Islam and Human Rights — Page 171
Article 21 171 certain spheres, as a trust, in respect of the exercise of which he is answerable and accountable to God. The principle operates in every sphere of life. The Prophet said: “Every one of you is a steward, and is responsible and account able for that which is committed into his care. The Sove reign is responsible and answerable for his people, every man is responsible and answerable for the members of his family, every woman is responsible and answerable for her home and children, and every servant is responsible and answerable for the property of his master that is in his charge”. 75 In the sphere of government and the conduct of public affairs the Quran lays down certain general directions which must be carried into effect, but leaves the method of carrying them into effect to be worked out according to the needs, demands and requirements of each situation. It begins by prescribing as a binding obligation that authority in public matters, which it describes as a trust, must be vested in the people best capable of exercizing it. “Verily, Allah commands you to entrust authority into the hands of those who are best fitted to discharge it, and that when you are called upon to judge between, or exercise authority over, 75 Bukhari II, Sect. :Marriage, Ch. :Wife is a steward in her home.