32/4. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 1738b — Betrayal by Leaders
The prohibition of betrayal
Hadith About Betrayal by Leaders: A Serious Warning on Trust
Sahih Muslim : 1738b
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 1738b
حَدَّثَنَا زُهَيْرُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الصَّمَدِ بْنُ عَبْدِ الْوَارِثِ، حَدَّثَنَا الْمُسْتَمِرُّ بْنُ الرَّيَّانِ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو نَضْرَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " لِكُلِّ غَادِرٍ لِوَاءٌ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ يُرْفَعُ لَهُ بِقَدْرِ غَدْرِهِ أَلاَ وَلاَ غَادِرَ أَعْظَمُ غَدْرًا مِنْ أَمِيرِ عَامَّةٍ " .
Abu Sa'id Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: On the Day of Judgment there will be a flag for every person guilty of the breach of faith. It will be raised in proportion to the extent of his guilt; and there is no guilt of treachery more serious than the one committed by the ruler of men.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1738bIn-book reference : Book 32, Hadith 19USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 19, Hadith 4310
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 1738b
This Hadith about betrayal by leaders gives a warning that is both general and specific. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said that every person guilty of breach of faith will have a flag on the Day of Judgment. It will be raised according to the extent of his guilt. Then the Hadith gives a stronger warning: there is no treachery more serious than the one committed by the ruler of people. The message is clear from the text. Betrayal is serious for everyone, but public authority carries a heavier trust. A leader's breach of faith affects more than one person. This Hadith reminds anyone with responsibility to fear betrayal and act faithfully.
What we learn from this hadith
- The flag is raised according to the extent of betrayal.
- Leadership is a serious trust in this Hadith.
- A ruler's treachery is described as especially grave.
