Throughout history, God has sent His divine messages through human messengers He has chosen and granted authority. These individuals bear the sole responsibility to deliver God’s message to their communities.
[5:92] You shall obey GOD, and you shall obey the messenger, and beware. If you turn away, then know that the sole duty of our messenger is to deliver the clear message.
[5:99] The sole duty of the messenger is to deliver the message, and GOD knows everything you declare and everything you conceal.
When God’s messengers go to their people, they tell them, “You shall reverence GOD and obey me.” This command is repeated throughout the Quran by God’s messengers to their people. This includes Noah (26:108,110; 71:3), Hûd (26:126,131), Sãleh (26:144,150), Lot (26:163), Shuaib (26:179), and Jesus (43:63).
Conversely, the duty of believers to this command is simply to hear and obey God’s messenger. God informs us that if the people obey their messenger, then they will be guided.
[24:54] Say, “Obey GOD, and obey the messenger.” If they refuse, then he is responsible for his obligations, and you are responsible for your obligations. If you obey him, you will be guided. The sole duty of the messenger is to deliver (the message).
This commandment to obey God and His messenger is mentioned some 25 times in the Quran in various forms (3:32, 3:132, 4:13, 4:59, 4:69, 4:80, 5:92, 8:1, 8:20, 8:46, 9:71, 24:47, 24:51, 24:52, 24:54, 33:31, 33:33, 33:36, 33:66, 33:71, 47:33, 48:17, 49:14, 58:13, 64:12).
This dynamic between delivery and obedience creates the foundation of a harmonious relationship between God, His messengers, and the believers. However, failure to comply leads to one potentially nullifying all their works.
[47:33] O you who believe, you shall obey GOD, and obey the messenger. Otherwise, all your works will be in vain.
[72:19] When GOD’s servant advocated Him alone, almost all of them banded together to oppose him.
[72:20] Say, “I worship only my Lord; I never set up any idols besides Him.”
[72:21] Say, “I possess no power to harm you, nor to guide you.”
[72:22] Say, “No one can protect me from GOD, nor can I find any other refuge besides Him.
[72:23] “I deliver GOD’s proclamations and messages.” Those who disobey GOD and His messenger incur the fire of Hell, wherein they abide forever.
True Submitters Obey
The Quran provides numerous examples of God’s messengers tasked with delivering divine commands to their people, and sometimes, those commands seemed difficult or beyond the understanding of the people. Yet, it was the responsibility of the people to fulfill the commands despite their uncertainty.
Sacrifice A Heifer
Consider when Moses commanded the Children of Israel to sacrifice a heifer. From the reaction of his people, it was clear that this directive did not make sense to them at the time and was thus met with hesitation and questioning:
[2:67] Moses said to his people, “GOD commands you to sacrifice a heifer.” They said, “Are you mocking us?” He said, “GOD forbid, that I should behave like the ignorant ones.”
Despite their uncertainty, the obligation of the Israelites was not to question the command but to obey it. Only after they complied was the reasoning made known to them, and it became apparent that their faith was lacking and needed serious work.
[2:71] He said, “He says that she is a heifer that was never humiliated in plowing the land or watering the crops; free from any blemish.” They said, “Now you have brought the truth.” They finally sacrificed her, after this lengthy reluctance.
[2:72] You had killed a soul, then disputed among yourselves. GOD was to expose what you tried to conceal.
[2:73] We said, “Strike (the victim) with part (of the heifer).” That is when GOD brought the victim back to life, and showed you His signs, that you may understand.
Change in Qibla
Another pivotal moment was the change of the Qibla. When Muhammad received the command to change the direction of prayer—first away from the Kaaba and later back to the Kaaba in Mecca—it served as a profound test of obedience for the believers. This directive initially caused doubt and uncertainty among the people when conveyed by the messenger. However, it was ultimately revealed that the command was a test to distinguish those who sincerely obeyed God’s instructions through His messenger from those who merely pretended to believe.
[2:142] The fools among the people would say, “Why did they change the direction of their Qiblah?” Say, “To GOD belongs the east and the west; He guides whoever wills in a straight path.”
