1 00:00:00,780 --> 00:00:09,779 *Riyadh as-Salihin* (The Gardens of the Righteous) from the words of the Master of the Messengers, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. 2 00:00:09,779 --> 00:00:24,260 Chapter: Prohibition of seeking leadership and the choice to avoid public office if it is not individually obligatory or if there is no pressing need for it. 3 00:00:24,260 --> 00:00:34,259 Allah Almighty said: ﴿That [home of] the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth or corruption. And the [best] outcome is for the righteous.﴾ 4 00:00:34,259 --> 00:00:37,259 ﴿And the [best] outcome is for the righteous.﴾ 5 00:00:37,259 --> 00:00:44,859 On the authority of Abu Sa'id 'Abd al-Rahman ibn Samurah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: 6 00:00:44,859 --> 00:00:48,859 The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said to me: 7 00:00:48,859 --> 00:00:53,859 "O 'Abd al-Rahman ibn Samurah, do not ask for leadership. 8 00:00:53,859 --> 00:00:58,859 For if it is given to you without your asking, you will be helped in it; 9 00:00:58,859 --> 00:01:03,859 but if it is given to you because of your asking, you will be left entirely to it. 10 00:01:03,859 --> 00:01:08,859 And if you swear an oath to do something, and then see something else better than it, 11 00:01:08,859 --> 00:01:13,859 perform that which is better and expiate your oath." 12 00:01:13,859 --> 00:01:15,859 Agreed upon. 13 00:01:15,859 --> 00:01:22,599 "Do not ask for leadership": meaning, do not seek the Caliphate or any other position of authority. 14 00:01:22,599 --> 00:01:28,700 "You will be helped in it": meaning, Allah will assist you with guidance and granting success toward what is right. 15 00:01:28,700 --> 00:01:34,790 "You will be left entirely to it": meaning, you will be turned over to it and left to rely solely on your own resources. 16 00:01:34,790 --> 00:01:40,079 "Swear an oath": meaning, you make a solemn vow regarding something. 17 00:01:40,079 --> 00:01:43,180 "And then see something else better than it": 18 00:01:43,180 --> 00:01:48,180 You come to know that breaking the oath is better than fulfilling what you swore upon. 19 00:01:48,180 --> 00:01:54,500 "Perform": meaning, execute the better deed; "and expiate": meaning, pay the required expiation. 20 00:01:54,500 --> 00:02:02,069 Among the benefits of the hadith: the prohibition against seeking or coveting positions related to governance, 21 00:02:02,069 --> 00:02:07,069 such as leadership, judgeship, public accountability (*hisbah*), and general public posts. 22 00:02:07,069 --> 00:02:13,069 This is because whoever seeks such positions is usually driven by personal self-interest, 23 00:02:13,069 --> 00:02:17,069 and therefore will not hesitate to commit sins 24 00:02:17,069 --> 00:02:20,069 in order to attain what he coveted and requested. 25 00:02:20,069 --> 00:02:28,069 On the other hand, whoever fears governing will be more inclined to justice due to his caution against falling into sin. 26 00:02:28,069 --> 00:02:36,710 It is permissible to accept such an office if the Caliph commands it or if the decision-makers (*ahl al-hall wa-l-'aqd*) appoint him. 27 00:02:36,710 --> 00:02:41,379 A servant cannot succeed except through Allah's help and grant of success. 28 00:02:41,379 --> 00:02:45,379 Therefore, he must seek that support by engaging in its proper means. 29 00:02:45,379 --> 00:02:51,379 And whomever Allah leaves to himself will be utterly disappointed and ruined. 30 00:02:51,379 --> 00:02:56,960 It is impermissible to fulfill an oath when doing otherwise is more righteous. 