In today's world, what we generally see is people vying desperately for higher positions of management or even positions in the power corridors. And more often than not, we see such aspirants of power and position resorting to non ethical means to prevail over others and assume positions much beyond their capabilities. And when, as a test, Allah accepts their supplications and grants them the status they had been supplicating for, many of such people fail miserably in the Godly test when they become arrogant for being blessed with stronger muscles to rein over the people, not for their interests, but for their own personal gains and interests. Such people often crumble and fall miserably.
Let us read the Hadith and try to understand its true meaning:
Narrated by `Abdur-Rahman bin Samura:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "O `Abdur-Rahman bin Samura! Do not seek to be a ruler, because if you are given authority for it, then you will be held responsible for it, but if you are given it without asking for it, then you will be helped in it (by Allah): and whenever you take an oath to do something and later you find that something else is better than the first, then do the better one and make expiation for your oath."
Arabic Text:
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو النُّعْمَانِ، مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْفَضْلِ حَدَّثَنَا جَرِيرُ بْنُ حَازِمٍ، حَدَّثَنَا الْحَسَنُ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ سَمُرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم " يَا عَبْدَ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنَ سَمُرَةَ لاَ تَسْأَلِ الإِمَارَةَ، فَإِنَّكَ إِنْ أُوتِيتَهَا عَنْ مَسْأَلَةٍ وُكِلْتَ إِلَيْهَا، وَإِنْ أُوتِيتَهَا مِنْ غَيْرِ مَسْأَلَةٍ أُعِنْتَ عَلَيْهَا، وَإِذَا حَلَفْتَ عَلَى يَمِينٍ فَرَأَيْتَ غَيْرَهَا خَيْرًا مِنْهَا، فَكَفِّرْ عَنْ يَمِينِكَ، وَأْتِ الَّذِي هُوَ خَيْرٌ ".
This Ḥadīth is a lesson in ethical clarity and spiritual responsibility. It frames authority not as a prize, but as a burden. It teaches that we should always distinguish between what we want and what Allah wants for us. It also affirms that divine compassion surpasses personal vendetta, for breaking an oath wisely is better than upholding a harmful vow.
The elaborations of the Hadith is as under for better comprehension:
“Do Not Seek Leadership”
- Why?
- Leadership isn’t forbidden—but the Prophet ﷺ warns that asking for authority can negate Allah’s help: “If it is given on your request, you’ll be held fully responsible for it”—i.e. no divine support in the test that follows. But without seeking it, Allah lightens the burden and aids your service.
- Qurʾānic Foundations
- Trust & Responsibility:
- “Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due, and when you judge between people, judge with justice.” (Q. 4:58)
- Leadership is a form of amānah—a divine trust—not granted to those who want it for personal gain. Quran and Sunnah emphasize appointing only the qualified and righteous (Q. 4:58).
- Burden of Leadership:
- The Prophet ﷺ said: “No man is given authority over ten people unless he faces Allah on the Day of Resurrection with his hands bound.”
- Power must be accompanied by moral integrity; leadership without righteousness leads to condemnation.
- Historical Context
- Abu Mūsa al‑Ashʿarī’s attempt to seek leadership was rejected by the Prophet ﷺ: “We do not appoint anyone to this position who asks for it or has greed for it.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī, Muslim)
- Caliph ʿUmar ibn al‑Khattāb (r.a.) emphasized humility upon succession: “I am not the best among you—if I do well, support me; if wrong, set me right.” This exemplifies genuine readiness for authority without vain ambition.
We should not aggressively seek authority especially over people, because the burden is heavy and Allah aids only those given it without ambition. The Prophet ﷺ prayed in every major life event. Du’a is part of tawakkul (trust in Allah):
“O Allah, grant us good in this world, and good in the Hereafter…” (Qurʾān 2:201)
Praying for leadership can be permissible if your intention is to serve, justice, and improve the ummah—not for power, wealth, or prestige.
