and the Messenger. Allah Most High said:
“O you who believe, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those vested with authority among you. If you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is better and more excellent in outcome.”
[Surah al-Nisā’: 59].
Allah Most High also said:
“But no, by your Lord, they will not believe until they make you judge concerning the disputes that arise among them, then find no unease within themselves over your decision and submit completely.”
[Surah al-Nisā’: 65].
Thus, whoever does not commit himself to submitting the disputes arising among them to the judgment (1) of Allah and His Messenger—Allah has sworn by Himself that such a person does not believe. As for one who is inwardly and outwardly committed to the judgment of Allah and His Messenger, but disobeys and follows his own desires, he is like other sinners of his kind.
This verse is among those which the Khawārij cite as evidence for declaring the rulers who do not judge according to what Allah has revealed to be disbelievers. They then claim that their own belief is Allah’s judgment. People have discussed this at a length that cannot be recounted here, but the context of the verse supports what I have stated.
The point is that judging with justice is absolutely obligatory at every time and in every place, upon everyone and toward everyone. Judging according to what Allah revealed to Muhammad—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—is a particular form of justice, and it is the most perfect and excellent form of justice. Judging according to it is obligatory upon the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—and upon everyone who follows him. Whoever does not commit himself to the judgment of Allah and His Messenger is a disbeliever.
This is obligatory upon the Muslim community in every doctrinal and practical matter over which it disagrees. Allah Most High said:
“Humanity was once one community. Then Allah sent the prophets as bearers of glad tidings and as warners, and He sent down with them the Book in truth to judge among people concerning that over which they differed. None differed over it except those who had been given it, after clear proofs had come to them.”