Wisdom of The Holy Prophet — Page 75
PUBLIC AFFAIRS 75 16. When Allah desires the good of a people He appoints wise persons over them and bestows riches upon those of them who are open handed; when He decrees ill for a people He appoints over them persons who l!!re foolish and bestows wealth upon those of them who are niggardly. 17. What I fear most for my people are misguided leaders. 18. When public authority is committed to those who are not fit to exercise it, be ready for the Judgment. 19. He who is appointed to a post in the administra• -tion and has no dwelling place, may rent or purchase one. and if he is not married he should marry, and if he has no servant he may engage one, and if he has no mount he may procure one. He who acquires more than this is dishonest. 20. What should be said of one who is appointed by us to a post and who comes back and says: This much is public property and this was given to me as a present. Let such a one go back to the house of his father or mother and then see whether presents are made to him or not. Whosoever takes any such present shall bring it forth on the Day of Judgment, even though it may be a camel groaning. or a cow mooing, or a she-goat bleating. 21. When a ruler begins to act upon suspicion. he involes the people in great hardship. 22. An extortionist in the matter of taxes will not enter Paradise. 23. If evil becomes rife among a people and the people are capable of reforming themselves but will not do so. the wrath of Allah will overtake them before long. 24. If one put in authority over his fellows bolts his doors against the faithful, the wronged, or the needy, he will find the gates of Allah's mercy locked against him when he is in even greater need and distress. 25. Lighten the people's burdens and do not add to them. Bring them hope not chagrin. Work for unity and not discord.