31 00:02:56,960 --> 00:03:01,340 Expiation is obligatory upon whoever breaks his oath. 32 00:03:01,340 --> 00:03:04,340 It is permissible to pay the expiation either after breaking the oath or before doing so. 33 00:03:04,340 --> 00:03:11,949 The hadith indicates the principle of prioritizing the weightier and greater public interest in Islamic law. 34 00:03:11,949 --> 00:03:17,039 On the authority of Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: 35 00:03:17,039 --> 00:03:21,039 The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said to me: 36 00:03:21,039 --> 00:03:25,039 "O Abu Dharr, I see that you are weak, 37 00:03:25,039 --> 00:03:29,039 and I love for you what I love for myself. 38 00:03:29,039 --> 00:03:32,039 Do not assume authority over even two people, 39 00:03:32,039 --> 00:03:35,039 and do not take charge of an orphan's property." 40 00:03:35,039 --> 00:03:37,099 Narrated by Muslim. 41 00:03:37,099 --> 00:03:39,740 "Weak": 42 00:03:39,740 --> 00:03:44,740 Meaning, you lack the capacity to bear the heavy burdens of public office. 43 00:03:44,740 --> 00:03:47,060 "Do not assume authority": 44 00:03:47,060 --> 00:03:50,060 Meaning, do not become a ruler or commander. 45 00:03:50,060 --> 00:03:52,129 "And do not take charge": 46 00:03:52,129 --> 00:03:54,129 Meaning, do not act as a guardian, 47 00:03:54,129 --> 00:03:56,129 nor approach any position of administrative authority. 48 00:03:56,129 --> 00:04:00,569 Among the benefits of the hadith: 49 00:04:00,569 --> 00:04:06,949 The prohibition of assuming authority for someone who knows within himself that he is too weak to fulfill its responsibilities. 50 00:04:06,949 --> 00:04:08,949 The obligation to preserve the property of orphans, 51 00:04:08,949 --> 00:04:14,560 and the prohibition of consuming it unlawfully or neglecting it. 52 00:04:14,560 --> 00:04:20,100 Islam's keen concern for the public interest and the preservation of orphans' wealth. 53 00:04:20,100 --> 00:04:25,680 The obligation upon a Muslim to sincerely advise his brother if he sees a weakness or flaw in him. 54 00:04:25,680 --> 00:04:30,680 A Muslim should express affection to his brother when offering him advice, 55 00:04:30,680 --> 00:04:35,680 so as to make him feel his sincerity, good intentions, and care for him. 56 00:04:35,680 --> 00:04:39,220 It is part of the perfection of love for Allah's sake 57 00:04:39,220 --> 00:04:43,610 that a person loves for his brother the same good he loves for himself. 58 00:04:43,610 --> 00:04:48,610 The immense responsibility of leadership and the dissuasion from seeking it, 59 00:04:48,610 --> 00:04:53,610 due to the regret and remorse it entails on the Day of Resurrection, 60 00:04:53,610 --> 00:04:56,610 except for the one who fulfills its rights properly. 61 00:04:56,610 --> 00:05:01,860 On the authority of Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: 62 00:05:01,860 --> 00:05:05,860 I said, "O Messenger of Allah, will you not appoint me to a post?" 63 00:05:05,860 --> 00:05:09,860 He struck my shoulder with his hand and then said: 64 00:05:09,860 --> 00:05:12,860 "O Abu Dharr, you are weak, 65 00:05:12,860 --> 00:05:14,860 and it is a trust. 66 00:05:14,860 --> 00:05:18,860 On the Day of Resurrection, it will be a source of disgrace and regret, 67 00:05:18,860 --> 00:05:21,860 except for one who takes it rightfully 68 00:05:21,860 --> 00:05:24,860 and fulfills all the duties required of him in it." 69 00:05:24,860 --> 00:05:28,560 Narrated by Muslim. 70 00:05:28,560 --> 00:05:32,560 "Will you not appoint me": meaning, will you not make me an official over some affair? 71 00:05:32,560 --> 00:05:37,689 "My shoulder": refers to the junction where the head of the upper arm meets the shoulder. 