The Offices of Commander and Qadi

Mishkat al-Masabih 3689 - Commentary by Mishkat al-Masabih

Hadith Text

'A'isha reported God's Messenger as saying, "O God, cause distress to him who has any charge over my people and causes them distress, and be gentle to him who has any charge over my people and is gentle to them." Muslim transmitted it.

Commentary

This profound supplication reveals the sacred responsibility of leadership in Islam. The Prophet (peace be upon him) establishes that authority is a divine trust (amanah) requiring utmost care for those under one's charge.

Scholars explain that "any charge" encompasses all forms of leadership - political, judicial, administrative, or communal. The prayer's dual nature serves as both warning and encouragement: rulers who oppress their subjects invite divine retribution, while those who show compassion merit divine grace.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes this hadith establishes the principle of reciprocal treatment in governance - as the ruler treats the people, so shall Allah treat the ruler. This spiritual accountability transcends worldly checks and balances.

Al-Nawawi emphasizes that gentleness here includes justice, fairness, and attending to people's needs - not merely superficial kindness. The distress mentioned refers to oppression, injustice, neglect of rights, or burdening people beyond their capacity.

Legal and Ethical Implications

This teaching forms the foundation of Islamic political philosophy: leadership exists for service, not domination. The ruler is the servant of the people, accountable first to Allah.

Jurists derive from this that oppressive rulers may be removed if they persistently harm the community, though methods vary according to circumstances and scholarly opinions.

The hadith also guides subordinate officials - judges, administrators, and even household heads - reminding all in authority of their ultimate accountability before the Divine Court.