The Offices of Commander and Qadi

Abu Huraira reported God's Messenger as saying, “He who obeys me has obeyed God and he who disobeys me has disobeyed God; he who obeys the commander has obeyed me and he who disobeys the commander has disobeyed me. The imam is only a shield behind whom fighting is engaged in and by whom protection…

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «مَنْ أَطَاعَنِي فَقَدْ أَطَاعَ اللَّهَ وَمَنْ عَصَانِي فَقَدْ عَصَى اللَّهَ وَمَنْ يُطِعِ الْأَمِيرَ فَقَدْ أَطَاعَنِي وَمَنْ يَعْصِ…

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah + 18 other versions

Umm al-Husain reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If a slave who has been mutilated is made your commander and leads you in accordance with God’s Book, listen to him and obey.” Muslim transmitted it.

وَعَنْ أُمِّ الْحُصَيْنِ قَالَتْ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «إِنْ أُمِّرَ عَلَيْكُمْ عَبْدٌ مُجَدَّعٌ يَقُودُكُمْ بِكِتَابِ اللَّهِ فَاسْمَعُوا لَهُ وَأَطيعُوا» . رَوَاهُ مُسلم

Narrated by Umm al-Husayn + 10 other versions

Anas reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Listen and obey, even if an Abyssinian slave with a head like a raisin* is made governor over you.” Bukhari transmitted it. * This is said to refer to the head being small, or to the hair being crisp and curly, or short.

وَعَنْ أَنَسٍ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: «اسْمَعُوا وَأَطِيعُوا وَإِنِ اسْتُعْمِلَ عَلَيْكُمْ عَبْدٌ حَبَشِيٌّ كَأَنَّ رَأْسَهُ زَبِيبَةٌ» . رَوَاهُ البُخَارِيّ

Narrated by Anas ibn Mālik + 5 other versions

Ibn ‘Umar reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Hearing and obeying are the duty of a Muslim man both regarding what he likes and what he dislikes, as long as he is not commanded to perform an act of disobedience to God, in which case he must neither hear nor obey.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

وَعَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «السَّمعُ والطاعةُ على المرءِ المسلمِ فِيمَا أحب وأكره مَا لَمْ يُؤْمَرْ بِمَعْصِيَةٍ فَإِذَا أُمِرَ…

Narrated by Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar + 10 other versions

‘Ali reported God’s Messenger as saying, “No obedience is to be given in the case of an act of disobedience to God, obedience is to be given only regarding what is reputable.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

وَعَنْ عَلِيٍّ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «لَا طَاعَةَ فِي مَعْصِيَةٍ إِنَّمَا الطَّاعَةُ فِي الْمَعْرُوف»

Narrated by Ali + 5 other versions

We swore allegiance to God’s Messenger agreeing to hear and obey in time of difficulty and time of ease, in what we liked and what we disliked, to give way to others’ interests, not to dispute about government with those in power, and to say what was right wherever we were, not fearing for God’s…

وَعَنْ عُبَادَةَ بْنِ الصَّامِتِ قَالَ: بَايَعْنَا رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَلَى السَّمْعِ وَالطَّاعَةِ فِي الْعُسْرِ وَالْيُسْرِ وَالْمَنْشَطِ وَالْمَكْرَهِ وَعَلَى أَثَرَةٍ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى…

Narrated by Ubādah ibn as-Sāmit + 18 other versions

Ibn ‘Umar told that when they swore allegiance to God’s Messenger to hear and obey he was saying to them, “In what you are able.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

وَعَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا قَالَ: كُنَّا إِذَا بَايَعْنَا رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَلَى السَّمْعِ وَالطَّاعَةِ يَقُولُ لَنَا: «فِيمَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ»

Narrated by Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar + 7 other versions

Ibn ‘Abbas reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If anyone sees in his commander what he dislikes he should show patience, for no one separates a span's distance from the community and dies without dying like those of pre-Islamic times.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

وَعَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسلم: «من رأى أميره يَكْرَهُهُ فَلْيَصْبِرْ فَإِنَّهُ لَيْسَ أَحَدٌ يُفَارِقُ الْجَمَاعَةَ شبْرًا فَيَمُوت إِلَّا مَاتَ ميتَة جَاهِلِيَّة»

Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbās + 6 other versions

Abu Huraira told that he heard God’s Messenger say, “He who abandons obedience and separates from the community and then dies, will die like those of pre-Islamic times; he who fights under a banner of ignorance* showing anger in support of party spirit, or summoning people to party spirit, or…

وَعَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ: «مَنْ خَرَجَ مِنَ الطَّاعَةِ وَفَارَقَ الْجَمَاعَةَ فَمَاتَ مَاتَ مِيتَةً جَاهِلِيَّةً وَمَنْ…

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah + 6 other versions

‘Auf b. Malik al-Ashja‘i reported God's Messenger as saying, “Your best imams are those whom you like and who like you, on whom you invoke blessings and who invoke blessings on you; and your worst imams are those whom you hate and who hate you, whom you curse and who curse you.” They asked God's…

وَعَنْ عَوْفِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ الْأَشْجَعِيِّ عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: «خِيَارُ أئمتكم الَّذين يحبونهم وَيُحِبُّونَكُمْ وَتُصَلُّونَ عَلَيْهِمْ وَيُصَلُّونَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَشِرَارُ…

Narrated by Awf ibn Mālik + 6 other versions

Umm Salama reported God’s Messenger as saying, “You will have commanders some of whom you will approve and some of whom you will disapprove. He who expresses disapproval is guiltless and he who feels disapproval is safe, but he who is pleased and follows them ...” His hearers interrupted, “Shall we…

وَعَنْ أُمِّ سَلَمَةَ قَالَتْ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «يَكُونُ عَلَيْكُمْ أُمَرَاءُ تَعْرِفُونَ وَتُنْكِرُونَ فَمَنْ أَنْكَرَ فَقْدَ بَرِئَ وَمَنْ كَرِهَ فَقَدْ سَلِمَ وَلَكِنْ مَنْ…

Narrated by Umm Salamah + 9 other versions

‘Abdallah b. Mas'ud told that God’s Messenger said to them, “After my death you will see [rulers] appropriating the best things for themselves and other matters which you will disapprove.” He was asked what he commanded them to do and replied, “Give them what is due to them and ask God for what is…

وَعَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مَسْعُودٍ قَالَ: قَالَ لَنَا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «إِنَّكُمْ سَتَرَوْنَ بَعْدِي أَثَرَةً وَأُمُورًا تُنْكِرُونَهَا» قَالُوا: فَمَا تَأْمُرُنَا يَا رَسُولَ…

Narrated by Abdullah ibn Mas‘ūd + 4 other versions

Wa’il b. Hujr told that Salama b. Yazid al-Ju‘fi questioned God’s Messenger saying, “Prophet of God, tell us what you command us to do if commanders arise over us who demand of us what is due to them and refuse us what is due to us.” He replied, “Listen and obey, for they are responsible only for…

وَعَنْ وَائِلِ بْنِ حُجْرٍ قَالَ: سَأَلَ سَلَمَةُ بْنُ يَزِيدَ الْجُعْفِيُّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَقَالَ: يَا نَبِيَّ اللَّهِ أَرَأَيْتَ إِنْ قَامَتْ عَلَيْنَا أُمَرَاءُ يَسْأَلُونَا…

+ 4 other versions

‘Abdallah b. ‘Umar told that he heard God's Messenger say, “He who throws off obedience will meet God on the day of resurrection without possessing any plea, and he who dies without having taken an oath of allegiance will die like a pagan.” Muslim transmitted it.

وَعَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عُمَرَ قَالَ: سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسلم يَقُول: «مَنْ خَلَعَ يَدًا مِنْ طَاعَةٍ لَقِيَ اللَّهَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَلَا حُجَّةَ لَهُ. وَمَنْ مَاتَ وَلَيْسَ فِي…

Narrated by Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar + 2 other versions

Abu Huraira reported the Prophet as saying, “The B. Isra’il were governed by the prophets, as often as one died another taking his place. There will be no prophet after me, but there will be numerous caliphs.” He was asked what command he had to give and replied, “Fulfil the oath of allegiance to…

وَعَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: «كَانَتْ بَنُو إِسْرَائِيلَ تَسُوسُهُمُ الْأَنْبِيَاءُ كُلَّمَا هَلَكَ نَبِيُّ خَلَفَهُ نبيٌّ وإِنَّه لَا نبيَّ بعدِي وسيكون حلفاء…