72 00:05:37,689 --> 00:05:39,819 "Disgrace and regret": 73 00:05:39,819 --> 00:05:43,819 Meaning, public exposure and humiliation for the one who fails to uphold its rights, 74 00:05:43,819 --> 00:05:46,819 causing him to bitterly regret ever accepting it. 75 00:05:46,819 --> 00:05:50,850 "Rightfully": meaning, he was truly suited and qualified for it. 76 00:05:50,850 --> 00:05:54,490 Among the benefits of the hadith: 77 00:05:54,490 --> 00:05:57,649 Whoever seeks public office is not to be appointed to it. 78 00:05:57,649 --> 00:06:03,649 Islam does not grant leadership to one who asks for it, covets it, or strives to obtain it. 79 00:06:04,649 --> 00:06:08,649 The most deserving of people for authority are those who refrain from it and dislike it. 80 00:06:08,649 --> 00:06:14,220 Public office is a monumental trust and a grave responsibility; 81 00:06:14,220 --> 00:06:18,220 whoever is appointed to it must discharge its duties with utmost care 82 00:06:18,220 --> 00:06:21,220 and not betray Allah's covenant regarding it. 83 00:06:21,220 --> 00:06:25,639 The virtue of one who assumes public office while being qualified for it, 84 00:06:25,639 --> 00:06:28,639 whether he is a just ruler, 85 00:06:28,639 --> 00:06:30,639 a trustworthy treasurer, 86 00:06:30,639 --> 00:06:33,639 or a diligent administrator. 87 00:06:33,639 --> 00:06:37,790 On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), 88 00:06:37,790 --> 00:06:41,790 that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 89 00:06:41,790 --> 00:06:45,819 "You will eagerly covet leadership, 90 00:06:45,819 --> 00:06:48,819 but it will become a cause of regret on the Day of Resurrection." 91 00:06:48,819 --> 00:06:53,100 Narrated by al-Bukhari. 92 00:06:53,100 --> 00:06:55,100 Among the benefits of the hadith: 93 00:06:55,100 --> 00:06:59,329 Dissuasion from coveting positions and high offices, 94 00:06:59,329 --> 00:07:03,740 especially by those who are not qualified for them. 95 00:07:03,740 --> 00:07:06,740 The severe punishment for one who neglects his public trust, 96 00:07:06,740 --> 00:07:09,740 fails to fulfill its rights properly, 97 00:07:09,740 --> 00:07:14,189 and does not discharge it in the most complete and exemplary manner. 98 00:07:14,189 --> 00:07:17,189 Eagerly coveting leadership and loving honor and status 99 00:07:17,189 --> 00:07:19,189 corrupts a person's religion, 100 00:07:19,189 --> 00:07:23,189 as stated in the saying of the Prophet, peace be upon him: 101 00:07:23,189 --> 00:07:27,189 "Two hungry wolves let loose among a flock of sheep 102 00:07:27,189 --> 00:07:32,189 do not cause more corruption to them than a man's eagerness for wealth and status causes to his religion." 103 00:07:32,189 --> 00:07:35,639 This hadith is among the signs of prophethood, 104 00:07:35,639 --> 00:07:39,639 for what the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, foretold has indeed come to pass 105 00:07:39,639 --> 00:07:41,639 regarding people's intense covetousness for authority, 106 00:07:41,639 --> 00:07:43,639 to the extent of fighting one another over it 107 00:07:43,639 --> 00:07:47,639 and resorting to every conceivable means to attain it. 108 00:07:47,639 --> 00:07:50,639 We ask Allah for safety and wellbeing. 109 00:07:53,300 --> 00:07:58,300 Chapter: Encouraging the ruler, judge, and other officials 110 00:07:58,300 --> 00:08:00,300 to appoint a righteous advisor, 111 00:08:00,300 --> 00:08:04,300 and warning them against bad companions and accepting their advice. 112 00:08:04,300 --> 00:08:08,449 Allah Almighty said: 113 00:08:08,449 --> 00:08:15,509 “Friends on that day will be foes one to another, save those who kept their duty (to Allah).” (43:67) 114 00:08:15,509 --> 00:08:21,730 On the authority of Abu Sa'id and Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with them both), 115 00:08:21,730 --> 00:08:25,730 that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 116 00:08:25,730 --> 00:08:28,730 "Allah never sent any prophet, 117 00:08:28,730 --> 00:08:30,730 nor did any Caliph succeed to power, 118 00:08:30,730 --> 00:08:33,730 except that he had two inner circles of advisors: 119 00:08:34,730 --> 00:08:38,730 an inner circle that commands him to do good and urges him to do it, 120 00:08:38,730 --> 00:08:43,730 and an inner circle that commands him to do evil and urges him to do it. 121 00:08:43,730 --> 00:08:46,730 And the protected one is he whom Allah protects." 