Riyad as-Salihin, 674
Hadith text · Matn
وعن أبى ذر رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “ يا أبا ذر إني أراك ضعيفاً، وإنى أحبُّ لك ما أحب لنفسي، لا تأمرن على اثنين ولا تولين مال يتيم” ((رواه مسلم)).
English translation
Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to me, "O Abu Dharr, I see that you are weak and I like for you what I like for myself. Do not rule over (even) two persons, and do not manage an orphan's property." <b>[Muslim]</b>.
References1 variant
- In-Book Reference
- Introduction, Hadith 674
Sharh · explanationclick to expand
<b>Guidance from the Hadiths:</b><br>
1) It is required for any leadership post that the person be strong and trustworthy; {Indeed, the best one you can hire is the strong and the trustworthy.} In case of failure to find a person possessing these two attributes perfectly, then the best should be appointed.<br>
2) Authority is a great responsibility and tremendous trust. So, whoever assumes it should undertake it properly and not breach the trust that Allah assigned to him.<br>
3) A Muslim should advise his fellow Muslim not to assume a leadership position if he sees certain incompetence or weakness in him. A case in point is the Prophet’s advice to Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) to keep away from leadership.