The Book of al-Bay'ah - Sunan an-Nasa'i 4207

"The Messenger of Allah came out to us, and there were nine of us. He said; 'After me there will be rulers, whoever believes in their lies and helps them in their wrongdoing is not of me, and I am not of him, and he will not come to me at the Cistern. Whoever does not believe their lies and does not help them in their wrongdoing, he is of me, and I am of him, and he will come to me at the Cistern."'

Context and Occasion

This profound hadith was delivered by the Prophet ﷺ to a small gathering of nine companions, indicating the gravity and confidentiality of this warning about future leadership. The limited audience suggests this was strategic counsel for the inner circle who would bear responsibility for preserving Islamic principles after his passing.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam an-Nawawi explains that this hadith establishes the fundamental principle of dealing with Muslim rulers: obedience is required in what is good and lawful, but cooperation in sin and falsehood is strictly forbidden. The scholars differentiate between administrative obedience and moral complicity.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani clarifies that "believing their lies" refers to accepting and endorsing their false claims and corrupt policies, while "helping them in their wrongdoing" means actively participating in or facilitating their unjust actions.

The Cistern (al-Hawd)

The Cistern mentioned is the magnificent reservoir in Paradise from which the Prophet ﷺ will give drink to his faithful followers on Judgment Day. Being denied access to it represents ultimate spiritual deprivation and separation from the Prophet's intercession.

Practical Application

Scholars like Ibn Taymiyyah derive from this that Muslims must maintain truthfulness and justice even when dealing with unjust rulers. One may fulfill general administrative duties but must refuse participation in specific injustices. The believer's conscience remains the ultimate guardian against moral compromise.

This hadith does not permit rebellion against rulers but establishes clear boundaries for moral cooperation, preserving individual accountability while maintaining social order.