Anas reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Listen and obey, even if an Abyssinian slave with a head like a raisin* is made governor over you.” Bukhari transmitted it.* This is said to refer to the head being small, or to the hair being crisp and curly, or short.
The Offices of Commander and Qadi - Mishkat al-Masabih 3663
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari, transmitted by the companion Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him), contains profound wisdom regarding Islamic governance and the obligation of obedience to legitimate authority.
Context and Meaning
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of maintaining social order and unity within the Muslim community. The mention of "an Abyssinian slave" serves to highlight that the legitimacy of leadership does not depend on ethnicity, social status, or physical appearance.
The descriptor "head like a raisin" - as explained by classical scholars - refers to either having a small head or tightly curled, short hair, characteristics common among Abyssinians. This physical description further emphasizes that outward appearance should not diminish one's obligation to obey a properly appointed leader.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) explains in his commentary on Sahih Muslim that this hadith establishes the obligation to obey those in authority, provided they do not command disobedience to Allah. The wisdom behind this ruling is to prevent chaos (fitnah) and maintain the stability of the Muslim community.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Fath al-Bari clarifies that the condition "even if" (wa in) indicates that obedience is required regardless of the leader's background, reinforcing Islam's stance against racism and tribalism.
Legal Rulings and Exceptions
The scholars of Islam have unanimously agreed that obedience to rulers is obligatory in matters that are permissible (mubah) and in organizing affairs of public welfare. However, this obedience is conditional upon the ruler not commanding what constitutes disobedience to Allah Almighty.
As stated in another authentic hadith: "There is no obedience to any created being in disobedience to the Creator." Thus, if a ruler commands something sinful, Muslims must refuse that specific command while maintaining general obedience in lawful matters.
Contemporary Relevance
This teaching remains profoundly relevant today, reminding Muslims to judge leaders by their piety, justice, and competence rather than superficial qualities. It establishes the Islamic principle that leadership positions should be filled by the most qualified individuals, regardless of their ethnic or social background.
The hadith also serves as a timeless reminder against racism and discrimination, emphasizing the Islamic value that all human beings are equal before Allah, distinguished only by their piety (taqwa).