offering sincere counsel to those in authority, and adhering to the Muslim community, for their call encompasses all those beyond them.”1.

There can be no doubt that sincerely counseling those entrusted with authority over the Muslims includes praying that they be granted success, sound judgment, righteousness, and well-being. They are more deserving than anyone of such prayers, because their righteousness means righteousness for the Muslim nation, while their sound judgment benefits both themselves and the Muslims. Praying for them is therefore among the most important and beneficial of supplications. Hence, Imam al-Fudayl ibn Iyād, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “If I had one supplication certain to be answered, I would devote it solely to the ruler, for when the ruler is righteous, the land and its people enjoy security.”2.

This reflects the fullness of his insight and the soundness of his understanding. Abd Allāh ibn al-Mubārak, may Allah have mercy on him, therefore remarked on these words: “O teacher of goodness! Who besides you would dare such a thing?”

He meant that al-Fudayl did not wish to reserve for himself the supplication certain to be answered, had he possessed one. Rather, he wished to devote it to the person whose righteousness would benefit everyone—namely, the ruler.

A statement similar to the foregoing words of al-Fudayl has also been transmitted from Imam Ahmad, may Allah have mercy on him. Abū Bakr al-Marwazī said: “I heard Abū Abd Allāh—meaning Ahmad ibn Hanbal—mention al-Mutawakkil, may Allah have mercy on him, and say: ‘I do indeed pray that he be granted righteousness and well-being.’”3.