This is because (1) the ruler is a shepherd over the people, like a shepherd tending sheep. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you will be held accountable for those in his care. The leader over the people is a shepherd and will be held accountable for those in his care; a woman is a shepherd in her husband’s home and will be held accountable for those in her care; a child is a shepherd over his father’s property and will be held accountable for what is in his care; and a servant is a shepherd over his master’s property and will be held accountable for what is in his care. Indeed, each of you is a shepherd, and each of you will be held accountable for those in his care” (2). Both al-Bukhārī and Muslim narrated it in their Sahīh collections (3).

He (peace and blessings be upon him) also said: “No shepherd whom Allah places in charge of a flock dies while betraying it except that Allah will forbid him even the fragrance of Paradise.” Muslim narrated it (4).

Abū Muslim al-Khawlānī came before Muāwiya ibn Abī Sufyān and said, “Peace be upon you, O hired hand.” They said, “Say: ‘Peace be upon you, O commander.’” He again said, “Peace be upon you, O hired hand.” They said, “Say: ‘Peace be upon you, O commander.’” He said once more, “Peace be upon you, O hired hand.” They said, “Say: ‘O commander’” (5). Muāwiya then said, “Leave Abū Muslim alone, for he knows better what he is saying.” Abū Muslim said, “You are merely a hired hand whom the owner of this flock has employed to tend it. If you treat its mangy animals with tar, care for its sick, and hold those at the front back for