Among the matters exclusive to him are those peculiar to his prophethood and messengership. No one may follow his example in these, for there is no prophet after him. This includes being obeyed in everything he commands and forbids, even when the grounds for his command are unknown—to the extent that anyone he orders to be killed must be killed. No one after him has this authority. Those in authority, whether scholars or rulers, are to be obeyed provided that they do not command anything contrary to his commands. Hence, Allah made obedience to them subordinate to obedience to him.

Allah Most High said:

“Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.”

He said, “and obey the Messenger and those in authority,” because obedience to those in authority is subordinate to obedience to the Messenger. They are not obeyed independently or unconditionally. The Messenger, however, is obeyed unconditionally and independently, for:

“Whoever obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah.”

And He Most High said:

“Obey Allah and obey the Messenger.”

Thus, when the Messenger commands us, we must obey him even if we do not know the grounds for his command. Obedience to him is obedience to Allah; unlike obedience to anyone else, obedience to him can never entail disobedience to Allah.

Scholars have discussed matters exclusive to him concerning what was obligatory for him, what was forbidden to him, and the honors conferred upon him. This is not the place to discuss them in detail. Some are agreed upon, while others are disputed.

He, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was the leader of the community. He adjudicated between them, made distributions, led them in military campaigns, carried out the prescribed punishments, secured the fulfillment of rights, and led them in prayer. Following his example in each capacity must therefore accord with that capacity. Thus, the leader of the prayer and the Hajj follows