Likewise, when Ibn ʿUmar was asked about it, he instructed them to practise it. They objected by citing ʿUmar’s statement. It then became clear to them that ʿUmar had not rejected what they were saying, but they persisted, so he said to them:

“Which is more deserving of being followed: the command of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, or the command of ʿUmar?”

This was despite everyone knowing that Abū Bakr and ʿUmar were more knowledgeable than even those who ranked above Ibn ʿUmar and Ibn ʿAbbās.

If this door were opened, it would require turning away from the command of Allah and His Messenger, and each imam would occupy among his followers the same position as the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, occupied among his community. This would amount to altering the religion, resembling what Allah reproached the Christians for when He said:

“They have taken their rabbis and monks as lords besides Allah, and the Messiah, son of Mary, though they were commanded only to worship one God. There is no deity worthy of worship except Him. Glory be to Him above what they associate with Him!”

Allah, glorified and exalted be He, knows best. All praise belongs to Allah alone.