Both interpretations are reliably transmitted from the Companions regarding the verse (1). The soundest view, however, is that it embraces both groups, for scholars and rulers alike are (2) those vested with authority over the message with which Allah sent His Messenger.

The scholars (3) are its trustees in matters of preservation, clarification, transmission (4), defense, and refutation of anyone who distorts it or strays from it. Allah has entrusted them with this charge, as He says: “If these people disbelieve in it, We have entrusted it to a people who will never disbelieve in it” (6:89) (5). What a noble trusteeship—one that makes obedience to them obligatory, requires submission to their directives, and renders people their followers.

The rulers, for their part, are its trustees in implementation and protection (6): they maintain it, oversee it, wage jihad for it, compel the people to adhere to it, and restrain anyone who departs from it.

These two classes constitute the leading stratum of society, while the remainder of humanity are their followers and charges.

Then the Almighty said: “But if you differ about anything, refer it back to Allah and the Messenger, if you truly believe in Allah and the Last Day.”

This is decisive proof that, whenever a dispute arises, every contested matter must be referred back