Riyad as-Salihin, 656
'Aidh bin 'Amr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
I visited 'Ubaidullah bin Ziyad and said to him: "Dear son, I heard Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, 'The worst of rulers are those who treat their subjects harshly. Beware, lest you should be one of them."' <b>[Al-Bukhari]</b>.
وعن عائذ بن عمرو رضي الله عنه أنه دخل على عبيد الله بن زياد، فقال له: أى بنى، إنى سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: “إن شر الرعاء الحطمة” فإياك أن تكون منهم. ((متفق عليه))
References1 variant
- In-Book Reference
- Introduction, Hadith 656
Sharh · explanationclick to expand
<b>Guidance from the Hadith:</b><br>
1) It warns those who assume some authority over Muslims against treating them violently and making things hard for them.<br>
2) A ruler is required to treat his subjects kindly, along with acting in a firm, strong, and active manner. He should be lenient but not weak and firm but not harsh.<br>
3) The best of subjects are those who adopt an easy lenient approach and can reach their goals without resorting to violence.