as previously clarified.

He continues: “and even if they display ʾatharah (self-serving favoritism) toward us.” The term ʾatharah means that the rulers reserve wealth or other benefits exclusively for themselves, pampering their own lives while depriving the subjects whom Allah has placed under their care. Even in such a case we are still required to listen and obey. We must not say, “You have consumed the public funds, ruined them, and squandered them; therefore we will not obey you.” Rather, we say, “We hear and we obey for the sake of Allah, Lord of all worlds,” even though you may favor yourselves over us. Even if we live only in huts and sleep on threadbare mats while you inhabit palaces and enjoy the finest furnishings, it does not concern us, for all of this is but the temporary enjoyment of this world. Either you will soon leave it or it will be taken from you—one way or another. As for us, our obligation is to listen and obey, even if some rulers treat us unjustly.

The Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—said in another hadith: “Listen and obey, even if he strikes your back and seizes your wealth.” Be certain that on the Day of Resurrection you will take recompense from his good deeds; if any of his good deeds remain, fine, and if not, some of the sins of those he wronged will be laid upon him, after which he will be cast into the Fire—may Allah protect us. The affair is precisely regulated; nothing escapes Allah.

He then said: “and that we do not contest authority with its rightful holders,” meaning that we must not challenge the rulers in what Allah has entrusted to them in order to wrest power from them, for such contention brings about great harm and widespread turmoil.