Prohibition on Appointing an Aspirant Person to Public

باب النهى عن تولية الإمارة والقضاء وغيرهما من الولايات لمن سألها أو حرص عليها فعرض بها

This short chapter sets a careful boundary around leadership. The eager hand that reaches for a post of authority is often the hand least suited to hold it, because craving power can grow from the ego rather than from a wish to serve. The Arabic word for this office, imarah (command or governorship), names a trust, not a prize.

Notice how the Prophet, peace be upon him, does not scold the request as sinful, yet still refuses it. The lesson is about the heart behind the asking. Those given responsibility without seeking it are more likely to be carried by Allah's help; those who chase it are left to lean on themselves.

Hadith 679

Abu Musa Ash'ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

-عن أبى موسى الأشعري رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ دخلت على النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم أنا ورجلان من بني عمي، فقال أحدهما‏:‏ يا رسول الله أمرنا على بعض ما ولاك الله، عز وجل، وقال الآخر مثل ذلك، فقال‏:‏ “إنا والله لا نولى هذا العمل أحدا سأله، أو أحدا حرص عليه” ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏ ‏.‏

I called on the Prophet (ﷺ) with two of my cousins. One of them said to him: "O Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), appoint me governor of some land over which Allah has given you authority." The other also requested for something of the same nature. Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "By Allah we do not appoint someone to this post who seeks it or someone who contends for it." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In plain words

When two men asked to be made governors, the Prophet refused, saying such a post is not given to one who seeks it or competes for it. Eagerness for power is itself a reason to be passed over.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 679 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 679