Ibn 'Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "All of you are shepherds and each of you is responsible for his flock. The amir of a people is a shepherd and he is responsible for his flock. A man is the shepherd of the people of his house and he is responsible for his flock. A man's slave is the shepherd of his master's property and he is responsible for it. Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock."
Being a master - Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 206
Ibn 'Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "All of you are shepherds and each of you is responsible for his flock. The amir of a people is a shepherd and he is responsible for his flock. A man is the shepherd of the people of his house and he is responsible for his flock. A man's slave is the shepherd of his master's property and he is responsible for it. Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock."
Commentary on the Hadith
This profound hadith establishes the universal principle of responsibility in Islam. The metaphor of the shepherd (ra'i) beautifully illustrates that every individual, regardless of their station in life, bears responsibility for those under their care.
The ruler (amir) is responsible for the welfare and guidance of his subjects, ensuring justice and proper governance. The head of household is accountable for the spiritual and physical well-being of his family members. Even the servant, though in a subordinate position, bears responsibility for the property entrusted to him.
This teaching emphasizes that leadership in Islam is not about privilege but about service and accountability. Each person will be questioned by Allah regarding their respective responsibilities on the Day of Judgment. The comprehensive nature of this responsibility covers all aspects of life - religious, social, and economic.
Scholarly Insights
Imam An-Nawawi comments that this hadith establishes the foundation of accountability in Islamic society. Every position of authority, no matter how small, carries with it the weight of responsibility before Allah.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains that the repetition of "each of you is a shepherd" emphasizes the universality of this principle. No Muslim is exempt from this divine trust of responsibility.
Contemporary scholars note that this hadith provides the ethical framework for modern leadership roles - from political leaders to corporate managers, teachers, and parents - all are shepherds accountable for their flocks.