and other such crimes.

The verse continues: “and the good end belongs to the God-fearing.” The conclusion of every affair rests with those who fear Allah. That outcome may appear in this world, or it may be reserved for the Hereafter; in all cases, it is the God-fearing who ultimately prevail—whether in this life, in the next, or in both.

The author—may Allah have mercy on him—then cites the hadith of ʿAbd al-Rahman ibn Samurah. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said to him, “O ʿAbd al-Rahman ibn Samurah…” He addressed him by his own name and his father’s name so that he would pay close attention, for the matter was anything but trivial. “Do not ask for leadership,” meaning: do not seek to be appointed as an amir. “If you are given it because you asked for it, you will be left to it on your own; but if you are granted it without having asked, you will be aided in it.” The One who aids is Allah. Thus, should you obtain office through your own request, Allah will consign you to it and withdraw His support—Allah’s protection is sought—and you will fail and achieve no success. Yet if leadership is offered to you without your having sought it—because the people themselves choose and invite you—then Allah the Exalted will assist you in it; so accept it and assume the post.

This principle resembles the ruling on wealth. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to ʿUmar, “Whatever of this wealth comes to you while you are neither expecting it nor asking for it, take it; but do not let your soul run after what does not come.”