, recommended, permissible, disliked, or forbidden—are to be derived only from the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Nothing is obligatory except what Allah and His Messenger have made obligatory, and nothing is lawful except what Allah and His Messenger have made lawful.

On some of these matters the imams of the religion agreed; on others they differed and referred them back to Allah and His Messenger. Allah 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 better and best in outcome.”

Anyone who speaks ignorantly and in opposition to the imams must be prohibited from doing so and disciplined if he persists, as others like him among the ignorant are treated. No leader of misguidance is to be followed in anything that contravenes the revealed law, even if he is renowned for his knowledge. As one of the early generations said:

“Do not look at the jurist’s conduct; rather, ask him, and he will tell you the truth.”

Allah knows best. All praise is due to Allah.

He was asked:

Does someone who leaves his home intending to purify himself or pray need to renew that intention when he actually purifies himself or prays, or not? And is verbalizing