93/8. Chapter:
Sahih Bukhari 7151 — Betraying the People
The ruler not ruling in an honest manner
Hadith About Rulers Deceiving Their People
Sahih Bukhari : 7151
Sahih BukhariHadith Number 7151
حَدَّثَنَا إِسْحَاقُ بْنُ مَنْصُورٍ، أَخْبَرَنَا حُسَيْنٌ الْجُعْفِيُّ، قَالَ زَائِدَةُ ذَكَرَهُ عَنْ هِشَامٍ، عَنِ الْحَسَنِ، قَالَ أَتَيْنَا مَعْقِلَ بْنَ يَسَارٍ نَعُودُهُ فَدَخَلَ عُبَيْدُ اللَّهِ فَقَالَ لَهُ مَعْقِلٌ أُحَدِّثُكَ حَدِيثًا سَمِعْتُهُ مِنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ " مَا مِنْ وَالٍ يَلِي رَعِيَّةً مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ، فَيَمُوتُ وَهْوَ غَاشٌّ لَهُمْ، إِلاَّ حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ الْجَنَّةَ ".
Ma'qil Narrated from:
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If any ruler having the authority to rule Muslim subjects dies while he is deceiving them, Allah will forbid Paradise for him."
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 7151In-book reference : Book 93, Hadith 15USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 9, Book 89, Hadith 265
Summary of Sahih Bukhari Hadith 7151
This hadith about rulers and responsibility gives a strong warning to anyone who has authority over Muslims. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) says that if a ruler dies while deceiving the people under his care, Allah will forbid Paradise for him. The focus is on betrayal from a position of power. A ruler is expected to be honest with the people, not to mislead them or act against their welfare. This makes the hadith a clear reminder about Islamic leadership, public trust, and accountability. The wording is direct and serious, showing that leadership is judged by truthfulness and care toward those being ruled.
What we learn from this hadith
- A ruler must not deceive the people under his authority.
- Public leadership comes with accountability before Allah.
- Dishonesty toward Muslim subjects is strongly condemned.
- A leader’s final state matters when he meets Allah.
