Responsible for your Flock

And obey God, if you are believers. [5:57]

The requirement of belief is obedience.

Out of the many aspects of things we are to adhere to, let's bring out attention to this hadith.

It is narrated on the authority of Tariq b. Shihab:

It was Marwan who initiated (the practice) of delivering khutbah (address) before the prayer on the 'Id day. A man stood up and said: Prayer should precede khutbah. He (Marwan) remarked, This (practice) has been done away with. Upon this Abu Sa'id remarked: This man has performed (his duty) laid on him. I heard the Messenger of Allah as saying: He who amongst you sees something abominable should modify it with the help of his hand; and if he has not strength enough to do it, then he should do it with his tongue, and if he has not strength enough to do it, (even) then he should (abhor it) from his heart, and that is the least of faith. [Sahih Muslim]

No doubt, a wise Muslim would consider his or her rapport, readiness, ability, and many other tangible and intangible factors before deciding which of the three mentioned above he would decide to do.

But when it comes to our dependents, we do not really have the luxury of choice.

Abdullah ibn Umar reported:

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock. The leader of people is a guardian and is responsible for his subjects. A man is the guardian of his family and he is responsible for them. A woman is the guardian of her husband’s home and his children and she is responsible for them. The servant of a man is a guardian of the property of his master and he is responsible for it. No doubt, every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock.”

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 6719, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1829

Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim

So how do we give that gentle yet firm nudge? Fret not. It's as simple as ABC. Read more here.