[2:143] We thus made you an impartial community, that you may serve as witnesses among the people, and the messenger serves as a witness among you. We changed the direction of your original Qiblah only to distinguish those among you who readily follow the messenger from those who would turn back on their heels. It was a difficult test, but not for those who are guided by GOD. GOD never puts your worship to waste. GOD is Compassionate towards the people, Most Merciful.
[2:144] We have seen you turning your face about the sky (searching for the right direction). We now assign a Qiblah that is pleasing to you. Henceforth, you shall turn your face towards the Sacred Masjid. Wherever you may be, all of you shall turn your faces towards it. Those who received the previous scripture know that this is the truth from their Lord. GOD is never unaware of anything they do.
Saul and The Troops
The Quran presents another example through the prophet who lived alongside Saul (Talut). When the Children of Israel requested a king to lead them in battle from their prophet, they were tested on their sincerity. Although they initially claimed readiness to fight, their true intentions were revealed when they were commanded to mobilize, and many withdrew from following through with the command. Then, when their prophet informed them that God had appointed Saul as their king, even more of them objected and abandoned the cause.
[2:246] Have you noted the leaders of Israel after Moses? They said to their prophet, “If you appoint a king to lead us, we will fight in the cause of GOD.” He said, “Is it your intention that, if fighting is decreed for you, you will not fight?” They said, “Why should we not fight in the cause of GOD, when we have been deprived of our homes, and our children?” Yet, when fighting was decreed for them, they turned away, except a few. GOD is aware of the transgressors.
[2:247] Their prophet said to them, “GOD has appointed Taloot (Saul) to be your king.” They said, “How can he have kingship over us when we are more worthy of kingship than he; he is not even rich?” He said, “GOD has chosen him over you, and has blessed him with an abundance in knowledge and in body.” GOD grants His kingship to whomever He wills. GOD is Bounteous, Omniscient.
[2:248] Their prophet said to them, “The sign of his kingship is that the Ark of the Covenant will be restored to you, bringing assurances from your Lord, and relics left by the people of Moses and the people of Aaron. It will be carried by the angels. This should be a convincing sign for you, if you are really believers.”
Though Saul was not a messenger, he was chosen by God and granted authority by God as a test for his people. This demonstrates that the obligation to hear and obey extends not only to messengers but also to those explicitly selected by God and granted authority. As Saul led his people, further tests exposed their lack of faith. When he instructed his troops not to drink from a stream during their march to face Goliath, many more disobeyed. Finally, as they confronted Goliath, some who had persevered this far still doubted, complaining of their lack of strength. However, a small group of steadfast believers, unwavering in their obedience, overcame these trials and were granted victory.
[2:249] When Saul took command of the troops, he said, “GOD is putting you to the test by means of a stream. Anyone who drinks from it does not belong with me—only those who do not taste it belong with me—unless it is just a single sip.” They drank from it, except a few of them. When he crossed it with those who believed, they said, “Now we lack the strength to face Goliath and his troops.” Those who were conscious of meeting GOD said, “Many a small army defeated a large army by GOD’s leave. GOD is with those who steadfastly persevere.”
[2:250] When they faced Goliath and his troops, they prayed, “Our Lord, grant us steadfastness, strengthen our foothold, and support us against the disbelieving people.”
[2:251] They defeated them by GOD’s leave, and David killed Goliath. GOD gave him kingship and wisdom, and taught him as He willed. If it were not for GOD’s support of some people against others, there would be chaos on earth. But GOD showers His grace upon the people.
[2:252] These are GOD’s revelations. We recite them through you, truthfully, for you are one of the messengers.
Enter the Promise Land
The Quran recounts another profound example of obedience in the history of Moses and the Children of Israel. After God liberated them from Pharaoh’s tyranny, Moses commanded his people to enter the gates of the Holy Land as decreed by God. This moment was a critical test of their faith and trust in God’s plan. However, instead of heeding the command, the majority of the community hesitated, citing fear of the inhabitants, and refused to proceed.
[2:58] Recall that we said, “Enter this town, where you will find as many provisions as you like. Just enter the gate humbly, and treat the people nicely. We will then forgive your sins, and increase the reward for the pious.”
