to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is better and yields the best outcome.”

Those in authority fall into two categories: rulers and scholars. When they are upright, the people are upright. Each must therefore strive, in word and deed, to obey Allah and His Messenger and follow the Book of Allah. Whenever it is possible to ascertain what the Book and Sunnah indicate concerning difficult cases, that is what must be followed. If this is not possible because time is short, the person seeking the ruling lacks the ability, the evidence appears equally balanced to him, or for some other reason, he may follow someone whose knowledge and religious commitment he trusts. This is the strongest view.

It has also been said that he may not follow another scholar’s judgment under any circumstances; and it has been said that he may do so under all circumstances. All three views are found within the school of Ahmad and those of others.

Likewise, the qualifications required of judges and governors must be fulfilled as far as possible. Indeed, the same applies to all acts of worship, including prayer, jihad, and others: all are obligatory when one is able. As for inability, Allah does not burden any soul beyond its capacity. Thus, Allah has commanded the person praying to purify himself with water. If he cannot find it, or fears harm from using it because of severe cold, a wound, or some other reason, he should perform dry purification with clean earth, wiping his face and hands with it.

The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said to ‘Imrān ibn Husayn:

“Pray standing; if you cannot, then sitting; and if you cannot, then lying on your side.”

Allah has thus made it obligatory to perform prayer at its prescribed time in whatever manner is possible, as He Most High says:

“Maintain