and then bars himself from their needs, their requests, and their poverty, Allah will bar Himself from his need, his request, and his poverty on the Day of Resurrection.’
When Muʿāwiyah (may Allah be pleased with him) heard this ḥadīth he appointed a man to attend to the people’s needs. Reported by Abū Dāwūd and al-Tirmidhī.
[Explanation]
These ḥadiths clarify the rights that rulers (shepherds) owe to those under their care. Among them is the Prophet’s ﷺ saying, ‘The worst shepherds are the ruthless ones (al-ḥuṭama).’ The word ‘shepherds’ is the plural of ‘shepherd,’ while al-ḥuṭama refers to one who crushes people, burdens them, and harms them—such a person is the worst of shepherds. If that is the worst type, then the best shepherd is the gentle and easy-going one who achieves his aims without harshness.
Two lessons are drawn from this ḥadīth:
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It is impermissible for anyone whom Allah has placed in charge of any affair of the Muslims to treat them harshly; he must be kind to them.
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Kindness toward those under one’s authority is obligatory, especially in fulfilling their needs and other matters, while still exercising firmness, strength, and energy. In other words, he should be gentle without being weak—gentle yet firm, strong, and energetic.
The second ḥadīth warns against a person to whom Allah has entrusted an affair of the Muslims appointing a gatekeeper who prevents the people from reaching him in their hardship and poverty.