He—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—also said: “Whoever suppresses his rage while able to give vent to it, Allah fills his heart with faith; and whoever avoids wearing a trailing garment out of fear of arrogance and vainglory, Allah the Exalted will clothe him in robes of honor.”

He likewise said: “Woe to the one who grows angry yet forgets the anger of Allah.”

A man once came to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and said, “Teach me a deed that will admit me to Paradise.” He replied, “Do not become angry.” The man asked, “And what else?” He said, “Ask Allah’s forgiveness seventy times before the afternoon prayer and He will wipe away for you the sins of seventy years.” The man objected, “I have not committed sins for seventy years.” He answered, “Do it on behalf of your mother.” The man said, “My mother has not committed sins for seventy years.” He said, “Then for your father.” The man replied, “Nor has my father.” He said, “Then for your brothers.” The man said, “Very well.”

Ibn Masʿūd narrated that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, was once distributing some wealth when a man exclaimed, “What sort of division is this?”—meaning that it was not fair. This was reported to the Messenger of Allah, who became angry and his face flushed red. He said nothing except: “May Allah have mercy on my brother Moses; he was reviled and yet he endured the harm.”

This small collection of incidents and reports is sufficient to counsel governors, provided the root of their faith is sound; such admonition should take effect. If, however, it leaves them unmoved, they have emptied their hearts of faith, and nothing remains of it but words on the tongue. Consider an official who seizes from the Muslims’ wealth each year so-and-so many thousands of dirhams, which remain an outstanding debt upon him. He will be called to account for them on the Day of Resurrection: he enjoys their benefit in this world, only to return laden with punishment and torment on the Day of Return. How can such reminders reach him? This is the height of heedlessness, the mark of scant religion and feeble conviction.

The Fifth Principle

In every matter that reaches you and is brought before you, imagine that you are merely one of the populace and that someone else is the ruler. Whatever you would not accept for yourself, do not accept for any Muslim; and if you are content for them with what you would not accept for yourself, you have betrayed your subjects and deceived those under your care.