the Messenger of Allah sent an army and appointed a man in charge of them. He lit a fire and said: "Enter it." Some people wanted to enter it, and other said: "We are trying to keep away from it." They mentioned that to the Messenger of Allah, and he said to those who had wanted to enter if: "If you had entered it you would have stayed there until the Day of Resurrection." And he spoke good words to the others. And he said: "There is no obedience if it involves disobedience toward Allah. Rather obedience is only (required) in that which is good."
The Book of al-Bay'ah - Sunan an-Nasa'i 4205
This narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i addresses the fundamental Islamic principle that obedience to created beings is conditional upon its conformity with obedience to the Creator.
Contextual Analysis
The incident occurred when an appointed commander tested his troops' obedience by commanding them to enter fire. This demonstrates how authority can be misused, even within Islamic military expeditions.
The division among companions - some willing to obey blindly and others refusing - illustrates the early understanding that religious obedience has boundaries.
Scholarly Commentary
The Prophet's declaration "If you had entered it you would have stayed there until the Day of Resurrection" establishes that blind obedience leading to sin incurs eternal consequences. This emphasizes individual accountability before Allah.
"There is no obedience if it involves disobedience toward Allah" constitutes a foundational legal maxim in Islamic governance and social relations. No human authority can legitimize what Allah has prohibited.
"Obedience is only (required) in that which is good" clarifies that legitimate obedience must align with ma'ruf (recognized good) in Islamic law, not merely any command from authority figures.
Legal Implications
This hadith establishes limits on bay'ah (oath of allegiance) and military obedience. Commanders cannot demand what violates shari'ah.
Scholars derive from this that Muslims must disobey orders involving sin, even from legitimate Islamic authorities. The companions who refused were praised for their discernment.
This principle applies universally - to rulers, parents, employers, and all in positions of authority. Their rights to obedience are conditional upon righteousness.