Chapter 80 • The Obligation to Obey Those in Authority in All That Is Not Sin, and the Prohibition of Obeying Them When They Command Sin

Allah Most High says: “O you who believe! Obey Allah, obey the Messenger, and those in authority among you” (al-Nisāʾ 4:59).

1/663 – Ibn ʿUmar (d. 73 AH) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: “A Muslim must listen and obey whether he likes what he is commanded or dislikes it, unless he is ordered to commit a sin; if he is ordered to commit a sin, then there is neither listening nor obedience.” Agreed upon.

2/664 – The same Companion said: “Whenever we pledged allegiance to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ to listen and obey, he would add, ‘As far as you are able.’” Agreed upon.

3/665 – He also said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say, ‘Whoever removes his hand from obedience will meet Allah on the Day of Resurrection without any proof on his behalf; and whoever dies without a pledge of allegiance around his neck dies a death like that of the Age of Ignorance.’” Narrated by Muslim.

In another narration recorded by Muslim: “Whoever dies while separated from the community dies a death like that of the Age of Ignorance.” (The word mītah is read with a kasrah on the initial m.)