The Book of al-Bay'ah - Sunan an-Nasa'i 4192

"I heard my grandmother say: 'I heard the Messenger of Allah say, during the Farewell Pilgrimage: If an Ethiopian slave is appointed over you who rules according to the Book of Allah, then listen to him and obey."'

Commentary on the Hadith

This noble hadith establishes a fundamental principle of Islamic governance: obedience to legitimate authority is obligatory when the ruler governs according to Allah's Book. The Prophet's specification of "an Ethiopian slave" demonstrates that leadership in Islam is not based on ethnicity, social status, or lineage, but on adherence to divine law.

The mention of the Farewell Pilgrimage context emphasizes the lasting nature of this instruction, delivered during the Prophet's final comprehensive guidance to the Muslim community. The condition "who rules according to the Book of Allah" makes obedience contingent upon the ruler's implementation of Islamic law.

Scholars explain that this hadith establishes the obligation of listening and obeying Muslim rulers in matters that do not involve disobedience to Allah. Even if the ruler is from the lowest social class or different ethnicity, his authority must be respected as long as he upholds the Quran and Sunnah.

Legal Implications

This teaching prevents rebellion and civil strife, promoting stability in Muslim societies. It establishes that the legitimacy of rule is measured by commitment to Islamic law rather than worldly attributes. The hadith also serves as a powerful condemnation of racism and tribalism in political affairs.

Classical commentators note that this principle applies even if the ruler has personal shortcomings, as long as he maintains the framework of Islamic governance. The obligation to obey remains valid unless the ruler commands clear disobedience to Allah.