل من أهل مصر ، فقالت: كيف كان صاحبكم لكم فى غزاتكم هذه؟ فقال: ما نقمنا منه شيئا ، إن كان ليموت للرجل منا البعير ، فيعطيه البعير ، والعبد ، فيعطيه العبد، ويحتاج إلى النفقة ، فيعطيه النفقة، فقالت: أما إنه لا يمنعني الذى فعل فى محمد بن أبى بكر، أخي ، أن أخبرك ما سمعت من رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : يقول فى بيتي هذا اللهم ! من ولي من أمر أمتي شيئا فشق عليهم ، فاشقق عليه، ومن ولي من أمر أمتي شيئا فرفق بهم فارفق به»
“And a hadith was narrated from Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Shamama, who said: I went to Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) to ask about a matter. Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) asked: From which people are you? I replied: I am from the people of Egypt. Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) asked: How was your ruler towards you during the recent war? I said: We did not find anything bad in him; if any of us lost a camel, he would give him a camel, and if a slave died, he would give him a slave, and if anyone needed expenses, he would provide for him. Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: Regarding my brother Muhammad bin Abi Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), whatever he did, it does not prevent me from telling you what I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say in my house: He said: O Allah! Whoever is made responsible for any matter of my Ummah and is harsh with them, then be harsh with him; and whoever is made responsible for any matter of my Ummah and is gentle with them, then be gentle with him.”
The Virtue of a Just Ruler
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَالْإِحْسَانِ وَإِيتَاءِ ذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَيَنْهَىٰ عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ وَالْبَغْيِ ۚ يَعِظُكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“Indeed, Allah commands justice and the doing of good, and giving to relatives; and forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression. He admonishes you that you may take heed.”
Hadith 26
«وعن عبد الله بن عمرو قال ابن نمير وأبو بكر: يبلغ به النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم ، وفي حديث زهير قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : إن المقسطين، عند الله ، على منابر من نور ، عن يمين الرحمن عزوجل، وكلتا يديه يمين ، الذين يعدلون فى حكمهم واهليهم وما ولوا»
“And a narration was reported from Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), Ibn Numair and Abu Bakr said: They narrated this hadith from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). In Zuhair’s narration, (Abdullah bin Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said) the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Those who judge with justice will be on pulpits of light on the right side of the Most Merciful, the Mighty and Majestic. His both hands are on the right side. These will be the people who judge justly in their decisions concerning their families, their dependents, and those for whom they are responsible.”
The Statement of the Qadi in Islam
Hadith 27
«وعن أبى هريرة قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم من ولي القضاء أو جعل قاضيا بين الناس فقد ذبح بغير سكين»
Muhaddith Albani has declared it authentic.
“And Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Whoever is appointed as a judge among the people is slaughtered without a knife.”
The ruler should not oppress the subjects
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿بَلَىٰ مَنْ أَوْفَىٰ بِعَهْدِهِ وَاتَّقَىٰ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُتَّقِينَ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“Why not! (Rather there will be accountability,) but whoever fulfills his covenant and fears Allah – indeed, Allah loves the righteous.”
Hadith 28
«وعن أبى هريرة رضى الله عنه عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: ما من أمير عشرة إلا يؤتى به يوم القيامة معلولا لا يفكه إلا العدل أو يوبقه الجور »
Sheikh Shoaib has declared its chain of narration strong.
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: Whoever is appointed as a leader and ruler over a small group of ten people, he will be brought tied on the Day of Judgment; his justice will grant him release, and his oppression and tyranny will destroy him.”
Caliphate According to the Prophetic Method
Hadith 29
«وعن النعمان بن بشير ، قال: كنا قعودا فى المسجد وكان بشير رجلا يكف حديثه – فجاء أبو ثعلبة الحشني ، فقال: يابشير بن سعد أتحفظ حديث رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فى الأمر ، فقال حذيفة : أنا أحفظ خطبته فجلس أبو ثعلبة ، قال حذيفة: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : تكون النبوة فيكم ما شاء الله أن تكون، ثم يرفعها الله إذا شاء أن يرفعها ، ثم تكون خلافة على منهاج النبوة فيكم ماشاء الله أن تكون ثم يرفعها إذا شاء أن يرفعها ، ثم تكون ملكا عاضا فتكون ما شاء الله أن تكون ثم يرفعها إذا شاء الله أن يرفعها ثم تكون ملكا جبريا، فتكون ما شاء الله أن تكون ، ثم يرفعها إذا شاء الله أن يرفعها ، ثم تكون خلافة على منهاج النبوة ، ثم سكت»
Sheikh Shoaib has classified it as Hasan.
