the Commander of the Faithful, yet the Muslims would dispute what he said, while both he and they adhered to the Quran and Sunnah. The early generations of this community and its leading scholars agreed that anyone’s statements may be accepted or rejected, except those of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.

This is one of the distinctions between the prophets and others. The prophets, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon them, must be believed in everything they convey from Allah, Mighty and Majestic, and obeyed in what they command. This is unlike Allah’s allies: it is not obligatory to obey everything they command or believe everything they report. Rather, their commands and reports must be assessed against the Quran and Sunnah. Whatever agrees with the Quran and Sunnah must be accepted, and whatever contradicts them must be rejected—even if the person who said it is one of Allah’s allies and has exercised independent judgment, is excused for what he said, and is rewarded for his effort. Nevertheless, if he contradicts the Quran and Sunnah, he is mistaken. His error is forgiven if he has feared Allah to the best of his ability, for Allah Most High says:

“So fear Allah as much as you are able.”

This explains His words, Most High:

“O you who believe, fear Allah as He should be feared.”

Ibn Mas‘ūd and others said, “Fearing Him as He should be feared means that He is obeyed and not disobeyed, remembered and not forgotten, and thanked and not met with ingratitude.” That is, according to your ability, for Allah Most High does not burden any soul beyond its capacity. As He, Most High, says:

“Allah does not burden any soul beyond its capacity. It will have the good it has earned, and bear the evil it has earned.”

And He, Most High, says:

“But those who believe and do righteous deeds—We do not burden any soul beyond its capacity—will be the inhabitants of Paradise, abiding there forever.”

And He, Most High, says: “And give full measure