the ruler who governs the people is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock; a woman is a shepherd in her husband’s home and is responsible for her flock; a son is a shepherd over his father’s wealth and is responsible for his flock; and a slave is a shepherd over his master’s wealth and is responsible for his flock. Indeed, each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.”

Al-Bukhārī and Muslim narrated it in their Sahīhs. He, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, also said:

“There is no shepherd whom Allah entrusts with a flock who dies while betraying them but that Allah forbids him the fragrance of Paradise.”

Narrated by Muslim.

Abū Muslim al-Khawlānī entered the presence of Muʿāwiyah ibn Abī Sufyān and said, “Peace be upon you, hired worker!”

Those present said, “Say, ‘Peace be upon you, commander!’”

He said, “Peace be upon you, hired worker!”

They said, “Say, ‘Peace be upon you, commander!’”

He said, “Peace be upon you, hired worker!”

They said, “Say, ‘Peace be upon you, commander!’”

He said, “Peace be upon you, hired worker!”

Muʿāwiyah said, “Leave Abū Muslim alone, for he knows best what he is saying.”

Abū Muslim then said, “You are only a hired worker whom the owner of these sheep has hired to tend them. If you apply tar to those afflicted with mange, treat the sick, and hold back those at the front until those at the rear catch up, their master will pay you your wages in full. But if you do not apply tar to those afflicted with mange, do not treat the sick, and do not hold back those at the front until those at the rear catch up, their master will punish you.”

This is clear upon reflection: people are Allah’s servants, rulers are Allah’s deputies over His servants, and they are the servants’ agents acting on their behalf, in the position of one of two partners in relation to