The Qur’an balances personal effort with divine reliance:
“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves.” (13:11)
“Tie your camel then put your trust in Allah.” (Hadith)
This means: prepare, act, and then rely on Allah—don't rush to ask for formal titles before you've prepared.
Learning from History: Prophet Yūsuf’s Case
Yūsuf A.S. did not campaign for power; he simply said: “Appoint me over the storehouses of the land. I am a protector, knowing.” (12:55–57)
He could have asked Allah for kingship for he knew his status with Allah. Yet in all humility, he simply asked Allah a position he knew he was best suited for. This contrasts sharply with political campaigning in modern systems.
This however does not mean one should have his eyes set high. What it means is that you may pray for the ability to serve, to guide, to contribute. But don’t pray for a title, a kingdom, or admiration. Let your hands sweat in effort, your heart seek Allah’s pleasure in modesty, and your intentions remain clean. If leadership comes, welcome it gently—with fear and responsibility—and let Allah carry you
Now the Big Question: Should One Seek to Be a Ruler?
- Yes, If: The individual is driven by a genuine desire to serve, has the competence to lead, and possesses the humility to recognize their limitations. They must be prepared to sacrifice personal comfort and accept accountability.
- Arguments for Seeking to Be a Ruler Positive Impact:
- A ruler with a clear vision and strong moral compass can improve society, promote justice, and foster progress. Leadership offers a platform to enact meaningful change. Rulership driven by service can lead to lasting positive impact and personal fulfillment.
- Responsibility to Lead: In times of crisis or opportunity, capable individuals may feel a duty to lead to prevent chaos or mismanagement by less competent or malicious actors. Seeking rulership to address a specific need, paired with humility, can lead to historical significance and respect.
- No, If: The pursuit is driven by ego, greed, or a desire for control. Power sought for its own sake often leads to corruption, resistance, and failure.
- Arguments Against Seeking to Be a Ruler
- Corruption of Power: Power often amplifies flaws, tempting rulers to prioritize personal gain over the common good. Greed and ego can lead to disastrous consequences. Power sought for selfish reasons often leads to self-destruction and widespread harm.
- Personal Toll: Rulership demands immense sacrifice, including privacy, personal relationships, and mental health. The burden of responsibility can outweigh the benefits. Reluctant rulers with humility can succeed, but the role is often a burden rather than a reward.
- Risk of Overreach: Power-hungry rulers often overextend, alienating allies and creating enemies, which can lead to their downfall. Seeking and maintaining power through greed leads to instability and loss of legitimacy.
- Key Consideration: Humility is a critical differentiator. Greedy rulers like Hitler or Maduro invite ruin, while humble leaders like Mandela or Merkel achieve lasting impact. The desire to rule should be tempered by self-awareness and a commitment to the greater good.
- Greedy vs. Humble Rulers: A Comparison
- Greedy/Power-Hungry Rulers:
- Characteristics: Prioritize personal gain, control, and legacy over the common good. Often manipulative, ruthless, and resistant to stepping down.
- Common Fate: Greedy rulers often face rebellion, exile, or death, leaving legacies of division and suffering.
- Humble Rulers:
- Characteristics: View leadership as a duty, not a privilege. They prioritize service, listen to others, and often step down willingly.
- Common Fate: Humble rulers often leave office respected, with stable legacies and societies that benefit from their restraint.
In view of the above explanation, it can be summarized that Seeking rulership can be noble if motivated by service and grounded in humility, as seen in leaders like Mandela and Washington, who left enduring legacies. However, pursuing power for greed or ego, as exemplified by Hitler or Gaddafi, often leads to destruction. The fate of a ruler hinges on their character—humility fosters stability and respect, while greed invites chaos and downfall. If one seeks to rule, they must first master themselves.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more Hadiths on the General Subjects.
For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
Photo | Source of Hadith: Sahih al-Bukhari 6622 | Help taken from ChatGPT and Grok for expanding meaning of the Hadith
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