[2:59] But the wicked among them carried out commands other than the commands given to them. Consequently, we sent down upon the transgressors condemnation from the sky, due to their wickedness.
[5:20] Recall that Moses said to his people, “O my people, remember GOD’s blessings upon you: He appointed prophets from among you, made you kings, and granted you what He never granted any other people.
[5:21] “O my people, enter the holy land that GOD has decreed for you, and do not rebel, lest you become losers.”
[5:22] They said, “O Moses, there are powerful people in it, and we will not enter it, unless they get out of it. If they get out, we are entering.”
Among them, only two individuals stood firm in their obedience and faith. They urged their brethren not to disobey God’s command and reminded them of the importance of trusting in divine authority:
[5:23] Two men who were reverent and blessed by GOD said, “Just enter the gate. If you just enter it, you will surely prevail. You must trust in GOD, if you are believers.”
[5:24] They said, “O Moses, we will never enter it, so long as they are in it. Therefore, go—you and your Lord —and fight. We are sitting right here.”
Despite their courageous plea, the community’s collective refusal demonstrated their lack of conviction and reliance on God. This incident underscores a recurring theme in divine tests: true believers are distinguished by their willingness to act in obedience to God’s commands, even in the face of uncertainty. The steadfastness of the two faithful men exemplifies the virtues of unwavering trust in God and adherence to His guidance, while the broader community’s failure serves as a reminder of the consequences of doubt and disobedience.
These examples illustrate the central principle: the messenger’s duty is to convey God’s commands, and the believer’s duty is to follow, irrespective of personal inclinations or judgments.
True Strength of Faith Is Shown Under Uncertainty
Faith and obedience are not a challenge when the commands provided by God’s messengers align with our understanding, but true faith is revealed under uncertainty. The real question for believers is this: Are they willing to trust in God’s wisdom even when His commands seem unconventional or beyond comprehension? This challenge applies not only to ordinary believers but also to the messengers themselves.
A perfect example of this is found in the story of Moses and his teacher, as narrated in Surah Al-Kahf (18:60-82). The narrative begins with Moses seeking to learn deeper wisdom, so he is instructed to meet his teacher at the juncture where the two seas meet. This symbolic location carries significant meaning. Elsewhere in the Quran, we see that the term “two seas” is used to describe the differences between fresh water that is palatable and salty water that is undrinkable:
[25:53] He is the One who merges the two seas; one is fresh and palatable, while the other is salty and undrinkable. And He separated them with a formidable, inviolable barrier (evaporation).
This imagery foreshadows the trial Moses was about to undergo. Just as the freshwater represents what is palatable or comprehensible, the salty water represents what is harsh and difficult to accept. However out of both situations there is still good to be had.
[35:12] The two seas are not the same; one is fresh and delicious, while the other is salty and undrinkable. From each of them you eat tender meat, and extract jewelry to wear. And you see the ships sailing through them, seeking His provisions, that you may be appreciative.
Moses would soon be confronted with actions by his teacher that defied his understanding and make him question how he viewed the world. When Moses finally met his teacher, he respectfully asked to follow him and learn, but the teacher cautioned him:
[18:66] Moses said to him, “Can I follow you, that you may teach me some of the knowledge and the guidance bestowed upon you?”
[18:67] He said, “You cannot stand to be with me.
[18:68] “How can you stand that which you do not comprehend?”
The unfolding events proved the teacher’s point, as Moses struggled to comprehend and accept the wisdom behind his teacher’s seemingly irrational actions. Despite his status as a messenger of God, Moses found it difficult to submit without question. This story underscores that even the most esteemed of God’s messengers are tested in their capacity to obey and trust fully in God’s plan. It also serves as a humbling reminder that the path of submission and faith requires constant striving, even for those chosen by God as His messengers.
[29:2] Do the people think that they will be left to say, “We believe,” without being put to the test?
[29:3] We have tested those before them, for GOD must distinguish those who are truthful, and He must expose the liars.
[2:214] Do you expect to enter Paradise without being tested like those before you? They were tested with hardship and adversity, and were shaken up, until the messenger and those who believed with him said, “Where is GOD’s victory?” GOD’s victory is near.
This narrative is not an isolated instance in the Quran. Other messengers, too, faced moments of struggle when carrying out God’s commands, most notably that of Jonah, illustrating that the journey of obedience is an enduring test of faith that all believers must face, even messengers.
[21:87] And Zan-Noon (Jonah, “the one with an ‘N’ in his name”), abandoned his mission in protest, thinking that we could not control him. He ended up imploring from the darkness (of the big fish’s belly): “There is no god other than You. Be You glorified. I have committed a gross sin.”
Are Believers Required To Correct The Messenger?
Nowhere in the Quran do we find that it is the role of believers to “correct” God’s messengers when they issue a command. Even when a messenger errs, whether intentionally or unintentionally, the duty of the believer remains the same: to obey. This principle underscores the importance of submitting to the divinely ordained system of “hear and obey,” as it reflects a believer’s trust in God’s wisdom and leads to ultimate success by His leave.
The following verses show that even if the messengers fall short or goes astray their account is with God, however the duty of those they are sent with under all circumstances is just to hear and obey.
[34:50] Say, “If I go astray, I go astray because of my own shortcomings. And if I am guided, it is because of my Lord’s inspiration. He is Hearer, Near.”
[40:28] A believing man among Pharaoh’s people, who was concealing his belief, said, “How can you kill a man just for saying, ‘My Lord is GOD,’ and he has shown you clear proofs from your Lord? If he is a liar, that is his problem, and if he is truthful, you benefit from his promises. Surely, GOD does not guide any transgressor, liar.
Muhammad & Zeid
A compelling example of this can be found in the incident involving Muhammad and the wife of his adopted son Zeid. When Muhammad instructed Zeid to keep his wife in marriage, rather than proclaiming what God had commanded, the error lay not with Zeid but with Muhammad himself. The Quran narrates this event as follows:
[33:36] No believing man or believing woman, if GOD and His messenger issue any command, has any choice regarding that command. Anyone who disobeys GOD and His messenger has gone far astray.
[33:37] Recall that you said to the one who was blessed by GOD, and blessed by you, “Keep your wife and reverence GOD,” and you hid inside yourself what GOD wished to proclaim. Thus, you feared the people, when you were supposed to fear only GOD. When Zeid was completely through with his wife, we had you marry her, in order to establish the precedent that a man can marry the divorced wife of his adopted son. GOD’s commands shall be done.
This incident demonstrates that Zeid’s obligation was to follow the prophet’s instruction, irrespective of its correctness. It was not Zeid’s place to question or judge the validity of Muhammad’s command. His role as a believer was to submit and trust in the divine process established by God. By doing so, Zeid exemplified true submission to God. Ultimately, God rectified the matter in His infinite wisdom, as He always does.
This episode underscores a critical lesson: the responsibility of believers is to obey, leaving judgment and correction to God. Even when a messenger’s actions are incorrect, the believers should trust in the divine system in order to affirm their faith and ensure their success. Such submission exemplifies the essence of true belief, where reliance on God supersedes personal reasoning or judgment.
[24:48] When they are invited to GOD and His messenger to judge among them, some of them get upset.
[24:49] However, if the judgment is in their favor, they readily accept it!
[24:50] Is there a disease in their hearts? Are they doubtful? Are they afraid that GOD and His messenger may treat them unfairly? In fact, it is they who are unjust.
Abraham & Isaac
Another striking example of obedience is found in the story of Abraham and his son, as narrated in the Quran. Abraham saw in a dream that he was to sacrifice his son—a vision he believed to be a command from God. While this event was ultimately a test, one that God allowed Satan to influence, it serves as a profound lesson in submission and trust.
When Abraham informed his son of the vision, Ismail’s response exemplified perfect obedience. Rather than questioning or resisting, we see what he said in the following verse:
[37:102] When he grew enough to work with him, he said, “My son, I see in a dream that I am sacrificing you. What do you think?” He said, “O my father, do what you are commanded to do. You will find me, GOD willing, patient.”
