Allah. If no ruling is found there, then according to what is in the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah. If no ruling is found there, then according to what the people have agreed upon.”

Something similar has also been reported from Ibn ʿAbbās and others. Hence the scholars said: “The Book, the Sunnah, and consensus.” This is because He made obedience to them obligatory when there is no disagreement, and commanded that matters be referred back to Allah and the Messenger only when there is disagreement. This provides evidence on two grounds: the obligation to obey them, and the fact that referring back to the Book and the Sunnah is obligatory only when there is disagreement. It follows that, in the absence of disagreement, this is not obligatory, though it is permissible, because their agreement is evidence of conformity with the Book and the Sunnah.

He also commanded loyalty to them. Loyalty entails agreement and adherence, just as enmity entails opposition and estrangement. If you agree with someone in everything, you are loyal to him in everything. If you agree with him in most matters, you are loyal to him in most matters. In the matter under dispute, however, you have not shown him loyalty, even if you have not shown him enmity.

As for commands to follow the Book and the Sunnah, they are exceedingly numerous, such as His words:

“Follow what has been sent down to you from your Lord.”

“So follow it and fear Allah.”

“And followed the light that was sent down with him.”

And:

“They follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet.”

“Obey Allah and obey the Messenger.”

“We did not send any messenger except to be obeyed by Allah’s permission.”

“But no, by your Lord, they do not believe”—and the rest of the verse.

“Refer it back to Allah and the Messenger.”

“And this is My path, perfectly straight, so follow it.”

“Whatever the Messenger gives you, take it; and whatever he forbids you, refrain from it.”