Surah Al-Nisâ’ 4:59

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَأُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنكُمْ ۖ

4:59 This verse defines rules of guidance in matters relating to the welfare of the community and of state. Uliy-al-Amrأُولِي الْأَمْر are those who are charged with authority, responsibility, decision-making, or the settlement of affairs. Thus the commander of a section of the army was considered as uliy-al-Amr أُولِي الْأَمْرِ (Bukhârî). Secular authorities are to be obeyed in secular matters, while religious authorities must be obeyed in religious matters; otherwise, there will be no order or discipline. Any difference of opinion should be referred to Allâh and His Messenger or, in other words, to the Holy Qur’ân, and the sayings and acts of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). Judgments of the Sheikhs are acceptable only when subject to their compatibility with the Qur’ân, the Sunnah and the Hadîth. The great Imâm Abû Hanîfah is himself reported to have said, “Give up my words for the words of Allâh, and give up my words for the words of the Holy Prophet (pbuh).” In regard to the secular authorities, the rule is laid down in the saying of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) that the authority of those entrusted should not be disputed unless you see an act of open disbelief against which you have a clear argument from Allâh (Bukhârî 93/2). What should the Muslims do if they have to live under a non-Muslim authority? In such cases, the example of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and of his Companions in their relations with Abyssinia is a sufficient guide. About a hundred of the Companions were advised by the Holy Prophet (pbuh) to seek shelter in the Christian kingdom of Abyssinia, where they lived for about ten years and obeyed the laws of the Christian government they were subject to.