him in everything he commands or reports; nor does opposing him in these matters constitute disbelief, unlike the case with the prophets.
Rather, if one of his peers disagrees with him, a scholar qualified to exercise independent judgment must examine both positions and follow whichever is more closely aligned with the Quran and Sunnah. As 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 fairest in outcome.”
He thus commands that disputes be referred to Allah and the Messenger, for one who is infallible speaks only the truth. Anyone known to have spoken the truth on a disputed matter must be followed—for example, when he cites a verse from the Book of Allah Most High or an authentic hadith from the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, intending thereby to settle the dispute. But the claim that someone must be followed in everything he says, without his presenting evidence establishing its correctness, is not valid. Rather, this is “the rank of the Messenger,” which belongs to him alone. As Allah Most High says:
“But no, by your Lord, they will not believe until they make you judge in their disputes, then find within themselves no discomfort over your judgment and submit wholeheartedly.”
Allah Most High also says:
“We did not send any messenger except to be obeyed by Allah’s permission. If, when they wronged themselves, they had come to you and sought Allah’s forgiveness, and the Messenger had sought forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah ever accepting of repentance, Most Merciful.”
Allah Most High also says:
“Say: If you love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you.”
Allah Most High also says:
“It is not for a believing man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decided a matter, to have any choice in their affair.”
Allah Most High also says:
“The only response of the believers, when they are called to Allah and His Messenger