Hadith Text

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Whoever obeys me, obeys Allah, and whoever disobeys me, disobeys Allah, and whoever obeys the ruler I appoint, obeys me, and whoever disobeys him, disobeys me."

Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 7137 | Book: Judgments (Ahkaam)

Explanation of the Hadith

This profound hadith establishes the fundamental principle that obedience to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is equivalent to obedience to Allah Himself, for the Prophet conveys only what has been revealed to him by Allah. The second part establishes the obligation of obeying legitimate Islamic rulers appointed by proper authority.

The scholars explain that obedience to rulers is conditional upon their commands not contradicting the Shariah. If they command something that violates Islamic law, then there is no obedience to them in disobedience to Allah. This principle preserves both religious and political order while maintaining the supremacy of divine law.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam al-Nawawi states: "This hadith contains the obligation of obeying rulers in what is not disobedience to Allah, and that their obedience is part of the obedience to Allah and His Messenger."

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains: "The phrase 'whoever obeys the ruler I appoint' refers to those appointed through proper Islamic channels of leadership. Their obedience is required in matters of public welfare and governance that do not contravene Islamic principles."

This teaching emphasizes the importance of maintaining social order and preventing chaos, while simultaneously upholding the ultimate authority of divine revelation over all human affairs.