‘Abd Allaah bin Masud reported the Apostle of Allaah(ﷺ) as saying “Listening and Obedience are binding on a Muslim whether he likes or dislikes, so long as he is not commanded for disobedience (to Allaah). If he is commanded to disobedience (to Allaah), no listening and disobedience are binding (on him).
Hadith Text
'Abd Allaah bin Masud reported the Apostle of Allaah(ﷺ) as saying "Listening and Obedience are binding on a Muslim whether he likes or dislikes, so long as he is not commanded for disobedience (to Allaah). If he is commanded to disobedience (to Allaah), no listening and disobedience are binding (on him)."
Source Reference
Book: Jihad (Kitab Al-Jihad)
Author: Sunan Abi Dawud
Hadith: Sunan Abi Dawud 2626
Scholarly Commentary
This hadith establishes the fundamental principle of obedience to legitimate Islamic authority. The scholars explain that Muslims are obliged to obey their rulers in matters that are permissible in Shari'ah, even if such commands are contrary to personal preference. This obedience maintains social order and prevents chaos in the Muslim community.
The crucial limitation is when commanded to commit sin. The scholars unanimously agree that there is no obedience to any created being in disobedience to the Creator. This principle protects the Muslim's faith and ensures that ultimate allegiance remains to Allah alone.
Classical commentators emphasize that this hadith applies to all levels of authority - from the caliph to local administrators. The obligation remains as long as the command does not involve clear disobedience to Allah's commandments. If such occurs, the Muslim must refuse obedience while maintaining proper etiquette and avoiding rebellion that causes greater harm.