122 00:08:46,730 --> 00:08:48,820 Narrated by al-Bukhari. 123 00:08:48,820 --> 00:08:55,750 "Inner circle" (*bitanah*): meaning a group of assistants, close confidants, and allies. 124 00:08:55,750 --> 00:08:59,009 "Urges him": meaning prompts and compels him. 125 00:08:59,009 --> 00:09:02,779 Among the benefits of the hadith: 126 00:09:02,779 --> 00:09:05,259 All matters are in the hands of Allah; 127 00:09:05,259 --> 00:09:07,259 He gives sovereignty to whom He wills, 128 00:09:07,259 --> 00:09:10,259 takes away sovereignty from whom He wills, 129 00:09:10,259 --> 00:09:12,259 guides whom He wills, 130 00:09:12,259 --> 00:09:14,259 and leaves to stray whom He wills. 131 00:09:14,259 --> 00:09:18,830 A person is either a caller to Allah— 132 00:09:18,830 --> 00:09:21,830 commanding good and urging people toward it, 133 00:09:21,830 --> 00:09:24,830 and forbidding evil and warning against it— 134 00:09:24,830 --> 00:09:27,830 or someone invited toward Satan and his party. 135 00:09:27,830 --> 00:09:30,309 As for a ruler's close companions, 136 00:09:30,309 --> 00:09:32,309 some are people of righteousness and goodness 137 00:09:32,309 --> 00:09:35,309 who command obedience to Allah and His Messenger, 138 00:09:35,309 --> 00:09:37,309 forbid evil, 139 00:09:37,309 --> 00:09:40,309 and remind him of the meeting with Allah; 140 00:09:40,309 --> 00:09:43,309 while others are people of corruption and evil, 141 00:09:43,309 --> 00:09:45,309 who do the exact opposite. 142 00:09:45,309 --> 00:09:47,820 It is the duty of the ruler 143 00:09:47,820 --> 00:09:49,820 to select a group from his subjects 144 00:09:49,820 --> 00:09:51,820 known for piety, knowledge, 145 00:09:51,820 --> 00:09:53,820 trustworthiness, and sincere counsel, 146 00:09:53,820 --> 00:09:55,820 keeping them close to himself 147 00:09:55,820 --> 00:09:57,820 and consulting them in his affairs; 148 00:09:57,820 --> 00:10:01,820 and to distance himself from those known for evil and corruption, 149 00:10:01,820 --> 00:10:04,820 remaining fully on guard against them. 150 00:10:04,820 --> 00:10:07,429 Whoever seeks illumination from Allah's light 151 00:10:07,429 --> 00:10:09,429 and implements Allah's law, 152 00:10:09,429 --> 00:10:11,429 Allah grants him success through His grace, 153 00:10:11,429 --> 00:10:14,429 protects him from the evil of his own soul, 154 00:10:14,429 --> 00:10:18,429 and removes from him the plots of Satan and his allies. 155 00:10:18,429 --> 00:10:23,549 On the authority of 'A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), who said: 156 00:10:23,549 --> 00:10:27,549 The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 157 00:10:27,549 --> 00:10:30,580 "When Allah intends good for a ruler, 158 00:10:30,580 --> 00:10:33,580 He grants him a truthful advisor: 159 00:10:33,580 --> 00:10:35,580 if he forgets, the advisor reminds him, 160 00:10:35,580 --> 00:10:37,580 and if he remembers, the advisor assists him. 161 00:10:37,580 --> 00:10:40,710 But when Allah intends otherwise for him, 162 00:10:40,710 --> 00:10:43,710 He assigns him a bad advisor: 163 00:10:43,710 --> 00:10:45,710 if he forgets, the advisor does not remind him, 164 00:10:45,710 --> 00:10:47,710 and if he remembers, the advisor does not assist him." 165 00:10:47,710 --> 00:10:50,940 Narrated by Abu Dawud. 166 00:10:50,940 --> 00:10:55,539 "Advisor" (*wazir*): refers to the supportive companion 167 00:10:55,539 --> 00:10:59,539 whose counsel and management the ruler relies upon, 168 00:10:59,539 --> 00:11:02,990 and who carries part of his heavy burdens. 169 00:11:02,990 --> 00:11:05,990 "Truthful": meaning a sincere and trustworthy advisor. 170 00:11:05,990 --> 00:11:08,120 "If he forgets": 171 00:11:08,120 --> 00:11:11,120 Meaning, if he neglects any of the duties that must be performed 172 00:11:11,120 --> 00:11:14,340 to secure the welfare of the Ummah. 