Third: “So never put yourself in command over even two people.” In other words, do not make yourself the leader of two individuals—let alone of a larger group. The Prophet ﷺ forbade him from taking charge because he was weak, whereas leadership demands a person who is both strong and trustworthy. Strength here means he possesses real authority, speaks decisively, and, when he gives an order, carries it out. If he appears weak before the people, they will cease to respect him; every worthless troublemaker will embolden himself against him and the leader will count for nothing. But when a man is strong and sharp for the sake of Allah—never overstepping the limits set by Allah and never falling short in exercising the authority Allah has granted him—he is, in truth, a leader.

Fourth: “Do not take charge of an orphan’s property.” An orphan is a child whose father has died before the child reaches maturity. The Messenger ﷺ forbade Abū Dharr from overseeing an orphan’s wealth because that wealth requires diligent care and vigilant protection. Allah says, “Indeed, those who consume the property of orphans unjustly are only swallowing fire into their bellies, and they will be burned in a Blaze” (Q 4:10). Abū Dharr was weak and unable to safeguard such wealth properly; therefore the Prophet ﷺ told him, “Do not take charge of an orphan’s property,” meaning: do not be his guardian—leave that responsibility to someone else.

From this we learn that leadership requires two essential traits: strength and trustworthiness, for the Messenger ﷺ said, “It is a trust.”