Ismail’s unwavering submission—his willingness to accept what appeared to be a divine decree—demonstrates the essence of the believer’s duty: to hear and obey. This was not a blind or thoughtless act but a reflection of deep trust in God’s wisdom and mercy, even in the face of profound personal sacrifice. As the story unfolds, God intervenes at the critical moment, sparing the son and alleviating Abraham of such an extreme test.
This narrative underscores a vital truth: even when a messenger gives a command that isn’t from God, and he thinks it is, believers must still hear and obey. It was not the Ismail’s place to argue or question Abraham’s interpretation of the vision. Instead, he displayed the ultimate submission to God, trusting that God’s wisdom would prevail. And indeed, God, in His infinite mercy and grace, resolved the situation for the best.
This example serves as a timeless reminder that obedience to God’s system, even in moments of uncertainty or perceived difficulty, is a hallmark of true faith. Believers are not tasked with correcting or questioning their messengers but with trusting that God, who is Most Gracious and Most Merciful, will guide and rectify all matters according to His divine wisdom.
God Never Burdens a Soul Beyond Its Means
The Quran informs us that God never burdens a soul beyond its means. This highlights that every challenge, hardship, or responsibility placed upon an individual is calibrated to their unique capacity, reflecting God’s intimate knowledge of His creation.
[2:286] GOD never burdens a soul beyond its means: to its credit is what it earns, and against it is what it commits. “Our Lord, do not condemn us if we forget or make mistakes. Our Lord, and protect us from blaspheming against You, like those before us have done. Our Lord, protect us from sinning until it becomes too late for us to repent. Pardon us and forgive us. You are our Lord and Master. Grant us victory over the disbelieving people.”
Furthermore, God demonstrates that His tests are never unreasonable.
[4:66] Had we decreed for them: “You must offer your lives,” or “Give up your homes,” they would not have done it, except for a few of them. (Even if such a command was issued,) had they done what they were commanded to do, it would have been better for them, and would prove the strength of their faith.
God knows how much each soul can handle, so each person’s test will be commensurate to their level of faith.
[10:9] As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, their Lord guides them, by virtue of their belief. Rivers will flow beneath them in the gardens of bliss.
This is why the messenger’s tests are so much more strenuous than the average person. Since they are selected from among the best qualified for their respective tasks (6:124), their test will be more extreme as a lesson to the rest of us.
Consider Moses, who was commissioned to go to Pharoah. Despite having a short temper, speech impediment, and being considered a slave and fugitive by his adversaries, God knew that he was the one who was the most qualified for the job despite his own apprehensions.
[20:41] “I have made you just for Me.
[20:42] “Go with your brother, supported by My signs, and do not waver in remembering Me.
[20:43] “Go to Pharaoh, for he transgressed.
[20:44] “Speak to him nicely; he may take heed, or become reverent.”
[20:45] They said, “Our Lord, we fear lest he may attack us, or transgress.”
[20:46] He said, “Do not be afraid, for I will be with you, listening and watching.
When God informed Moses that he was made just for Him, it indicates that God knew exactly what Moses was capable of and was well aware that he was up for the task at hand as His messenger.
Similarly, in the case of Abraham, we have to understand that the test he had with the dream was unique to what God gave him through his life experiences. For example, God demonstrated to Abraham how when he was thrown into the fire, God did not allow the fire to burn him.
[21:68] They said, “Burn him and support your gods, if this is what you decide to do.”
[21:69] We said, “O fire, be cool and safe for Abraham.”
[21:70] Thus, they schemed against him, but we made them the losers.
[21:71] We saved him, and we saved Lot, to the land that we blessed for all the people.
Additionally, one of Abraham’s requests to God was to show him how He resurrected the dead, which God proceeded to demonstrate.
[2:260] Abraham said, “My Lord, show me how You revive the dead.” He said, “Do you not believe?” He said, “Yes, but I wish to reassure my heart.” He said, “Take four birds, study their marks, place a piece of each bird on top of a hill, then call them to you. They will come to you in a hurry. You should know that GOD is Almighty, Most Wise.”
So, based on this, it is safe to say that despite Abraham not knowing what was going to happen when he attempted to carry out his vision, it is clear that he trusted that God would save the situation like He always does if he only trusts in His Lord as he always did. This also shows that this will not be the standard test for other believers, as others did not have these life experiences that God gave Abraham.