173 00:11:14,340 --> 00:11:16,340 "Intends otherwise for him": 174 00:11:16,340 --> 00:11:18,340 Meaning, He intends evil for him, 175 00:11:18,340 --> 00:11:20,340 though it is not explicitly mentioned 176 00:11:20,340 --> 00:11:23,340 so as to strongly encourage the avoidance of evil. 177 00:11:23,340 --> 00:11:27,659 Among the benefits of the hadith: 178 00:11:27,659 --> 00:11:30,659 The presence of a righteous group around the ruler, 179 00:11:30,659 --> 00:11:33,659 guiding him to good and assisting him in it, 180 00:11:33,659 --> 00:11:36,659 is evidence of Allah Almighty's grant of success to him 181 00:11:36,659 --> 00:11:38,659 and His pleasure with him; 182 00:11:38,659 --> 00:11:41,659 and in that there is aid toward establishing justice. 183 00:11:41,659 --> 00:11:45,200 A warning to rulers against evil inner circles, 184 00:11:45,200 --> 00:11:49,200 for they are a cause of corruption and tyranny. 185 00:11:49,200 --> 00:11:52,710 The prescribed nature of taking a truthful advisor. 186 00:11:52,710 --> 00:11:59,460 Chapter: Prohibition of appointing to leadership, judgeship, 187 00:11:59,460 --> 00:12:01,460 and other positions of authority 188 00:12:01,460 --> 00:12:04,460 anyone who asks for it or covets it, 189 00:12:04,460 --> 00:12:06,460 even by subtle allusion. 190 00:12:06,460 --> 00:12:11,289 On the authority of Abu Musa al-Ash'ari (may Allah be pleased with him), 191 00:12:11,289 --> 00:12:12,289 who said: 192 00:12:12,289 --> 00:12:15,289 I entered upon the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 193 00:12:15,289 --> 00:12:18,289 together with two men from my cousins. 194 00:12:18,289 --> 00:12:20,289 One of them said, 195 00:12:20,289 --> 00:12:22,289 "O Messenger of Allah, 196 00:12:22,289 --> 00:12:27,289 appoint us as governors over some of what Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, has entrusted to you." 197 00:12:27,289 --> 00:12:30,289 The other man said something similar. 198 00:12:30,289 --> 00:12:31,289 Thereupon he said: 199 00:12:31,289 --> 00:12:36,289 "By Allah, we do not appoint to this position anyone who asks for it, 200 00:12:36,289 --> 00:12:38,289 "or anyone who eagerly seeks it." 201 00:12:38,289 --> 00:12:40,419 It is agreed upon (by al-Bukhari and Muslim). 202 00:12:40,419 --> 00:12:43,629 "From my cousins," 203 00:12:43,629 --> 00:12:45,629 meaning from the Ash'arites. 204 00:12:45,629 --> 00:12:47,730 "Appoint us," 205 00:12:47,730 --> 00:12:49,730 meaning make us leaders or governors 206 00:12:49,730 --> 00:12:51,919 over "this matter," 207 00:12:51,919 --> 00:12:53,919 meaning the leadership of the Muslims. 208 00:12:53,919 --> 00:12:56,049 "Eagerly seeks it," 209 00:12:56,049 --> 00:12:57,049 meaning covets it, 210 00:12:57,049 --> 00:12:59,049 shows an intense desire for it, 211 00:12:59,049 --> 00:13:03,049 and demonstrates that either implicitly or explicitly. 212 00:13:03,049 --> 00:13:06,720 Among the benefits derived from the hadith: 213 00:13:06,720 --> 00:13:08,879 It is not permissible for the caliph 214 00:13:09,879 --> 00:13:13,879 to appoint anyone to a post who asks for it or eagerly seeks it, 215 00:13:13,879 --> 00:13:16,879 because that usually indicates he wants it 216 00:13:16,879 --> 00:13:19,879 for his own benefit or the benefit of his clan, 217 00:13:19,879 --> 00:13:23,460 rather than for the welfare of the Ummah. 218 00:13:23,460 --> 00:13:25,460 The caliph ought 219 00:13:25,460 --> 00:13:27,460 to choose competent and God-fearing individuals 220 00:13:27,460 --> 00:13:30,460 to appoint over public offices, 221 00:13:30,460 --> 00:13:33,460 so that they may aid him in upholding justice, 222 00:13:33,460 --> 00:13:36,460 implementing the law of Allah within the Ummah, 223 00:13:36,460 --> 00:13:39,460 and spreading peace and security among the people.