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah + 5 other versions

Abu Sa'id al-Khudri reported God’s Messenger as saying, “When allegiance is sworn to two caliphs kill the second of them.* Muslim transmitted it. * Some interpret ‘kill’ here as meaning to fight with. The tradition is directed against the possibility of two Caliphs holding power at the same time…

وَعَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «إِذَا بُويِعَ لِخَلِيفَتَيْنِ فاقتُلوا الآخِرَ منهُما» . رَوَاهُ مُسلم

Narrated by Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri + 1 other version

‘Arfaja told that he heard God’s Messenger say, “Various corruptions will arise, so strike with the sword him who tries to cause separation in this people when they are united, whoever he be.” Muslim transmitted it.

وَعَنْ عَرْفَجَةَ قَالَ: سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ: «إِنَّهُ سَيَكُونُ هَنَاتٌ وَهَنَاتٌ فَمَنْ أَرَادَ أَنْ يُفَرِّقَ أَمْرَ هَذِهِ الْأُمَّةِ وَهِيَ جَمِيعٌ فَاضْرِبُوهُ…

Narrated by Arfaja + 6 other versions

He told that he heard God’s Messenger say, “If anyone comes to you when you are united under one man desiring to split you or cause parties in your community, kill him.” Muslim transmitted it.

وَعَنْهُ قَالَ: سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ: «مَنْ أَتَاكُمْ وَأَمْرُكُمْ جَمِيعٌ عَلَى رَجُلٍ وَاحِدٍ يُرِيدُ أَنْ يَشُقَّ عَصَاكُمْ أوْ يُفرِّقَ جماعتكم فَاقْتُلُوهُ» . رَوَاهُ…

+ 1 other version

‘Abdallah b. ‘Amr reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If anyone swears allegiance to an imam, giving him his hand in ratification and sincere agreement in his heart, he must obey him if he can. Then if another comes and contends with him, cut off that other one’s head.” Muslim transmitted it.

وَعَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرٍو قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسلم: «من بَايَعَ إِمَامًا فَأَعْطَاهُ صَفْقَةَ يَدِهِ وَثَمَرَةَ قَلْبِهِ فَلْيُطِعْهُ إِنِ اسْتَطَاعَ فَإِنْ جَاءَ آخَرُ…

Narrated by Abdullah ibn Amr + 13 other versions

‘Abd ar-Rahman b. Samura told that God’s Messenger said to him, “Do not ask for the position of commander, for if you are given it after asking you will be left to discharge it yourself; but if you are given it without asking you will be helped to discharge it.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

وَعَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ سَمُرَةَ قَالَ: قَالَ لِي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «لَا تَسْأَلِ الْإِمَارَةَ فَإِنَّكَ إِنْ أُعْطِيتَهَا عَنْ مَسْأَلَةٍ وُكِلْتَ إِلَيْهَا وَإِنْ أُعْطِيتَهَا…

Narrated by Abdur-Rahmān ibn Samurah + 28 other versions

You will eagerly seek out a position of authority, but it will be a source of regret on the Day of Judgment. How excellent is the wet nurse, and how evil is the weaning one

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "You will eagerly seek out a position of authority, but it will be a source of regret on the Day of Judgment. How excellent is the wet nurse, and how evil is the weaning one."

وَعَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: «إِنَّكُمْ سَتَحْرِصُونَ عَلَى الْإِمَارَةِ وَسَتَكُونُ نَدَامَةً يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ فَنِعْمَ الْمُرْضِعَةُ وَبِئْسَتِ الفاطمةُ»…

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah + 7 other versions Explained

Abu Dharr told that he asked God’s Messenger to make him a governor, but he struck him on his shoulder with his hand and said, “You are weak, Abu Dharr, and it is a trust which will be a cause of shame and regret on the day of resurrection except for him who undertakes it as it ought to be…

وَعَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ قَالَ: قُلْتُ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَلَا تَسْتَعْمِلُنِي؟ قَالَ: فَضَرَبَ بِيَدِهِ عَلَى مَنْكِبِي ثُمَّ قَالَ: «يَا أَبَا ذَرٍّ إِنَّكَ ضَعِيفٌ وَإِنَّهَا أَمَانَةٌ وَإِنَّهَا يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ…

