Ibn 'Umar reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, "All of you are shepherds and each of you is responsible for his flock. A man is the shepherd of the people of his house and he is responsible. A woman is the shepherd of the house of her husband and she is responsible. Each of you is a shepherd and each is responsible for his flock."
The Principle of Universal Responsibility
This noble hadith from Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 212 establishes the foundational Islamic concept that every individual bears responsibility according to their position and capacity. The Prophet (ﷺ) used the metaphor of a shepherd to illustrate how leadership and accountability permeate all levels of society.
Exegesis of the Shepherd Metaphor
The Arabic term "ra'in" (shepherd) denotes one who protects, guides, and provides for those under their care. Just as a shepherd ensures the welfare of his flock, every Muslim must safeguard those entrusted to them.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains that this responsibility encompasses both religious and worldly matters, requiring one to guide others toward righteousness and protect them from harm.
Hierarchy of Responsibilities
The hadith delineates three primary spheres of responsibility: the ruler over subjects, the husband over his household, and the wife over her husband's home. Each represents a sacred trust (amanah) for which they will be accountable before Allah.
Al-Nawawi comments that this hierarchy demonstrates Islam's comprehensive social system where no one is exempt from responsibility, regardless of their station in life.
Practical Implications
This teaching requires Muslims to be conscious of their duties in all relationships - as parents, children, employers, employees, and community members. Negligence in these responsibilities constitutes a spiritual failure.
The scholars emphasize that fulfillment of these duties is among the greatest acts of worship, as it exemplifies the implementation of Islamic teachings in daily life.