And all these deeds are vain, of the same kind as the deeds of the disbelievers:

“Those who disbelieve and turn others away from Allah’s path—He will render their deeds fruitless.”
Surah Muhammad 1

Allah Most High also says:

“As for those who disbelieve, their deeds are like a mirage on a desert plain, which the thirsty person mistakes for water, until, when he reaches it, he finds nothing there. But he finds Allah there, who pays him his account in full. And Allah is swift in reckoning.”
Surah al-Nūr 39

And He says:

“And We will turn to whatever deeds they have done and make them scattered dust.”
Surah al-Furqān 23

Allah Most High has commanded in His Book obedience to Himself, obedience to His Messenger, and obedience to those in authority among the believers. As He Most High says:

“O you who believe, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. If you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is best and fairest in outcome.”
Surah al-Nisāʾ 59

Those in authority are those who hold the right to command: they command people and forbid them. This includes both people of power and authority and people of learning and discourse. Thus, those in authority fall into two categories: scholars and rulers. When they are upright, the people are upright; and when they are corrupt, the people are corrupt.