The Offices of Commander and Qadi - Mishkat al-Masabih 3723

This noble hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) contains profound wisdom regarding governance, leadership, and interpersonal conduct. The Messenger of Allah instructs us to adopt ease over difficulty and tranquility over fear—principles essential for those in authority.

Exegesis of "Make things easy and do not make them difficult"

This first portion establishes the fundamental principle of facilitation (taysīr) in Islamic law and governance. Scholars explain that this applies to judges in their verdicts, commanders in their decisions, and teachers in their instruction.

Imam al-Nawawi comments that this hadith establishes the removal of hardship (rafʿ al-ḥaraj) as a primary objective of Islamic law. When multiple valid interpretations exist, the ruler should choose the most facilitative approach that serves public interest.

Ibn Ḥajar al-ʿAsqalānī explains that this applies particularly to situations where flexibility is possible without compromising religious principles. The wise leader distinguishes between essential requirements and peripheral matters.

Explication of "Make people calm and do not scare them"

This second injunction addresses the psychological dimension of leadership. The Prophet teaches that effective governance requires creating an atmosphere of security and reassurance rather than intimidation.

Al-Qurṭubī states that this applies to all forms of communication—whether delivering religious sermons, issuing legal judgments, or commanding armies. The leader should be a source of comfort, not anxiety.

Ibn al-ʿArabī emphasizes that this principle prevents rulers from using fear as a tool of control. True authority derives from inspiring confidence and trust, not through terrorizing subjects.

Practical Applications in Governance

Scholars derive from this hadith that officials should simplify bureaucratic procedures, avoid unnecessary complications in legal matters, and present information in clear, accessible ways.

The hadith establishes that the default position in Islamic governance is facilitation, while strictness is reserved for specific circumstances where religious boundaries might be transgressed.

This prophetic guidance remains profoundly relevant for contemporary leaders, administrators, and judges in fulfilling their duties with wisdom and compassion.