God Never Advocates Vice
A typical excuse regarding people’s resistance to simply submitting by hearing and obeying is what if the messenger commands them to do something evil or immoral. Such a command actually goes against God’s system, as God does not advocate vice.
[16:90] GOD advocates justice, charity, and regarding the relatives. And He forbids evil, vice, and transgression. He enlightens you, that you may take heed.
[7:28] They commit a gross sin, then say, “We found our parents doing this, and GOD has commanded us to do it.” Say, “GOD never advocates sin. Are you saying about GOD what you do not know?”
[7:29] Say, “My Lord advocates justice, and to stand devoted to Him alone at every place of worship. You shall devote your worship absolutely to Him alone. Just as He initiated you, you will ultimately go back to Him.”
Secondly, God assures us that messengers cannot go rogue and issue unauthorized commands that God counter to God’s decrees. If they do out of weakness, God will correct the situation like he did in the example of Muhammad and Zeid (33:37). If they attempt to protest by not fulfilling their duties, they will be detained like Jonah was until they come to their senses (21:96). And lastly, just for that additional assurance, God informs us through the example of Muhammad this would never be permissible. This effectively eliminates any doubt believers should have in obeying the messenger.
[17:73] They almost diverted you from the revelations we have given you. They wanted you to fabricate something else, in order to consider you a friend.
[17:74] If it were not that we strengthened you, you almost leaned towards them just a little bit.
[17:75] Had you done that, we would have doubled the retribution for you in this life, and after death, and you would have found no one to help you against us.
[17:76] They almost banished you from the land to get rid of you, so they could revert as soon as you left.
[17:77] This has been consistently the case with all the messengers that we sent before you, and you will find that our system never changes.
[69:44] Had he uttered any other teachings.
[69:45] We would have punished him.
[69:46] We would have stopped the revelations to him.
[69:47] None of you could have helped him.
God Protects The Believers
A messenger’s job is simply to deliver the message. They themselves can not even harm or benefit themselves. They, too, are simply under the command of God to carry out His commands.
[7:188] Say, “I have no power to benefit myself, or harm myself. Only what GOD wills happens to me. If I knew the future, I would have increased my wealth, and no harm would have afflicted me. I am no more than a warner, and a bearer of good news for those who believe.”
However, even when the devil interferes with the prophets and messengers commands, which God confirms he will, we must trust that God will rectify the situation, just like he did for Abraham (37:102-111), as long as we submit to Him.
[22:52] We did not send before you any messenger, nor a prophet, without having the devil interfere in his wishes. GOD then nullifies what the devil has done. GOD perfects His revelations. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise.
Moreover, we must realize that no entity can harm or benefit us except God. Even the devil in all his schemes cannot harm those who are devoted to God alone (15:42,16:99, 17:65).
[15:42] (God said) “You (Satan) have no power over My servants. You only have power over the strayers who follow you.
This means that as long as we do the things that please God, then God will provide us with the best protection and will guide us to the path of peace.
[10:107] If GOD touches you with a hardship, none can relieve it except He. And when He blesses you, no force can prevent His grace. He bestows it upon whomever He chooses from among His servants. He is the Forgiver, Most Merciful.
So, irrespective of what the messenger commands or how the situation appears, God is still controlling all outcomes and protects the believers as long as we submit.
[3:173] When the people say to them, “People have mobilized against you; you should fear them,” this only strengthens their faith and they say, “GOD suffices us; He is the best Protector.”
[3:174] They have deserved GOD’s blessings and grace. No harm ever touches them, for they have attained GOD’s approval. GOD possesses infinite grace.
Obeying The Messenger vs. Obeying Hadith
A natural question that needs to be discussed before we wrap up this article is: does obeying God and His messenger imply that we are required to obey Hadith?
While there are plenty of articles on the blog that cover this topic for those who are interested, God willing, I’ll just provide a short answer here. For the uninformed, Hadith are narrations attributed to the prophet that were compiled and written hundreds of years after the prophet’s death. These narrations not only contradict and go against the Quran delivered by Muhammad, but they are condemned in the Quran as not only do they have no authority in the religion, but they also have no legitimacy in what they attribute to the prophet. So, while one is obligated to obey the messenger, we are under no obligation to obey unverifiable conjecture attributed to a messenger.
