Allah, the Exalted, said:
“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.”
He commanded obedience to those in authority—scholars and rulers—when they do not disagree. This entails that their agreement constitutes binding proof. He commanded them to refer disputes to Allah and the Messenger, thereby ruling out recourse to an imam through unquestioning adherence or to a superior rational argument.
Allah, the Exalted, said:
“Mankind was one community; then Allah sent the prophets as bearers of good tidings and warners, and sent down with them the Scripture in truth to judge between people concerning their differences.”
He thus made clear that it is by the Scripture that He judges between the people of the earth concerning their differences.
Allah, the Exalted, said:
“Whatever you disagree about, its judgment rests with Allah.”
Allah, the Exalted, also said:
“This is a Book sent down to you, so let there be no unease in your heart concerning it, that you may warn by it, and as a reminder to the believers.”
“Follow what has been sent down to you from your Lord, and do not follow other patrons besides Him.”
He thus made it obligatory to follow what He revealed of the Book and wisdom, and prohibited following anyone in its place.
Allah, the Exalted, said:
“Is it not sufficient for them that We have sent down to you the Book, which is recited to them?”
He thus rebuked those who were not content with the revealed Book.
Allah, the Exalted, said:
“O company of jinn and mankind, did there not come to you messengers from among you, relating My verses to you?”
And the following verses.
Allah, the Exalted, said:
“We would never punish until We had sent a messenger.”
Allah, the Exalted, said:
“Those who disbelieved will be driven to Hell in groups.”
And the following verses.
Allah, the Exalted, said:
“Whenever a group is cast into it, its keepers will ask them.”
The two verses. Thus, these indicate