ABSTRACT
The Messenger of God … said, “Whoever obeys me obeys God, and whoever disobeys me disobeys God. Whoever obeys the Commander obeys me, and he who disobeys him disobeys me. The Imam is simply the shield behind whom the fighting takes place, from which one seeks protection. So when he orders fear of God and is just, he shall receive his reward, but if he holds otherwise, it will bring guilt upon him.” The Messenger … said, “Even if a mutilated slave is made your commander, and he leads you in accord with the Book of God, hear him and obey,” The Messenger of God … said, “Hear and obey, though an Abyssinian slave with a head like a raisin be placed over you.”