The Quran even warned that the creation of such fabrications against the prophet are the exact tactics the devil’s agents would use to try to trick the masses into upholding false doctrines never authorized by God.
[6:112] We have permitted the enemies of every prophet—human and jinn devils—to inspire in each other fancy words, in order to deceive. Had your Lord willed, they would not have done it. You shall disregard them and their fabrications.
[6:113] This is to let the minds of those who do not believe in the Hereafter listen to such fabrications, and accept them, and thus expose their real convictions.
[6:114] Shall I seek other than GOD as a source of law, when He has revealed to you this book fully detailed? Those who received the scripture recognize that it has been revealed from your Lord, truthfully. You shall not harbor any doubt.
[6:115] The word of your Lord is complete, in truth and justice. Nothing shall abrogate His words. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient.
[6:116] If you obey the majority of people on earth, they will divert you from the path of GOD. They follow only conjecture; they only guess.
For a more comprehensive Q&A around Hadith and Quran check out the following depository.
Messengers: God’s Appointed Referee
To close out this article, I want to present a metaphor that may hopefully help illustrate the relationship between messengers, who are tasked with delivering God’s commands, and believers, who are commanded to obey the commands delivered by God’s messengers.
Imagine a group of children drawn together by a shared love for soccer. As their game progresses, disputes inevitably arise over rules or contested plays. Without a system to resolve these disagreements, the game devolves into chaos, with arguments escalating and players abandoning the field. Now consider a formal league where referees are appointed to enforce the rules and mediate disputes. For the game to continue, the players must respect the referee’s authority. Those who challenge or disregard the referee’s decisions face penalties, including expulsion. The order and fairness of the game depend entirely on the players’ willingness to accept the referee’s role.
Similarly, God’s messengers act as referees for humanity, entrusted with divine authority to guide and resolve disputes about faith and practice. Believers are called to honor and adhere to their rulings, recognizing that ultimate authority belongs to God alone, while the messengers are the instruments through which His commands are conveyed, and their judgments must be met with total acceptance:
[4:65] Never indeed, by your Lord; they are not believers unless they come to you to judge in their disputes, then find no hesitation in their hearts whatsoever in accepting your judgment. They must submit a total submission.
[24:51] The only utterance of the believers, whenever invited to GOD and His messenger to judge in their affairs, is to say, “We hear and we obey.” These are the winners.
True submission to God requires acknowledging the messenger’s role and embracing the principle of “hear and obey.” This trust reflects faith in God’s wisdom and ensures that a believer’s deeds remain valid and rewarded. Obedience to the messenger is not merely a formal duty but an affirmation of the believer’s covenant with God:
[7:35] O children of Adam, when messengers come to you from among you, and recite My revelations to you, those who take heed and lead a righteous life, will have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.
The harmony between a messenger’s duty to deliver and a believer’s duty to obey is God’s eternal system. Those who demonstrate their faith by hearing and obeying will be admitted to Paradise, while those who disobey will only go astray. As the Quran reminds us:
[4:13] These are GOD’s laws. Those who obey GOD and His messenger, He will admit them into gardens with flowing streams, wherein they abide forever. This is the greatest triumph.
[4:14] As for the one who disobeys GOD and His messenger, and transgresses His laws, He will admit him into Hell, wherein he abides forever. He has incurred a shameful retribution.
[8:20] O you who believe, obey GOD and His messenger, and do not disregard him while you hear.
[8:21] Do not be like those who say, “We hear,” when they do not hear.
[8:22] The worst creatures in the sight of GOD are the deaf and dumb, who do not understand.
[8:23] Had GOD known of any good in them, He would have made them hearers. Even if He made them hearers, they still would turn away in aversion.
[8:24] O you who believe, you shall respond to GOD and to the messenger when he invites you to what gives you life. You should know that GOD is closer to you than your heart, and that before Him you will be summoned.
[8:25] Beware of a retribution that may not be limited to the evildoers among you. You should know that GOD’s retribution is severe.
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