“And Hazrat Nu’man bin Bashir (may Allah be pleased with him) said that we were sitting in the mosque. Bashir would stop his speech. Meanwhile, Abu Tha’laba Hashani (may Allah be pleased with him) came and said: Bashir bin Saad! Do you remember any Hadith of the Prophet regarding the rulers? Sayyiduna Hudhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: (Regarding this matter) I remember your sermon. Abu Tha’laba sat down and Hudhayfah said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: According to the will of Allah, prophethood will remain established for some time, then Allah will take it away whenever He wills. After prophethood, there will be a caliphate on its methodology according to Allah’s will for some time, then Allah will end it. Then, according to Allah’s decree, there will be kingship for some time, in which there will be oppression and tyranny, eventually that too will end. Then there will be despotic kingship, which will decline after some time, after which there will again be caliphate on the methodology of prophethood. Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) fell silent.”
Do not flatter the ruler in front of him nor speak ill behind his back
Hadith 30
«وعن محمد بن زيد بن عبد الله بن عمر عن أبيه: قال أناس لابن عمر: إنا ندخل على سلطاننا فنقول لهم خلاف ما نتكلم إذا خرجنا من عندهم، قال: كنا نعدها نفاقا»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Muhammad bin Zaid that some people said to Hazrat Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him): When we go to our king, we say things in front of him that we contradict after coming out. Hazrat Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) replied: We used to consider that hypocrisy.”
Sending gifts to the ruler
Hadith 31
«وعن أبو حميد الساعدي قال: استعمل النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم رجلا من بني أسد يقال له: ابن الأتبية ، على صدقة، فلما قدم قال: هذا لكم ، وهذا أهدي لى . فقام النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم على المنبر قال . سفيان أيضا: فصعد المنبر – فحمد الله وأثنى عليه ، ثم قال: ما بال العامل نبعثه فيأتي فيقول: هذا لك ، وهذا لي؟ فهلا جلس فى بيت أبيه وأمه فينظر أيهدى له أم لا؟ والذي نفسي بيده! لا يأتى بشيء إلا جاء به يوم القيامة يحمله على رقبته، إن كان بعيرا له رغاء ، أو بقرة لها خوار ، أو شاة تبعر – ثم رفع يديه حتى رأينا عفرتى إبطيه – ألا هل بلغت ثلاثا»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Humaid Saidi (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said the Prophet (peace be upon him) appointed a collector for the charity from the tribe of Banu Asad. He was called ابن اتبيه. When he brought the charity, he said: This is your people’s wealth and this has been given to me as a gift. Upon hearing this, the Prophet (peace be upon him) came to the pulpit. (The narrator of the hadith) Sufyan said: After ascending the pulpit and praising Allah, he said: What is the condition of the collector whom we send (to collect charity) and he returns saying: This wealth is yours and this is mine? Why does he not stay at his father’s or mother’s house, and then it would be seen whether gifts come to him or not? By the One in Whose hand is my soul! The collector who keeps anything for himself will come on the Day of Judgment carrying it on his neck. If it is a camel, it will come making its sound. If it is a cow, it will come making its sound. If it is a goat, it will come bleating. Then you raised both hands until we saw the whiteness of your armpits. You said these words three times: Beware! I have conveyed the command of Allah.”
