an individual obligation upon anyone capable of fulfilling it when no one else undertakes it. Ability lies in power and authority: those who possess authority are more capable than others, and their obligations are correspondingly greater. The basis of obligation is ability, so each person is obligated according to their ability. Allah Most High says:

“So fear Allah as much as you are able.”

The sole purpose of all Islamic offices of authority is to enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. This applies equally to higher military offices, such as serving as the sultan’s deputy; lower military offices, such as command of the police; judicial office; financial administration, namely oversight of the financial bureaus; and the office of public oversight.

Some officeholders, however, occupy the position of a trusted witness, whose duty is truthfulness. Examples include witnesses before a judge; the official responsible for a financial bureau, whose duty is to record revenue collected and expenditure; and the group representative and headman, whose duty is to inform the person in authority about prevailing conditions. Others occupy the position of a trustee whose commands are obeyed, and whose duty is justice, such as the commander, the judge, and the official responsible for public oversight.

Truthfulness in all reports and justice in what is enacted through words and deeds set all affairs right. These two go hand in hand, as Allah Most High says:

“And the word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and in justice.”

When mentioning unjust rulers, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Whoever accepts their lies as true and assists them in