as Abū Bakr al-Siddīq, may Allah be pleased with him, said to the woman from Ahmas when she asked him, “How long shall we remain in this good state?” He replied, “As long as your leaders remain upright.”

These include kings, shaykhs, administrative officials, and everyone whose lead is followed, for each is among those in authority. Each of them must command what Allah has commanded and forbid what Allah has forbidden. Everyone obliged to obey them must obey them in obedience to Allah, but must not obey them in disobedience to Allah.

Thus, when Abū Bakr al-Siddīq, may Allah be pleased with him, assumed leadership of the Muslims and addressed them, he said in his sermon: “O people, the strong among you are weak in my eyes until I exact from them what is rightfully due, and the weak among you are strong in my eyes until I secure their rights for them. Obey me as long as I obey Allah and His Messenger.