the other; thus, they combine the roles of authority and agency. If a guardian or agent appoints someone to act on his behalf, passing over another who is better suited to handling trade or property, and sells goods at a price when he can find someone willing to pay more, he has betrayed his principal—especially if he is bound by friendship or kinship to the person he has favoured. His principal will resent and blame him, considering that he has betrayed him and shown undue favour to his relative or friend.

Section

Once this is understood, he is required only to appoint the most suitable person available. There may be no one available who is ideally suited to that office, so he must choose the best available candidate for each position according to its particular requirements. If he does so after exercising his utmost judgment and undertaking the office with due regard for its obligations, he has discharged the trust and fulfilled his duty in this matter. In this respect, he becomes one of the just and equitable leaders in Allah’s sight, even if some matters go awry because of someone else, provided that no better course was possible. For Allah says:

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

And He says:

“Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.”

Concerning striving in Allah’s cause, He says:

“So fight in the cause of Allah; you are responsible only for yourself. And encourage the believers.”

And He says:

“O you who believe, take care of yourselves. Those who go astray will not harm you if you are rightly guided.”

Whoever fulfils the duty within his ability has thus followed right guidance. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“If I command you to do something, then do