Narrated by Abu Dharr + 8 other versions

Two of my cousins on my father’s side and I went in to see the Prophet and one of them said, “Messenger of God, put us in command of part of what God has put in your charge,” the other also saying the same. He replied, “I swear by God that I will not put in charge, of this work anyone who asks for…

وَعَنْ أَبِي مُوسَى قَالَ: دَخَلْتُ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَنَا وَرَجُلَانِ مِنْ بَنِي عَمِّي فَقَالَ أَحَدُهُمَا: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَمِّرْنَا عَلَى بَعْضِ مَا وَلَّاكَ اللَّهُ وَقَالَ…

Narrated by Abu Mūsa al-Ash‘ari + 2 other versions

Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “You will find among the best people those who have the strongest dislike of this command till they fall into it.”* (Bukhari and Muslim.) *This is explained as meaning either they cease to dislike having authority and so cease to be among the best…

وَعَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «تَجِدُونَ مِنْ خَيْرِ النَّاسِ أَشَدَّهُمْ كَرَاهِيَةً لِهَذَا الْأَمْرِ حَتَّى يقَعَ فِيهِ»

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah + 1 other version

‘Abdallah b. ‘Umar reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock. The imam who is over the people is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock; a man is a shepherd in charge of the inhabitants of his household and he is responsible for…

وَعَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عُمَرَ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسلم: «أَلا كلُّكُمْ راعٍ وكلُّكُمْ مسؤولٌ عَنْ رَعِيَّتِهِ فَالْإِمَامُ الَّذِي عَلَى النَّاسِ رَاعٍ وَهُوَ مسؤولٌ عَنْ…

Narrated by Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar + 20 other versions

Ma'qil b. Yasar told that he heard God’s Messenger say, “Any governor in charge of Muslim subjects who dies while acting dishonestly towards them will be excluded by God from paradise.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

وَعَنْ مَعْقِلِ بْنِ يَسَارٍ قَالَ: سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسلم يقولُ: «مَا مِنْ والٍ بلي رَعِيَّةً مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ فَيَمُوتُ وَهُوَ غَاشٌّ لَهُمْ إِلَّا حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ…

Narrated by Ma‘qil ibn Yasār + 1 other version

He told that he heard God’s Messenger say, “Anyone who is asked by God to take charge of subjects and does not protect them with good counsel will not smell the fragrance of paradise.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

وَعَنْهُ قَالَ: سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ: «مَا مِنْ عَبْدٍ يَسْتَرْعِيهِ اللَّهُ رَعِيَّةً فَلَمْ يَحُطْهَا بِنَصِيحَةٍ إِلَّا لَمْ يجد رَائِحَة الْجنَّة»

+ 9 other versions

‘A’idh b. ‘Amr told that he heard God’s Messenger say, “The worst shepherds are those who are ungentle.” Muslim transmitted it.

وَعَنْ عَائِذِ بْنِ عَمْرٌو قَالَ: سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ: «إِنَّ شرَّ الرعاءِ الحُطَمَة» . رَوَاهُ مُسلم

Narrated by A’idh ibn Amr

‘A’isha reported God’s Messenger as saying, “O God, cause distress to him who has any charge over my people and causes them distress, and be gentle to him who has any charge over my people and is gentle to them.” Muslim transmitted it.

وَعَنْ عَائِشَةَ قَالَتْ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «اللَّهُمَّ مَنْ وَلِيَ مِنْ أَمْرِ أُمَّتِي شَيْئًا فَشَقَّ عَلَيْهِمْ فَاشْقُقْ عَلَيْهِ وَمَنْ وَلِيَ مِنْ أَمْرِ أُمَّتِي شَيْئًا…

Narrated by Ā’ishah + 6 other versions

‘Abdallah b. ‘Amr b. al-‘As reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Those who act justly will be with God on pulpits of light* at the right hand of the Compassionate One, and both His hands are right. They are those who are just in their jurisdiction, towards their people and what is under their…

وَعَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرِو بْنِ الْعَاصِ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «إِنَّ الْمُقْسِطِينَ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ عَلَى مَنَابِرَ مِنْ نُورٍ عَنْ يَمِينِ الرَّحْمَنِ وَكِلْتَا…

