even if the person appointed is a slave—an Abyssinian, not an Arab; a slave of Abyssinian origin in both lineage and physical appearance, whose head resembles a raisin. The Prophet used this image because the hair of the Abyssinians is unlike that of the Arabs, forming tight coils that look like little raisins. Such wording is deliberate hyperbole to stress that the office-holder in question is, through and through, an Abyssinian slave. His statement “even if he is placed over you” therefore covers the provincial governor who serves under a higher sovereign as well as the sovereign himself.

Accordingly, were a ruler to overpower the people, seize control, and dominate—while not being an Arab at all but an Abyssinian slave—we would still be obliged to listen and obey. The reason is the same: if we refuse to hear and obey, chaos erupts, order collapses, security vanishes, and fear prevails. The essential point is that we must listen to and obey our rulers unless they command something sinful.

The hadith of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) conveys the same lesson: the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “You must listen and obey in hardship and in ease, in enthusiasm and in reluctance, and even when others are given preference over you.” Listening and obeying “in enthusiasm” refers to a command that pleases you because it matches your inclination; “in reluctance” refers to a command you find disagreeable—yet you must still listen in both situations. The same applies in hardship and in ease: if you are wealthy and they command you, obey and do not grow arrogant because of your wealth; if you are poor, obey and do not protest, saying, “Why should I listen when they are rich and I am poor?”

In every circumstance, therefore, listen and obey—even in the case of atharah (when those in authority monopolize benefits for themselves). The people remain bound to listen and obey in everything that does not involve disobedience to Allah.