The ruler should not burden the subjects with hardship
Hadith 32
«وعن طريف أبى تميمة قال: شهدت صفوان وجندبا وأصحابه وهو يوصيهم فقالوا: هل سمعت من رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم شيئا؟ قال: سمعته يقول: من سمع سمع الله به يوم القيامة، قال: ومن يشاقق يشقق الله عليه يوم القيامة . فقالوا: أوصنا ، فقال: إن أول ما ينتن من الإنسان بطنه، فمن استطاع أن لا يأكل إلا طيبا فليفعل، ومن استطاع أن لا يحال بينه وبين الجنة بملء كفه من دم أهراقه فليفعل قلت لأبي عبد الله: من يقول: سمعت رسول الله جندب؟ قال: نعم، جندب»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Tarif Abu Tamimah, who said: I was present with Safwan, his companions, and Hazrat Jundub (may Allah be pleased with him) while he was giving them advice. Then those companions asked: Have you heard anything from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)? He said: I heard him say: Whoever acts to show off to people, Allah will expose his secret on the Day of Resurrection, and whoever causes hardship to people, Allah will afflict him with calamity on the Day of Resurrection. Then those people said: Advise us. He said: The first thing that will go wrong for a person in the grave is his stomach, so whoever has the strength to eat lawful and pure food, let him surely eat lawful and pure food. And whoever wants that there should not be a drop of blood between him and Paradise that he has unjustly shed, then he must do so. (February said:) I asked Abu Abdullah (Imam Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him): Who is the narrator in this hadith who says he heard from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)? Is it Jundub? He said: Yes, it is Jundub.”
The Temptation of Government Position is a Bad Thing
Hadith 33
«وعن أبى هريرة عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: إنكم ستحرصون على الإمارة وستكون ندامة يوم القيامة، فنعم المرضعة وبئست الفاطمة»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: Surely, you will soon desire government positions, and doing so will be a cause of regret for you on the Day of Resurrection. The one who nurses is liked, and the one who weans is disliked.”
Obedience to the Leader Only in Light of the Commands of the Book and Sunnah
Hadith 34
«وعن على رضی اللہ عنہ قال: بعث النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم سرية وأمر عليهم رجلا من الأنصار وأمرهم أن يطيعوا ، فغضب عليهم وقال: أليس قد أمر النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم أن تطيعوني؟ قالوا: بلى . قال : قد عزمت عليكم لما جمعتم حطبا وأوقدتم نارا ثم دخلتم فيها ، فجمعوا حطبا فأوقدوا نارا ، فلما هموا بالدخول فقام ينظر بعضهم إلى بعض ، قال بعضهم: إنما تبعنا النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم فرارا من النار ، أفندخلها؟ فبينما هم كذلك إذ خمدت النار وسكن غضبه فذكر للنبي صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال: لو دخلوها ما خرجوا منها أبدا ، إنما الطاعة فى المعروف»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sent a group and appointed a man from the Ansar as their leader. He commanded the people to obey him. Then that leader became angry with the commanders of the armies and said: Did the Prophet (peace be upon him) not command you to obey me? The people said: Yes, he did! That leader said: I swear to you, gather wood and light a fire, then jump into it. The people gathered wood and lit the fire. When they intended to jump into it, they looked at each other. Some said: We obeyed the Prophet (peace be upon him) to avoid the fire, so why should we jump into it ourselves? While they were pondering this, the fire cooled down and the leader’s anger subsided. When this was mentioned to the Prophet (peace be upon him), he said: If they had jumped into the fire, they would never have been able to come out of it. Obedience is only in good deeds and good commands.”
Obey the Favorite and Unfavorite Commands of the Leader
Hadith 35
«وعن عبد الله رضى الله عنه عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: السمع والطاعة على المرء المسلم فيما أحب وكره ما لم يؤمر بمعصية ، فإذا أمر بمعصية فلا سمع ولا طاعة»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: It is obligatory for a Muslim to listen to and obey the words of a leader. This obedience applies to both liked and disliked matters, provided that he is not commanded to commit a sin. If he is commanded to commit a sin, then neither should the words be listened to nor obeyed.”
Making Decisions According to the Command of Allah Almighty
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿وَأَنِ احْكُم بَيْنَهُم بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“And (O Prophet!) judge between them by what Allah has revealed (to you).”
