33/3. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 1652c — Seeking Authority
The prohibition of seeking or desiring a position of authority
Hadith About Not Asking for Authority
Sahih Muslim : 1652c
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 1652c
حَدَّثَنَا شَيْبَانُ بْنُ فَرُّوخَ، حَدَّثَنَا جَرِيرُ بْنُ حَازِمٍ، حَدَّثَنَا الْحَسَنُ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ، بْنُ سَمُرَةَ قَالَ قَالَ لِي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " يَا عَبْدَ الرَّحْمَنِ لاَ تَسْأَلِ الإِمَارَةَ فَإِنَّكَ إِنْ أُعْطِيتَهَا عَنْ مَسْأَلَةٍ أُكِلْتَ إِلَيْهَا وَإِنْ أُعْطِيتَهَا عَنْ غَيْرِ مَسْأَلَةٍ أُعِنْتَ عَلَيْهَا " .
'Abdur-Rahman bin Samurah Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to me: 'Abd al-Rahman, do not ask for a position of authority, for if you are granted this position as a result of your asking for it, you will be left alone (without God's help to discharge the responsibilities attendant thereon), and it you are granted it without making any request for it, you will be helped (by God in the discharge of your duties).
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1652cIn-book reference : Book 33, Hadith 15USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 20, Hadith 4487
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 1652c
This hadith about not asking for authority is a clear warning to anyone seeking a position of power. The Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) told Abd al-Rahman b. Samura not to ask for a position of authority. He explained the difference between two cases. If a person receives authority because he asked for it, he will be left to it. If he receives it without asking, he will be helped in carrying it. The wording points to the weight of leadership and the danger of chasing rank. It does not say every leader is blameworthy. It warns against seeking authority for oneself and shows that support is tied to how that duty comes.
What we learn from this hadith
- A Muslim should not seek authority for himself.
- Authority gained by asking carries a warning in this text.
- Authority given without asking is linked with help in fulfilling it.
- Leadership is shown as a duty, not a prize.
