Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Surely! Everyone of you is a guardian and is responsible for his charges: The Imam (ruler) of the people is a guardian and is responsible for his subjects; a man is the guardian of his family (household) and is responsible for his subjects; a woman is the guardian of her husband's home and of his children and is responsible for them; and the slave of a man is a guardian of his master's property and is responsible for it. Surely, everyone of you is a guardian and responsible for his charges."
Hadith on Guardianship and Responsibility
Sahih al-Bukhari 7138 - Book of Judgments (Ahkaam)
Textual Analysis
This profound hadith establishes the Islamic principle of universal responsibility (mas'uliyyah) where every individual bears accountability according to their capacity and position. The Prophet ﷺ uses the term "ra'in" (guardian/shepherd) to emphasize the caretaking nature of all leadership roles.
The repetition of "kullukum ra'in wa kullukum mas'ulun 'an ra'iyyatihi" (every one of you is a guardian and is responsible for his charges) serves as rhetorical emphasis, underscoring the inescapability of this responsibility for every Muslim regardless of station.
Hierarchy of Responsibility
Ruler (Imam): Responsible for the welfare, justice, and guidance of the entire community. Classical scholars like Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explain this includes maintaining Shariah, protecting borders, and ensuring public welfare.
Man/Husband: Guardian over his household, responsible for their religious education, physical provision, and moral upbringing. Scholars emphasize this includes teaching family members their religious obligations.
Woman/Wife: Guardian of the domestic sphere and children. Imam An-Nawawi clarifies this responsibility includes managing household affairs, preserving husband's property, and nurturing children's initial education.
Employee/Servant: Responsible for the property entrusted to them. Classical commentators stress the importance of honesty, diligence, and proper care in all entrusted matters.
Legal and Ethical Implications
This hadith forms the foundation of Islamic social governance where authority is coupled with accountability before Allah. Scholars derive that negligence in these responsibilities constitutes sin, while fulfillment earns divine reward.
The comprehensive nature of this responsibility system ensures social stability, as noted by Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali, where each member of society understands their duties and will be questioned accordingly on the Day of Judgment.