Narrated by Abdullah ibn Amr + 4 other versions

Abu Sa'id reported God's Messenger as saying, “No prophet is sent by God and no caliph succeeds another without having two close associates, one who commands and urges him to do what is reputable and one who commands and urges him to do what is evil. The one who is protected is he whom God…

" مَا بَعَثَ اللَّهُ مِنْ نَبِيٍّ وَلَا اسْتَخْلَفَ مِنْ خَلِيفَةٍ إِلَّا كَانَتْ لَهُ بِطَانَتَانِ: بِطَانَةٌ تَأْمُرُهُ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَتَحُضُّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَبِطَانَةٌ تَأْمُرُهُ بِالشَّرِّ وَتَحُضُّهُ عَلَيْهِ…

Narrated by Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri + 5 other versions

Anas said that Qais b. Sa‘d had a position in relation to the Prophet like that of a prefect of a district in relation to a governor. Bukhari transmitted it.

وَعَنْ أَنَسٍ قَالَ: كَانَ قَيْسُ بْنُ سَعْدٍ مِنَ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ بِمَنْزِلَةِ صاحبِ الشُّرَطِ منَ الأميرِ. رَوَاهُ البُخَارِيّ

Narrated by Anas ibn Mālik + 2 other versions

Abu Bakra told that when God’s Messenger heard the people of Persia had made Kisra’s daughter their queen he said, “People who make a woman their ruler will never prosper.” Bukhari transmitted it.

وَعَنْ أَبِي بَكْرَةَ قَالَ: لَمَّا بَلَغَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَنَّ أَهْلَ فَارِسَ قَدْ مَلَّكُوا عَلَيْهِمْ بِنْتَ كِسْرَى قَالَ: «لَنْ يُفْلِحَ قَوْمٌ وَلَّوْا أَمْرَهُمُ امْرَأَةً»…

Narrated by Abu Bakrah + 8 other versions

to maintain the community, to listen, to obey, to emigrate, and to fight in God's path. He who secedes from the community as much as a span has cast off the tie of Islam from his neck unless he returns, and he who summons to what the pre-Islamic people believed belongs to the assemblies of jahannam…

" آمُرُكُمْ بِخَمْسٍ: بِالْجَمَاعَةِ وَالسَّمْعِ وَالطَّاعَةِ وَالْهِجْرَةِ وَالْجِهَادِ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَإِنَّهُ مَنْ خَرَجَ مِنَ الْجَمَاعَةِ قِيدَ شِبْرٍ فَقَدْ خَلَعَ رِبْقَةَ الْإِسْلَامِ مِنْ عُنُقِهِ إِلَّا…

Narrated by Abu Mālik al-Ash‘arī + 3 other versions

I was with Abu Bakra under Ibn ‘Amir’s pulpit when he was preaching and wearing thin garments. Abu Bilal said, “Look at our governor wearing the garments of profligates,” whereupon Abu Bakra told him to be quiet, for he had heard God’s Messenger say, “He who despises God’s ruler in the earth will…

وَعَن زِيادِ بنِ كُسَيبٍ العَدَوِيِّ قَالَ: كُنْتُ مَعَ أَبِي بَكْرَةَ تَحْتَ مِنْبَرِ ابْنِ عَامِرٍ وَهُوَ يَخْطُبُ وَعَلَيْهِ ثِيَابٌ رِقَاقٌ فَقَالَ أَبُو بِلَال: انْظُرُوا إِلَى أَمِير نايلبس ثِيَابَ الْفُسَّاقِ…

+ 1 other version

An-Nawwas b. Sam‘an reported God’s Messenger as saying, “A creature is not to be obeyed when it involves disobedience to the "Creator.” It is transmitted in Sharh as-sunna.

