Abu Yaala Ma‘qil bin Yasar (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that he heard Allah’s Messenger ﷺ saying: “A person who is appointed in authority over people and he betrays them will not be allowed to enter Paradise after his death.”
(Bukhari and Muslim)
The hadith under study implies that a person who is appointed to look after the affairs of a state, province, district or city is expected to discharge his duties and obligations in a proper manner and with a sense of trust and responsibility. He should do justice with all sections of the society. He should take into account their needs and try to make proper arrangements for them, by all possible means. He has to provide people with at least three basic needs – bread, clothes and house. He, who does not live up to these expectations, betrays his people. Generally, those who run the affairs of a state deviate from what is expected of them. They run the country contrary to the oath they take while ascending to the throne. They take up authoritative responsibility only to amass more and more wealth. They take least care of the poor masses. Such rulers should take a cue from the destruction of Bani Israel who used to let off a wealthy, influential person if found committing a crime, and punish a weak person for commission of crimes.
On the other hand, the ruler who lives up to the expectations of his subjects, has been given good tidings of forgiveness in the Hereafter.