Abu Huraira reported God’s Messenger as saying, “You will find among the best people those who have the strongest dislike of this command till they fall into it.”*(Bukhari and Muslim.)*This is explained as meaning either they cease to dislike having authority and so cease to be among the best people, or they find that God helps them. Preference is given to the first explanation, but the remark is made that whichever explanation is correct, in the end these people do not object to having authority.
The Offices of Commander and Qadi - Mishkat al-Masabih 3684
A commentary on the hadith narrated by Abu Huraira: "You will find among the best people those who have the strongest dislike of this command till they fall into it."
Textual Analysis
The phrase "this command" refers to positions of authority and leadership in Islamic governance. The hadith indicates that the most righteous individuals are those who harbor the greatest aversion to assuming power.
The temporal clause "till they fall into it" signifies the eventual acceptance of authority despite initial reluctance, marking a critical transition in their spiritual state.
Scholarly Interpretations
The primary interpretation favored by classical scholars holds that when these righteous individuals cease disliking authority and willingly accept it, they cease to be among the best people spiritually.
An alternative interpretation suggests these individuals receive divine assistance (tawfiq) when they assume authority, enabling them to govern justly despite their initial reluctance.
The consensus position notes that regardless of interpretation, the practical outcome remains the same: these individuals ultimately do not refuse authority when it is entrusted to them.
Spiritual Implications
This teaching emphasizes the spiritual danger of seeking or desiring leadership positions. The most virtuous approach is to view authority as a burden rather than an honor.
The transformation from dislike to acceptance indicates a change in spiritual state that requires self-examination and increased vigilance against the corrupting influence of power.
Practical Application
Muslims qualified for leadership should approach it with humility and caution, recognizing it as an amanah (trust) requiring accountability before Allah.
The ideal leader maintains consciousness of their initial reluctance even after assuming office, using this awareness as protection against arrogance and abuse of power.