or forbade, then there is neither hearing nor obedience to them in that matter—ever.

Likewise, were they to say, for example, “Shave your beards”—as some countries indeed order their citizens, especially the soldiers under their command, to do—if they said, “Shave your beards,” we would answer, “There is no hearing for you and no obedience.” In issuing such an order to their soldiers they are sinful, opposing Allah and His Messenger, openly defying Allah and His Messenger.

In the same way, were they to say, “Let your garments hang below the ankles,” we would reply, “No; there is neither hearing nor obedience,” for this is among the things Allah has forbidden and threatened with punishment. Therefore, when you command us to commit a sin, we will not listen or obey, for both you and we have a Lord whose judgment overrides ours and yours.

Thus the directives of those in authority fall into three categories:

First: that they command what Allah Himself has commanded. In this case, their orders must be obeyed for two reasons:

1. The matter is one that Allah has commanded.
2. They are the ones issuing the command; and whenever anyone enjoins something that is already obligatory, you are duty-bound to comply.

Second: that they command disobedience to Allah. Here there is absolutely no hearing and no obedience, whatever the circumstance. If you should suffer punishment from them on account of this, they will be held liable for it on the Day of Resurrection.
a. This concerns the right of Allah, for their order to sin constitutes—on two counts—a direct defiance of Him.
b. It also concerns your own right, because they have wronged you; you and they are all