30/10. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 3667 — Knowing Your Capacity Before Leading
The Prohibition Of Guardianship Over An Orphan's Property
Leadership Is a Trust: Know Your Capacity and Protect Orphan Wealth
Sunan an-Nasai : 3667
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 3667
أَخْبَرَنَا الْعَبَّاسُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ يَزِيدَ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ أَبِي أَيُّوبَ، عَنْ عُبَيْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ أَبِي جَعْفَرٍ، عَنْ سَالِمِ بْنِ أَبِي سَالِمٍ الْجَيْشَانِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ، قَالَ قَالَ لِي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " يَا أَبَا ذَرٍّ إِنِّي أَرَاكَ ضَعِيفًا وَإِنِّي أُحِبُّ لَكَ مَا أُحِبُّ لِنَفْسِي لاَ تَأَمَّرَنَّ عَلَى اثْنَيْنِ وَلاَ تَوَلَّيَنَّ عَلَى مَالِ يَتِيمٍ ".
Abu Dharr Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah said to me: 'O Abu Dharr, I think that you are weak, and I like for you what I like for myself. Do not accept a position of Amir over two people, and do not agree to be the guardian of an orphan's property.'
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 3667In-book reference : Book 30, Hadith 57English translation : Vol. 4, Book 30, Hadith 3697
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 3667
This leadership is a trust hadith records personal advice given to Abu Dharr. The Messenger of Allah told him that he considered him weak, while also saying that he loved for Abu Dharr what he loved for himself. He then advised him not to become an Amir over even two people and not to take charge of an orphan's property. The wording joins care with honest assessment. The advice was not presented as an insult, but as guidance meant for Abu Dharr's good. It also places leadership and management of orphan wealth among duties that require suitable ability. The hadith does not say that every person is unfit for these roles. It addresses Abu Dharr directly and teaches that responsibility should match a person's capacity.
What we learn from this hadith
- Honest advice can be given with sincere care for the person receiving it.
- Leadership should not be accepted when a person is not suited to its demands.
- Managing an orphan's property is a serious responsibility.
