‘Abdallah b. ‘Umar reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock. The imam who is over the people is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock; a man is a shepherd in charge of the inhabitants of his household and he is responsible for his flock; a woman is a shepherdess in charge of her husband’s house and children and she is responsible for them; and a man’s slave is a shepherd in charge of his master’s property and he is responsible for it. So each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
The Offices of Commander and Qadi
Mishkat al-Masabih 3685 - Commentary by Mishkat al-Masabih
Exposition of the Hadith
This noble hadith establishes the universal principle of responsibility (mas'uliyyah) that encompasses all members of the Muslim community. The Prophet ﷺ employs the metaphor of shepherding to illustrate that every individual bears trust and accountability according to their station.
The Imam's responsibility extends to the entire community's welfare - ensuring justice, implementing divine law, and protecting the rights of all subjects. His shepherding requires wisdom, justice, and adherence to the Shariah in governance.
The householder's responsibility encompasses religious instruction, moral upbringing, and provision for his family. He must lead them in righteousness and protect them from deviation, fulfilling both worldly and religious obligations.
The woman's responsibility in her husband's household represents a sacred trust. Her role in nurturing children, maintaining domestic harmony, and preserving religious values constitutes a form of worship when performed with sincerity.
Even the servant's responsibility over his master's property demonstrates that no position is too humble to be exempt from accountability. Faithful custodianship of entrusted property reflects true faith.
Scholarly Insights
This comprehensive teaching establishes that Islamic leadership is not confined to political authority but permeates all social relationships. Each responsibility is a divine amanah (trust) for which one will be questioned on the Day of Judgment.
The repetition of "each of you is a shepherd" emphasizes the universality of this principle. No Muslim is exempt from accountability in their respective spheres of influence.
Proper fulfillment of these responsibilities ensures social harmony, preserves rights, and strengthens the fabric of the Muslim community, ultimately leading to divine pleasure and reward.