وَعَنِ النَّوَّاسِ بْنِ سِمْعَانَ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «لَا طَاعَةَ لِمَخْلُوقٍ فِي مَعْصِيَةِ الْخَالِقِ» . رَوَاهُ فِي شَرْحِ السّنة

Narrated by An-Nawwās ibn Sam‘ān

Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “He who has been ruler over ten people will be brought on the day of resurrection shackled till justice loosens his chains or tyranny brings him to destruction.”* Darimi transmitted it. *The reference is to the justice or tyranny he has displayed in…

وَعَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «مَا مِنْ أَمِيرِ عَشرَةٍ إِلا يُؤتى بِهِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ مَغْلُولًا حَتَّى يُفَكَّ عَنْهُ الْعَدْلُ أَو يوبقه الْجور»…

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah + 1 other version

He reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Woe to the governors, woe to the chiefs, woe to the superintendents! On the day of resurrection people will wish that their forelocks were tied to the Pleiades, that they were swinging between heaven and earth, and that they had never exercised any rule.”* It…

وَعَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «وَيْلٌ لِلْأُمَرَاءِ وَيْلٌ لِلْعُرَفَاءِ وَيْلٌ لِلْأُمَنَاءِ لَيَتَمَنَّيَنَّ أَقْوَامٌ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ أَنَّ نَوَاصِيَهُمْ مُعَلَّقَةٌ…

+ 1 other version

Ghalib al-Qattan quoted a man who stated on the authority of his father that his grandfather reported God’s Messenger as saying, “The office of a chief is necessary, for people must have chiefs, but the chiefs will go to hell.”* Abu Dawud transmitted it. * Mirqat. iv, 133 says this means those who…

وَعَنْ غَالِبٍ الْقَطَّانِ عَنْ رَجُلٍ عَنْ أَبِيهِ عَنْ جَدِّهِ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسلم: «إِن العرافة حق ولابد لِلنَّاسِ مِنْ عُرَفَاءَ وَلَكِنَّ الْعُرْفَاءَ فِي النَّارِ» . رَوَاهُ…

Ka'b b. ‘Ujra told that God's Messenger said to him, “I commend you to God to protect you from the ruler ship of the foolish.” He asked what that was, and God’s Messenger replied, “After my time governors will arise whose falsehood will be believed and who will be assisted in their oppression by…

وَعَنْ كَعْبِ بْنِ عُجْرَةَ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «أُعِيذُكَ بِاللَّهِ مِنْ إِمَارَةِ السُّفَهَاءِ» . قَالَ: وَمَا ذَاكَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ؟ قَالَ: «أُمَرَاءُ سَيَكُونُونَ مِنْ…

Narrated by Ka‘b ibn Ujra + 5 other versions

Ibn ‘Abbas reported the Prophet as saying, “He who lives in the desert will become rough, he who follows the chase will become negligent, and he who goes to a ruler will be led astray.” Ahmad, Tirmidhi and Nasa’i transmitted it. Abu Dawud’s version has, “He who attaches himself to a ruler will be…

وَعَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: «مَنْ سَكَنَ الْبَادِيَةَ جَفَا وَمَنِ اتَّبَعَ الصَّيْدَ غَفَلَ وَمَنْ أَتَى السُّلْطَانَ افْتُتِنَ» . رَوَاهُ أَحْمَدُ وَالتِّرْمِذِيُّ…

Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbās + 4 other versions

Al-Miqdam b. Ma'dikarib told that God’s Messenger struck him on his shoulders and then said, “You will attain success, Qudaim,* if you die without having been a ruler, a secretary, or a chief.” Abu Dawud transmitted it. * This form is used as a diminutive of Miqdam, the diminutive being used as an…

وَعَن المقدامِ بن معْدي كِربَ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ضَرَبَ عَلَى مَنْكِبَيْهِ ثُمَّ قَالَ: «أَفْلَحْتَ يَا قُدَيْمُ إِنْ مُتَّ وَلَمْ تَكُنْ أَمِيرًا وَلَا كَاتبا وَلَا عريفا» . رَوَاهُ…

Narrated by Al-Miqdām ibn Ma‘di Karib

‘Uqba b. ‘Amir reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Sahib maks, meaning one who tithes people, will not enter paradise.” Ahmad, Abu Dawud and Darimi transmitted it.

