What is Sunan an-Nasa'i 5393 about?

This hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i (Book of The Book of the Etiquette of Judges), narrated by It was narrated that 'Abdur-Rahman bin Samurah said:, states: ""The Messenger of Allah said: 'Do not ask for governorship. For if it is given to you because of asking, you will be left to your own devices, but if it is given to you without asking, you will be he…"

Is this hadith authentic?

This hadith is graded Sahih. Sahih hadiths are considered the most authentic grade in hadith classification.

Which collection is this hadith from?

This hadith is from Sunan an-Nasa'i, which contains 5,768 hadiths across 52 books. It is hadith number 5393 in the Book of The Book of the Etiquette of Judges.

I searched for a different number — is this the right hadith?

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#5392

#5393

Sunan an-Nasa'i

#5394

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Sunan an-Nasa'i #5393

The Book of the Etiquette of Judges

Sahih

The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.

أَخْبَرَنَا مُجَاهِدُ بْنُ مُوسَى، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ، عَنْ يُونُسَ، عَنِ الْحَسَنِ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ سَمُرَةَ، ح وَأَنْبَأَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ عَلِيٍّ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ عَوْنٍ، عَنِ الْحَسَنِ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ سَمُرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ لاَ تَسْأَلِ الإِمَارَةَ فَإِنَّكَ إِنْ أُعْطِيتَهَا عَنْ مَسْأَلَةٍ وُكِلْتَ إِلَيْهَا وَإِنْ أُعْطِيتَهَا عَنْ غَيْرِ مَسْأَلَةٍ أُعِنْتَ عَلَيْهَا ‏"‏‏.‏

"The Messenger of Allah said: 'Do not ask for governorship. For if it is given to you because of asking, you will be left to your own devices, but if it is given to you without asking, you will be helped (by Allah).'"

Narrated by It was narrated that 'Abdur-Rahman bin Samurah said:

Context

In this hadith, the Prophet ﷺ advises against seeking positions of leadership or authority, warning that those who ask for such roles may be left to their own devices. Conversely, if such positions are granted without request, they come with divine assistance. This teaching highlights the importance of humility and reliance on Allah.

Modern Application

In today's context, this hadith encourages individuals to focus on serving their communities without seeking recognition or power. It promotes a mindset of humility and trust in Allah's plan.

Topics

This hadith is tagged with Leadership and Authority and Prophetic Teachings because it addresses the nature of seeking leadership and the implications of such desires.

Leadership and Authority Prophetic Teachings