‘A’idh b. ‘Amr told that he heard God’s Messenger say, “The worst shepherds are those who are ungentle.” Muslim transmitted it.
The Offices of Commander and Qadi - Mishkat al-Masabih 3688
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings upon His final Messenger Muhammad.
Textual Analysis
This noble hadith, transmitted by Imam Muslim in his Sahih, contains profound wisdom regarding leadership and responsibility. The Prophet (peace be upon him) employs the metaphor of shepherding to illustrate the qualities of those entrusted with authority over others.
The term "ungentle" (al-mutanattīʿūn) refers to those who are harsh, rigid, and lacking in compassion in their dealings with those under their care. They impose excessive demands and show no flexibility or mercy.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam al-Nawawi, in his commentary on Sahih Muslim, explains that this hadith applies to all forms of leadership - whether political, judicial, familial, or educational. The "shepherds" include rulers, judges, husbands, parents, and teachers.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that gentleness (rifq) is a divine attribute mentioned in the Quran and exemplified by the Prophet's conduct. The absence of this quality makes one the "worst" of leaders because harshness drives people away from truth and creates resentment.
Al-Munawi in Fayd al-Qadir emphasizes that true leadership requires balancing firmness with compassion, justice with mercy, and principle with practicality. The ungentle leader fails in this balance, causing harm to both the flock and the faith.
Practical Implications
This teaching reminds those in authority that their position is a trust (amanah) from Allah, requiring them to emulate the Prophet's gentle guidance rather than tyrannical control.
The hadith serves as a warning against extremism in religion and governance, teaching that the best approach is one of moderation and ease, following the principle: "Make things easy and do not make them difficult, give good tidings and do not repel people." (Bukhari and Muslim)
Conclusion
We ask Allah to make us among those who are gentle in our leadership, compassionate in our judgment, and mindful that we will be accountable for every soul under our care. May Allah guide our leaders to follow the prophetic example of mercy and wisdom.