It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him), he says: One day I was walking side by side with the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) towards his house when I heard him say: "Besides the Dajjal, there is another trial which I fear for my Ummah." When I became afraid that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was about to enter his house, I said: "O Messenger of Allah! What do you fear for your Ummah more than the Dajjal?" The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Misguiding rulers."
Hadith Referenceالفتح الربانی / كتاب الخلافة والإمارة / 12073
Hadith Gradingمحدثین:صحیح
Hadith Takhrij«صحيح لغيره ، (انظر مسند أحمد ترقيم الرسالة: 21297 ترقیم بيت الأفكار الدولية: 21622»
Brief Explanation
Benefits: … The Dajjal will be a great trial for both Muslims and disbelievers; for Muslims, before death, and for disbelievers, after death. However, this trial is temporary for Muslims; ultimately, they will attain everlasting and eternal success. The harmful aspect of misguided rulers is even greater than the evil and corruption of the Dajjal, because any member of the populace who begins to support oppressive rulers suffers loss in both religion and worldly life, and whoever opposes them is thrown into the furnace of tribulations or loses his life altogether.
The words and actions of oppressive and misguided rulers, both in the past and present, have clarified and confirmed the explanation and truth of these blessed ahadith.