Hadith 36
«وعن عبد الله قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : لا حسد إلا فى اثنتين: رجل آتاه الله مالا فسلطه على هلكته فى الحق ، وآخر آتاه الله حكمة فهو يقضي بها ويعلمها»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abdullah bin Masood (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Two persons are worthy of envy: one who is given wealth by Allah and spends it generously in the way of truth, and the other who is honored by Allah with knowledge and wisdom, judges according to it, and teaches it to the people.”
The ruler of the time is the guardian of the people
قَالَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿فَلَنَسْأَلَنَّ الَّذِينَ أُرْسِلَ إِلَيْهِمْ وَلَنَسْأَلَنَّ الْمُرْسَلِينَ ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“So We will surely question those to whom [messengers] were sent, and We will surely question the messengers.”
Hadith 37
«وعن عبد الله بن عمر رضى الله عنه : أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: ألا ا كلكم راع، وكلكم مسئول عن رعيته، فالإمام الذى على الناس راع وهو مسئول عن رعيته، والرجل راع على أهل بيته وهو مسئول عن رعيته، والمرأة راعية على أهل بيت زوجها وولده وهى مسئولة عنهم، وعبد الرجل راع على مال سيده وهو مسئول عنه ألا فكلكم راع، وكلكم مسئول عن رعيته»
“And it is narrated from Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Be aware! Each of you is a guardian, and each will be questioned about those under his care. The ruler of the time is the guardian of the people, and he will be questioned about his subjects. A man is the guardian of his household, and he will be questioned about his guardianship. A woman is the caretaker of her husband’s household and children, and she will be asked about them. A servant is the guardian of his master’s wealth, and he will be questioned about his supervision. Be aware! You are all guardians, and each of you will be questioned about those under your care.”
The ruler should love his subjects
Hadith 38
«وعن عوف بن مالك الاشجعي، يقول: سمعت عوف بن مالك الاشجعى يقول: سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: خيار ائمتكم الذين تحبونهم ويحبونكم ، وتصلون عليهم ويصلون عليكم، وشرار أئمتكم الذين تبغضونهم ويبغضونكم، وتلعنونهم ويلعنونكم قال: قالوا: يا رسول الله أفلا ننابدهم عند ذلك؟ قال: لا ، ما أقاموا فيكم الصلوة ، لا ، ما أقاموا فيكم الصلوة . الا من ولى عليه وال، فرآه يأتى شيئا من معصية الله فليكره ما يأتى من معصية الله ، ولا ينزعن يدا من طاعة»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Auf bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) that I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: Your best leaders (rulers) are those whom you love and who love you, for whom you pray and who pray for you; and your worst leaders are those whom you hate and who hate you, and you curse them and they curse you. (Hazrat Auf bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) said:) The Companions asked, ‘Should we not confront them firmly at such a time?’ He ﷺ said: No, as long as they establish prayer among you, no, as long as they establish prayer among you. Listen! Whoever is appointed as a ruler over a people, and then he sees that ruler committing a sin against Allah, he should consider that sin bad and never desist from disobeying it.”
Prohibition of Fighting Against Rulers
Hadith 39
«وعن أم سلمة رضي الله عنها أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: ستكون أمراء فتعرفون وتنكرون ، فمن عرف بري، ومن أنكر سلم ، ولكن من رضي وتابع ، قالوا: أفلا نقاتلهم؟ قال: لا ، ما صلوا»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Soon there will be rulers whom you will find correct in some matters and wrong in others. Whoever does good under their leadership will be considered bad, and whoever rejects their wrong deeds will be saved, but whoever agrees with every matter and follows them will neither be good nor saved. The Companions asked: Should we not fight them? He said: No, as long as they continue to pray, do not fight them.”
Command to Listen to the Current Ruler
قَالَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ وَاسْمَعُوا وَأَطِيعُوا﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“So fear Allah as much as you are able and listen and obey.”
Hadith 40
«وعن أنس بن مالك صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: اسمعوا وأطيعوا، وإن استعمل عليكم عبد حبشي كأن رأسه زبيبة»
And it is narrated from Hazrat Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Listen and obey, even if an Abyssinian is appointed over you as a ruler and leader whose head is like a raisin.
وصلى الله تعالى على خير خلقه محمد وآله وصحبه أجمعين
