Question

Who was the following statement made by?

“If I had one du’a which would definitely be answered, I would have made it for a leader/ruler. If the leader is righteous then it will lead to the righteousness of the country and the people”

 

Answer

Hafiz Dhahabi (rahimahullah) has attributed these words to the great Scholar and saint, Imam Fudayl ibn ‘Iyad (rahimahullah).

(Siyaru A’lamin Nubala, vol. 8, pg. 434)

‘Allamah Munawi (rahimahullah) has cited the following version:

Fudayl ibn ‘Iyad (rahimahullah) said, “If I had one du’a which would definitely be answered, I would have made it for a leader/ruler, for if I had to make the du’a for myself, only I will benefit. But if I made the du’a for the leader to become righteous, then his righteousness will lead to a righteous country and righteous people”

(Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 9784)

Similar statements have also been attributed to other Muhaddithun.

(Refer: Majmu’ul Fatawa of ‘Allamah Ibn Taymiyyah, vol. 28, pg. 391)

 

And Allah Ta’la Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar