as much of it as you can.” This was recorded in the two Sahīh collections. However, if he falls short without necessity or betrays his trust, he is punished for that.

He should know who is most suitable for each office, for authority rests on two pillars: capability and trustworthiness. As Allah Most High says:

“Indeed, the best one you can hire is the strong and trustworthy.”

The ruler of Egypt said to Joseph, peace be upon him:

“Today you are established in position and trusted among us.”

And Allah Most High says, describing Gabriel:

“Indeed, this is the word of a noble messenger, possessed of strength, secure in rank with the Lord of the Throne, obeyed there and trustworthy.”

The capability required for each office varies according to its nature. In military command, it consists of courage, experience in warfare and its stratagems—for war is deception—and proficiency in the various forms of combat: shooting, thrusting, striking, riding, charging, retreating, and the like. As Allah Most High says:

“And prepare against them whatever strength you can muster and warhorses, to terrify thereby the enemy of Allah and your enemy.”

The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Practise archery and horsemanship; I prefer that you practise archery rather than horsemanship. Whoever learns archery and then forgets it is not one of us.”

In another narration:

“It is a blessing he has denied.”

Reported by Muslim.

Capability in judging between people consists of knowing the justice taught by the Quran and the Sunnah, and having the ability to enforce judgments. Trustworthiness rests on fearing Allah and not selling His revelations for a paltry price