Khaula al-Ansariya reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Men will unjustly acquire for themselves property which belongs to God, and on the day of resurrection they will go to hell." Bukhari transmitted it.
The Offices of Commander and Qadi
Mishkat al-Masabih 3746 - Commentary by Mishkat al-Masabih
Textual Analysis
This profound hadith narrated by Khaula al-Ansariya addresses the grave sin of misappropriating public property and wealth that rightfully belongs to the Muslim community. The term "property which belongs to God" refers to bayt al-mal (public treasury), waqf endowments, and all communal resources entrusted to rulers and officials.
Scholarly Interpretation
Classical scholars explain that this warning applies particularly to those in positions of authority - commanders, judges, and administrators - who misuse their power to seize public funds. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments that "unjustly acquire" indicates any taking without legitimate right, whether through embezzlement, bribery, or misappropriation of state resources.
Al-Nawawi emphasizes that the severity of the punishment mentioned - direct entry into hell without reckoning - demonstrates the enormity of this crime in Islamic law. This is because such acts constitute betrayal of public trust and oppression against the entire community.
Legal Implications
The hadith establishes the principle that public officials are merely custodians, not owners, of community wealth. Any unauthorized use or personal benefit derived from public funds constitutes ghulul (misappropriation) and requires full restitution in addition to divine punishment.
Scholars derive from this that transparency in public finance and strict accountability for those handling communal resources are fundamental Islamic requirements for governance.