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Know that most innovations relating to knowledge and worship, in these matters and others, arose within the Muslim community only towards the end of the era of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, just as the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, foretold when he said:

“Those of you who live after me will see much disagreement. So adhere to my Sunnah and the sunnah of the rightly guided caliphs who come after me.”

It is well known that when “those in authority,” who govern people’s lives and property, remain upright, people generally remain upright. Thus, as al-Bukhārī relates in his Sahīh, when the woman from the Ahmas tribe asked Abū Bakr al-Siddīq, “How long will we continue in this good state?” he replied, “As long as your leaders remain upright in governing you.”

A transmitted report states:

“There are two groups who, when they are righteous, bring righteousness to the people: scholars and rulers.”

These are the bearers of scripture and the wielders of iron, as indicated by His words, “We have certainly sent…” and the remainder of the verse. They are also “those vested with authority” in His words:

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