Hadith Text

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Everyone of you is a guardian and everyone of you is responsible (for his wards). A ruler is a guardian and is responsible(for his subjects); a man is a guardian of his family and responsible (for them); a wife is a guardian of her husband's house and she is responsible (for it), a slave is a guardian of his master's property and is responsible (for that). Beware! All of you are guardians and are responsible (for your wards)."

Source Reference

Book: Wedlock, Marriage (Nikaah)

Author: Sahih al-Bukhari

Hadith: Sahih al-Bukhari 5188

Scholarly Commentary

This profound hadith establishes the Islamic principle of responsibility (mas'uliyyah) that permeates all aspects of human relationships. The Prophet (ﷺ) begins with the comprehensive statement that every individual bears guardianship and accountability, then proceeds to enumerate specific examples to illustrate this universal principle.

The ruler's guardianship extends to the welfare, justice, and protection of his subjects. The man's guardianship over his family encompasses providing religious guidance, material sustenance, moral education, and physical protection. The wife's guardianship of her husband's house involves preserving his property, maintaining domestic order, and safeguarding family honor and privacy.

The inclusion of the slave's responsibility, though historically contextual, demonstrates that even those in subordinate positions bear accountability for their trusts. The final emphatic repetition serves as a powerful reminder that no one is exempt from this divine trust.

This teaching establishes that Islamic society functions through a network of mutual responsibilities where each individual's proper fulfillment of their duties ensures collective harmony and divine pleasure. The guardianship mentioned is not absolute ownership but a trust (amanah) from Allah for which one will be questioned on the Day of Judgment.