within themselves no discomfort concerning what you have decided, and submit with full submission.” (Q 4:65)

He likewise says: “Let those who oppose his command beware, lest a trial strike them or a painful punishment befall them.” (Q 24:63)

The ḥadith master Ibn Rajab, may Allah have mercy on him, said:

“It is obligatory upon everyone to whom the Prophet’s command reaches and who understands it to convey it to the Ummah, to advise them sincerely, and to order them to follow it—even when that command contradicts the opinion of a great figure in the community. The command of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ is more deserving of reverence and imitation than the view of any esteemed person who, through error, has contradicted it in certain matters. For this reason the Companions, and those who came after them, refuted anyone who opposed an authentic Sunnah, and they sometimes spoke harshly in their refutation (1)—not out of hostility toward the person, for he remained beloved and honored in their eyes, but because the Messenger of Allah was dearer to them, and his command outweighs the command of every created being. Thus, whenever the Prophet’s command conflicts with someone else’s, his command must be given precedence and obeyed, and that should not prevent