Riyad as-Salihin, 655

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The Banu Isra'il were ruled by the Prophets. When one Prophet (ﷺ) died, another succeeded him. There will be no Prophet (ﷺ) after me. Caliphs will come after me, and they will be many." The Companions said: "O Messenger of Allah, what do you command us to do?" He said, "Fulfill the pledge of allegiance to which is sworn first (then swear allegiance to the others). Concede to them their due rights and ask Allah that which is due to you. Allah will call them to account in respect of the subjects whom He had entrusted to them." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

وعن أبى هريرة رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏ ‏

‏كانت بنو إسرائيل تسوسهم الأنبياء، كلما هلك نبى خلفه نبى، وإنه لا نبى بعدى وسيكون بعدى خلفاء فيكثرون” قالوا‏:‏ يا رسول الله فما تأمرنا‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏

‏أوفوا ببيعة الأول فالأول، ثم أعطوهم حقهم، واسألوا الله الذى لكم ، فإن الله سائلهم عما استرعاهم” ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏

References1 variant

In-Book Reference: Introduction, Hadith 655

Sharh · explanationclick to expand

Guidance from the Hadith: 1) The religion of Allah is Islam, which is suitable for every age and place. It comprises both the Shariah (legislation) and politics. He who differentiates between sound political leadership and the Prophetic Shariah has no proper understanding of the system and objectives of legislation in Islam. 2) People of authority in this Ummah are the scholars and the rulers. It is necessary for people to have those who manage their affairs, lead them to the right path, and save them from the evil of wrongdoers. 3) The ruler has a great responsibility, and Allah Almighty will question him as to what he did with regard to his authority and those he ruled. So, he should look before he leaps.

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