twenty dirhams.

The scholar said, “I also witnessed the case of a caliph whose sons divided his estate, each receiving six hundred thousand dinars. Yet I later saw some of them begging from people”—that is, asking them for charity with outstretched hands. Accounts and events of this kind, witnessed in our own time or reported from earlier times, offer a lesson to everyone endowed with understanding.

The Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, establishes in several places that authority is a trust whose duties must be fulfilled. These include what has already been mentioned, as well as his words to Abū Dharr, may Allah be pleased with him, concerning leadership:

“It is a trust, and on the Day of Resurrection it will be a source of disgrace and regret, except for one who assumes it rightfully and fulfills its duties.”

Narrated by Muslim.

Al-Bukhārī narrated in his Sahīh from Abū Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“When the trust is neglected, await the Hour.”

He was asked, “Messenger of Allah, how is it neglected?”

He replied, “When authority is entrusted to those unfit for it, await the Hour.”

The Muslims unanimously agree on the substance of this: an orphan’s guardian, the administrator of an endowment, and a man’s agent in managing his wealth must act in the interests of those they represent, giving priority to the most beneficial course available. As Allah Most High says:

“And do not approach the orphan’s property except in a way that is best.”

He did not say, “except in a way that is good.” This is because a ruler is a shepherd over the people, just like a shepherd tending sheep. As the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock;