Listen and obey, for they are only responsible for their duty, and you are responsible for your duty

Explanation

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was asked about the rulers who demand their right from people, i.e., to listen and obey and withhold the right that is due to them, namely fulfilling justice, giving the spoils of war, redressing and settling grievances. What do you command us to do with them? The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) turned away from him as if he disliked these kinds of questions. However, the questioner repeated his question for the second and third time; thereupon, Al-Ash‘ath ibn Qays (may Allah be pleased with him) pulled the questioner to silence him. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) answered by saying: Listen to what they say and obey their command, as they are only responsible for their duty and for what is entrusted to them of fulfilling justice and giving the subjects their rights, and you are responsible for your duty of obedience, fulfilling rights, and enduring misfortunes patiently.

Benefits

• The command to listen to and obey the rulers in all cases when it comes to what pleases Allah Almighty, even if they do not fulfill the subjects' rights.
• The rulers' negligence in carrying out their duty does not justify the people's negligence in fulfilling their duties in return, as everyone is responsible for his deeds and will be held accountable for his negligence.
• Religion is not built on bartering; rather, it is built on the commitment to obligations, even if others in return prove negligent in meeting their duties, as mentioned in this Hadīth.

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