Voice of British Muslim Women

Ayesha Naseem Mirza, Walsall

The act of obedience, of any kind and towards anything or anyone, is often seen as submissive. This is why some laws and regulations are also sometimes seen as excessively controlling by the state and are often considered to be against the idea of liberty and freedom of the people. However, without at least some level of compliance at a societal and national level, it would be near impossible to maintain order and stability. Everyone would act on their own behest, there would be no regard for the implications of such individualist attitude towards wider society; and generally, such a society would lack any sort of unity.

So, in a world that now appears to increasingly view rebellion as empowering and often encourages us to question anything and everything, it is more important than ever to turn to the wisdom in obedience.

Islam aptly sets out the standards of obedience in its teachings and also explains their purpose. In the Holy Qur’an, it is stated in Surah Aal-e-Imran, verse 133 that “And obey Allah and the Messenger that you be shown mercy.”

The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) has elaborated on the concept of obedience to Allah’s Prophets and has explained:

“Obedience to a divinely appointed person [ma’mur] should be such that if an order is given, regardless of the allurements or temptations the enemy may offer, or whatever humility, self-abasement, or flattery they may employ, preference should never be given to these things over his command, and one should never turn their attention to them. […] Complete obedience leads to complete guidance. The members of our Community should listen well and seek strength from God, [praying] that they may not indulge in [rebellious] behaviour.’ [1]

Then there is the idea of obedience to the successors of the Prophets of God – the Caliphs, and also the Imam who leads the congregational Prayer. In a narration of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him), it has been reported that he said: “Adhere to my practice [sunnah] and the practice of the Rightly-Guided Successors. Cling to them steadfastly and with great perseverance.” [2]

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) has said:

“‘An imam is appointed to be followed. Therefore, when he says takbir [Allahu Akbar], you should also say takbir; when he bows in ruku’, you should also bow; and when he prostrates in sajdah [prostration], you should also prostrate.” [3]

The fifth and current Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper) explained: “If we are to attract the favours of God Almighty, we must analyse ourselves as to what extent we possess obedience, are acting upon the commandments of God Almighty, are adorning our prayers, are trying to follow the practice of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and what our level of obedience is.” [5]

Moreover, in Islam, Muslims are not only required to obey Allah and His Messenger for success in their religious and spiritual life, but, as citizens of their nations, they must also obey those in authority over them, that is, follow the laws and rules of the land. In doing so, a sense of unity is created between all members of society; there is a sense of belonging, everyone looks out for each other and generally a level of stability and order is maintained.

In Surah an-Nisa, verse 60 of the Holy Qur’an, it is stated: “O ye who believe! obey Allah and obey His Messenger and those who are in authority over you…”

His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper) has also explained the significance of obedience to the land and its law for Muslims stating:

“A true Muslim can never raise his voice in hatred against his fellow citizens, nor for that matter against the ruling authority or government of the time. It is the responsibility of a true Muslim that he should remain loyal and fully abide by the laws of the land of which he is a subject.” [6]

While asking questions is not a wrong thing to do, constant questioning and rebellion against what is said or asked of us can be detrimental to our society’s general peace and order. And to maintain any such peace or societal and communal order, a degree of obedience is inevitable and necessary.

References:

[1] https://www.alhakam.org/answers-to-everyday-issues-part-67/

[2] https://www.alhakam.org/answers-to-everyday-issues-part-67/

[3] Ibid.

[4] Malfuzat, Vol. 6, p. 413

[5] Friday Sermon: “Khilafat and Obedience”, Al Hakam, 24 May 2019 https://www.alhakam.org/khilafat-and-obedience/

[6] Baitul Futuh Inauguration Reception, 11 Oct 2003, https://www.alislam.org/question/islam-obedience-law-of-land/