The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying: Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock. The amir (ruler) who is over the people is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock; a man is a shepherd in charge of the inhabitants of his household and he is responsible for his flock; a woman is a shepherdess in charge of her husband's house and children and she is responsible for them; and a man's slave is a shepherd in charge of his master's property and he is responsible for it. So each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock.
Tribute, Spoils, and Rulership (Kitab Al-Kharaj, Wal-Fai' Wal-Imarah)
Sunan Abi Dawud 2928
Hadith Commentary
This profound hadith establishes the universal principle of responsibility (mas'uliyyah) in Islamic governance and social structure. The Prophet ﷺ employs the metaphor of shepherding (ri'ayah) to illustrate that authority is fundamentally a trust (amanah) from Allah, not a privilege.
The ruler's responsibility encompasses justice, protection of rights, and proper administration of public affairs. His flock includes all citizens under his care, and he will be questioned about his stewardship on the Day of Judgment.
The householder's responsibility extends to religious and worldly education, provision, and moral guidance for his family. He must prevent them from that which Allah has forbidden.
The woman's responsibility in her husband's household demonstrates the honor Islam grants to domestic management and child-rearing, making these acts of worship when performed with righteous intention.
Even the servant's responsibility over his master's property shows that all work, when performed with integrity and faithfulness, becomes an act of devotion to Allah.
This comprehensive teaching establishes that Islam makes every individual accountable according to their capacity and position, creating a society where each member conscientiously fulfills their duties.