The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) informs that if Allah Almighty puts someone in authority over people, be it public authority, like the ruler, or a private one, like a man in his house and a woman in her house, and he neglects the right of those under his authority, cheats them, and acts insincerely towards them, ruining their worldly and religious rights, then he deserves this severe punishment.
- This warning applies to the ruler and his deputies and to anyone whom Allah puts in charge of responsibility.
- Anyone who assumes some authority over Muslims should be sincere to them, make his best effort to discharge the responsibility assigned to him and beware of treachery.
- The Hadīth reveals the seriousness of the responsibility of anyone who assumes authority, public or private, and great or small.
صحيح البخاري (9/ 64) (7150). صحيح مسلم (1/ 125) (142). بهجة الناظرين شرح رياض الصالحين، لسليم الهلالي (1/ 706). فيض القدير شرح الجامع الصغير، للمناوي (5/ 488). نزهة المتقين شرح رياض الصالحين، لمجموعة من الباحثين (1/ 543).