Consider, then, how this meaning is reinforced by the Almighty’s words, “then refer it back to Allah and the Messenger,” and not, “and to the Messenger.” Referring a matter to the Qur’an is, in itself, a referral to Allah and the Messenger, and referring it to the Sunnah is likewise a referral to Allah and the Messenger (1). Whatever Allah decrees (2) is precisely what His Messenger decrees, and whatever the Messenger decrees is precisely what Allah decrees.

So when you refer the issue over which you differ back to Allah—that is, to His Book (3)—you have referred it to both Allah and (4) His Messenger; and when you refer it to His Messenger, you have likewise referred it to Allah and the Messenger (5). This is one of the Qur’an’s subtle secrets.

The reports transmitted from Imam Ahmad concerning “those vested with authority” are divergent. From him (6) two views are narrated:

• The first: that they are the scholars.
• The second: that they are the rulers (7).