Hadith Text & Reference

"The Messenger of Allah said: 'The Muslim must hear and obey whether he likes it or not, unless he is commanded to commit an act of disobedience. If he is commanded to commit an act of disobedience, then he is not required to hear and obey."'

Source: Sunan an-Nasa'i 4206 | Book: The Book of al-Bay'ah

Meaning & Context

This hadith establishes the fundamental Islamic principle of obedience to legitimate Muslim leadership. The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasizes that obedience is obligatory even when one dislikes the command, provided it does not involve sin.

The context relates to the bay'ah (pledge of allegiance) given to Muslim rulers, where Muslims pledge to obey in righteousness. This obligation maintains social order and prevents chaos in the Muslim community.

Scholarly Commentary

Obligation of Obedience: Scholars like Imam Nawawi explain that this hadith makes obedience to Muslim rulers obligatory in matters that are permissible (mubah) or recommended (mustahabb), not just obligatory acts.

The Exception: The clear exception is when commanded to commit ma'siyah (disobedience to Allah). Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani states this includes all sins - major and minor. In such cases, obedience becomes haram (forbidden).

Scope of Application: Classical scholars applied this to all levels of leadership - from the caliph to local administrators. The principle extends to any legitimate authority within its proper jurisdiction.

Practical Implications

This teaching prevents rebellion against legitimate authority without valid Islamic justification. It maintains the unity of the Muslim ummah while upholding the supremacy of Divine law.

The hadith balances between maintaining social order and preserving religious integrity. Muslims must obey in worldly matters while maintaining their religious principles.