1/63. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 142d — Sincere Care for Muslims
One in charge of a matter, who cheats his subjects, deserves the fire
Sincere Leadership in Islam: Striving for the Welfare of Muslims
Sahih Muslim : 142d
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 142d
وَحَدَّثَنَا أَبُو غَسَّانَ الْمِسْمَعِيُّ، وَمُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْمُثَنَّى، وَإِسْحَاقُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، قَالَ إِسْحَاقُ أَخْبَرَنَا وَقَالَ الآخَرَانِ، حَدَّثَنَا مُعَاذُ بْنُ هِشَامٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي أَبِي، عَنْ قَتَادَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي الْمَلِيحِ، أَنَّ عُبَيْدَ اللَّهِ بْنَ زِيَادٍ، عَادَ مَعْقِلَ بْنَ يَسَارٍ فِي مَرَضِهِ فَقَالَ لَهُ مَعْقِلٌ إِنِّي مُحَدِّثُكَ بِحَدِيثٍ لَوْلاَ أَنِّي فِي الْمَوْتِ لَمْ أُحَدِّثْكَ بِهِ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ " مَا مِنْ أَمِيرٍ يَلِي أَمْرَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ ثُمَّ لاَ يَجْهَدُ لَهُمْ وَيَنْصَحُ إِلاَّ لَمْ يَدْخُلْ مَعَهُمُ الْجَنَّةَ " .
Abu al-Malih Narrated from:
Ubaidullah b. Ziyad visited Ma'qil b. Yasar in his illness. Ma'qil said to him: I am narrating to you a hadith which I would have never narrated to you had I not been in death-bed. I heard Allah's apostle (ﷺ) say: A ruler who has been entrusted with the affairs of the Muslims but he makes no endeavors ( for the material and moral uplift) and does not sincerely mean (their welfare) would not enter Paradise along with them.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 142dIn-book reference : Book 1, Hadith 273USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 1, Hadith 264
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 142d
This hadith about sincere leadership gives a clear duty for anyone entrusted with the affairs of Muslims. Ma'qil b. Yasar says he would not have narrated it to Ubaidullah b. Ziyad if he had not been on his death-bed. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said that a ruler who takes charge of Muslims but makes no effort for them and does not sincerely mean their welfare would not enter Paradise along with them. The wording highlights two related duties: effort and sincerity. A ruler is not only warned against open dishonesty; he is also warned against failing to work for people’s good. This hadith on leadership responsibility teaches that the welfare of Muslims cannot be treated lightly by those in charge.
What we learn from this hadith
- A ruler must make real effort for the people under his authority.
- Sincerity toward Muslims is part of leadership responsibility.
- Neglecting people’s welfare is treated as a serious failure.
- Religious advice can be especially urgent near death.
