and their other needs; and whoever does so, Allah will hold back from him His own need, his want, and his poverty.

When Muʿāwiyah (may Allah be pleased with him) heard this ḥadīth, he appointed a man to see to the people’s needs: the man would receive them, ascertain what they required, and then convey those needs to Muʿāwiyah, who was at that time the Commander of the Believers.

The same rule applies to anyone who enjoys some measure of authority and whose help the people seek: he should not shut himself away from their requests. He may, however, arrange his affairs so that he sets aside a time for one group and a different time for another, lest matters get out of control. Allah is the One who grants success.