وَعَنْ عُقْبَةَ بْنِ عَامِرٍ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «لَا يَدْخُلُ الْجَنَّةَ صَاحِبُ مَكْسٍ» : يَعْنِي الَّذِي يَعْشُرُ النَّاسَ. رَوَاهُ أَحْمد وَأَبُو دَاوُد والدارمي

Narrated by Uqbah ibn ‘Āmir + 3 other versions

Abu Sa'id reported God’s Messenger as saying, “The one who will be dearest to God and nearest to Him in station of the day of resurrection will be a just imam, and the one who will be most hateful to God on the day of resurrection and will receive the severest punishment (or as a version has, will…

وَعَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «إِنَّ أَحَبَّ النَّاسِ إِلَى اللَّهِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَأَقْرَبَهُمْ مِنْهُ مَجْلِسًا إِمَامٌ عَادِلٌ وَإِنَّ أَبْغَضَ النَّاسِ…

Narrated by Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri + 3 other versions

He reported God’s Messenger as saying, “The most excellent jihad is when one speaks a true word in the presence of a tyrannical ruler.” Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah transmitted it, and Ahmad and Nasa‘i transmitted it on the authority of Tariq b. Shihab.

وَعَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «أَفْضَلُ الْجِهَادِ مَنْ قَالَ كَلِمَةَ حَقٍّ عِنْدَ سُلْطَانٍ جَائِرٍ» . رَوَاهُ التِّرْمِذِيُّ وَأَبُو دَاوُد وَابْن مَاجَه وَرَوَاهُ أَحْمَدُ…

+ 3 other versions

If Allah wills to do good to a ruler, He appoints for him a truthful adviser, who will remind him if he forgets and help him if he remembers. And if Allah wills otherwise for him, He appoints for him a bad adviser who will not remind him if he forgets, nor will he help him if he remembers.

‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If Allah wills to do good to a ruler, He appoints for him a truthful adviser, who will remind him if he forgets and help him if he remembers. And if Allah wills otherwise for him…

وَعَنْ عَائِشَةَ قَالَتْ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «إِذَا أَرَادَ اللَّهُ بِالْأَمِيرِ خَيْرًا جَعَلَ لَهُ وَزِيرَ صِدْقٍ إِنْ نَسِيَ ذَكَّرَهُ وَإِنْ ذَكَرَ أَعَانَهُ. وَإِذَا أَرَادَ…

Narrated by Ā’ishah + 2 other versions Explained

Abu Umama reported the Prophet as saying, ‘‘When a ruler seeks to make imputations against the people he corrupts them.” Abu Dawud transmitted it.

وَعَنْ أَبِي أُمَامَةَ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: «إِنَّ الْأَمِيرَ إِذَا ابْتَغَى الرِّيبَةَ فِي النَّاسِ أَفْسَدَهُمْ» . رَوَاهُ أَبُو دَاوُدَ

Narrated by Abu Umāmah + 1 other version

Mu'awiya told that he heard God’s Messenger say,” When you look into people’s secrets you corrupt them.”* Baihaqi transmitted it in Shu'ab al-iman. * This is a prohibition of delving into other people’s affairs and disclosing things which should not be disclosed, as this makes life difficult for…

وَعَنْ مُعَاوِيَةَ قَالَ: سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ: «إِنَّكَ إِذَا اتَّبَعْتَ عَوْرَاتِ النَّاسِ أَفْسَدْتَهُمْ» . رَوَاهُ الْبَيْهَقِيُّ فِي «شُعَبِ الْإِيمَان»

Narrated by Mu‘āwiyah + 1 other version

Abu Dharr reported God's Messenger as saying, “How will you deal with imams after my death who appropriate to themselves this booty?” He replied, “I swear by Him who sent you with the truth that I shall put my sword on my shoulder and smite with it till I meet you.” He said, “Shall I not guide you…

وَعَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «كَيْفَ أَنْتُمْ وَأَئِمَّةً مِنْ بَعْدِي يَسْتَأْثِرُونَ بِهَذَا الْفَيْءِ؟» . قُلْتُ: أَمَا وَالَّذِي بَعَثَكَ بِالْحَقِّ أَضَعُ…

Narrated by Abu Dharr + 3 other versions

‘A’isha reported God's Messenger as saying, “Do you know who will go first on the day of resurrection to the shade of God who is great and glorious?” Then on receiving the reply that God and His Messenger knew best, he said, “Those who when given what is right accept it, when asked for something…

عَنْ عَائِشَةَ عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: «أَتَدْرُونَ مَنِ السَّابِقُونَ إِلَى ظِلِّ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ؟» قَالُوا: اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ أَعْلَمُ قَالَ…

Narrated by Ā’ishah + 2 other versions