Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.
The Wonderful Library & Islamic Resource Center
World of Islamic Dawah: Islamic Library & Resource Center
As-Salaamu alaikum and welcome readers. Please check our Portal for regular updates and news. Dear readers, you may have noticed that some of our graphics are not showing. We are busy updating broken links and would like to apologise for any inconvenience.
We sincerely apologize for the Advertisements which are beyond our control. May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala forgive us for our shortcomings.
Chapter 81 - Undesirability of Aspiring for Office
Author
Message
Amy-Amatullah Bookroom Assistant
Subject: Chapter 81 - Undesirability of Aspiring for Office Mon Dec 14, 2015 7:11 pm
Chapter 81
Undesirability of Aspiring for Office
Allah, the Exalted, says:
"That home of the Hereafter (i.e., Jannah), We shall assign to those who rebel not against the truth with pride and oppression in the land nor do mischief by committing crimes. And the good end is for the Muttaqun (the pious and righteous persons).'' (28:83)
Hadith 674
Abdur-Rahman bin Samurah reported: The Messenger of Allah said to me,
"Do not ask for position of authority. If you are granted this position without asking for it, you will be helped (by Allah) in discharging its responsibilities; but if you are given it as a result of your request, you will be left alone as its captive. If you take an oath to do something and then find a better alternative, you should adopt the latter and expiate for your oath.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: By rulership is meant caliphate or any other rank affiliated to its hierarchy. Yet, it is undesirable to be eager or to strive for such an extraordinary position as it entails a heavy responsibility and one may face a sufficient difficulty in being absolved from it. However, if a man gets it without solicitation, he should accept it. The other part of the Hadith concerns swearing. Somebody takes an oath to do something but he finds another work more rewarding and righteous. In such a situation he is advised to dissolve his oath and make expiation for it.
Thereafter, he will be free to avail the advantageous option. As for the expiation of breaking an oath, there are four options: to set free a slave, or to feed an average-quality food to ten needy persons, or to provide clothes to them; and the expiator who cannot afford all that, should observe fasting for three days.
Amy-Amatullah Bookroom Assistant
Subject: Re: Chapter 81 - Undesirability of Aspiring for Office Mon Dec 14, 2015 7:21 pm
Hadith 675
Abu Dharr reported: The Messenger of Allah 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.'' [Muslim].
Commentary: Abu Dharr Al-Ghifari was one of the most ascetic Companions who was little interested in mundane affairs. Finding him weak to do responsible jobs, The Messenger of Allah gave him this advice. In fact, the one who takes interest in worldly affairs and understands them well can discharge the responsibilities appropriately. But a person who has aversion to worldly pursuits and keeps clear of them will be considered unfit in this regard.
For an explanation of this Hadith by Dr Muhammad Salah view the video included in Hadith No. 674
Amy-Amatullah Bookroom Assistant
Subject: Re: Chapter 81 - Undesirability of Aspiring for Office Wed Dec 16, 2015 3:59 pm
Hadith 676
Abu Dharr reported: I said to The Messenger of Allah "Why do you not appoint me to an (official) position?'' He patted me on the shoulder with his hand and said,
"O Abu Dharr, you are a weak man and it is a trust and it will be a cause of disgrace and remorse on the Day of Resurrection except for the one who takes it up with a full sense of responsibility and fulfills what is entrusted to him (discharges its obligations efficiently).'' [Muslim].
Commentary: There are, according to this Hadith, two conditions for putting people in official positions. The first is the relevant talent for the job, a man is put in charge of; and the second is his capacity for discharging responsibilities thereof. For example, a ruler should primarily possess the ability to maintain law and order and to establish justice; and secondly, he should be endowed with sufficient dynamism and vision to cope with new demands and situations. This basic principle applies to every official, whether in the capacity of governor, minister, advisor, financial administrator or a clerk. Apart from the sense of job, ability and integrity, he should be fired with determination with regard to his work. An office is indeed an important trust, and to have it without meeting the said conditions is a sort of treachery.
Amy-Amatullah Bookroom Assistant
Subject: Re: Chapter 81 - Undesirability of Aspiring for Office Wed Dec 16, 2015 8:36 pm
Hadith 677
Abu Hurairah reported: The Messenger of Allah said,
"You will covet for getting a position of authority, but remember that it will be a cause of humiliation and remorse on the Day of Resurrection.'' [Al-Bukhari]
Commentary: This Hadith urges people, particularly the incapable ones, to shed off the ambition to achieve rulership and power. It is feared that owing to their lack of talent they will mismanage the task which will be assigned to them. This will render them guilty with Allah. The Prophet dissuades such people from accepting any government portfolio as in this way they will remain safe and trouble-free. Yet, if a deserving person gets a job of high responsibility, he should do his utmost to do full justice to it, so that he may be spared remorse on the Day of Resurrection.
For an explanation of this Hadith by Dr Muhammad Salah view the video included in Hadith No. 676
Sponsored content
Subject: Re: Chapter 81 - Undesirability of Aspiring for Office
Chapter 81 - Undesirability of Aspiring for Office