/ There will be selfishness and other matters that you will disapprove of after me." They asked: What do you order us to do (in such circumstances), O Messenger of Allah? He said: '"Fulfill your duty (towards the ruler), and ask Allah for you...

There will be selfishness and other matters that you will disapprove of after me." They asked: What do you order us to do (in such circumstances), O Messenger of Allah? He said: '"Fulfill your duty (towards the ruler), and ask Allah for you...

Ibn Mas‘ūd (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "There will be selfishness and other matters that you will disapprove of after me." They asked: What do you order us to do (in such circumstances), O Messenger of Allah? He said: '"Fulfill your duty (towards the ruler), and ask Allah for your rights."
Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim

Explanation

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) informed us that there will be rulers assigned to be in charge of Muslims and they will monopolize the Muslims' wealth and spend it as they wish, depriving the Muslims of their rights thereof. These rulers will also do things, related to the religion, that are disapproved by the Shariah. The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) asked about what they should do in such a case. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) told them not to let these rulers' monopoly of wealth prevent them from fulfilling their duty towards them, including listening and obeying. Rather, they should have patience, listen and obey them without disputing their authority. Moreover, they should ask Allah for their rights and ask Him to guide these rulers and ward off their evil and oppression.

Hadeeth benefits

  1. This Hadīth is one of the proofs of Muhammad's prophethood, as he foretold what would happen in his Ummah and it happened just as he said.
  2. It is permissible to inform a person of an affliction that will likely befall him so as to be prepared, show patience, and seek Allah's reward when it actually occurs.
  3. Holding onto the Qur’an and Sunnah ensures safety from trials and dissension.
  4. The Hadīth urges Muslims to listen and obey their rulers in what is good and not to rebel against them even if they commit oppression.
  5. Adopting wisdom and following the Sunnah during the times of trials.
  6. One must fulfill his duties even if he is wronged in one way or another.
  7. The Hadīth proves the rule that states: We should opt for the lesser of the two evils or the lesser of the two harms.