—invalid partnerships such as sharecropping based on the crop of a specified plot of land.

Some of these matters have been disputed among Muslims because they are obscure and ambiguous. One person may regard a particular contract and transfer of possession as valid and just, while another sees in it an injustice that renders it invalid. Allah Most High says:

“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.”

The basic principle here is that no transaction people need is to be prohibited unless the Quran and the Sunnah establish its prohibition. Likewise, no act of worship through which they seek nearness to Allah is to be prescribed unless the Quran and the Sunnah establish its legitimacy. Religion is what Allah has prescribed, and what is forbidden is what Allah has forbidden. This stands in contrast to those whom Allah condemned for declaring forbidden in His religion what He had not forbidden, associating with Him that for which He had sent down no authority, and instituting for themselves religious practices for which He had given no permission. O Allah, guide us to regard as lawful what You have made lawful, as forbidden what You have forbidden, and as religion what You have prescribed.

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The ruler cannot dispense with consultation, for Allah Most High commanded His Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, to consult others. He Most High said:

“So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them