the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger and follows a judge’s ruling that contradicts the ruling of Allah and His Messenger, he becomes an apostate and disbeliever, deserving punishment in this world and the Hereafter. The Most High says:

“Alif Lām Mīm Sād.”

“A Book sent down to you—so let there be no distress in your heart because of it—that you may warn thereby, and as a reminder to the believers.”

“Follow what has been sent down to you from your Lord, and do not follow other protectors besides Him. How little you heed the reminder!”

Even if he were beaten, imprisoned, and subjected to all kinds of harm to make him abandon what he knows of the law of Allah and His Messenger, which he is obliged to follow, he would still deserve Allah’s punishment if he followed someone else’s ruling. Rather, he must remain patient, even if he suffers harm for Allah’s sake. This is Allah’s established way with the prophets and their followers. Allah Most High says:

“Alif Lām Mīm.”

“Do people think they will be left to say, ‘We believe,’ without being tested?”

“We certainly tested those before them. Allah will surely know those who are truthful, and He will surely know the liars.”

The Most High also says:

“We will surely test you until We know those among you who strive and those who remain steadfast, and We will put your deeds to the test.”

The Most High also says:

“Or do you think you will enter Paradise without undergoing what befell those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with hardship and suffering, and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed with him said, ‘When will Allah’s help come?’ Indeed, Allah’s help is near.”

This applies when a judge has ruled on a matter open to scholarly judgment over which the Companions and Successors differed, adopting the opinion of some of them, while others know of a Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, that conflicts with his ruling. Such a person must follow