Page 21 - The Revolution of Imam Hussein

The Revolution of Imam Hussein

First Chapter

Ulu-al-amr (Holders of power)

A number of the verses of the Holy Quran deal with

obedience to Allah and his Messenger (1). These verses
epitomise the nature of obedience in Islam. The sole
object of obedience is to Allah, the real sovereign. He
alone is to be obeyed in His own right. The second level
of obedience is to the Prophet for he is the only authentic
source through whom the directives and commandments
of Allah are revealed to Muslims and their practical

implications are known from the Prophet’s own life.

Although these verses in the Holy Quran speak of
obedience to Allah and His Messenger, there are only
two places in the Holy Quran which refer to a third level
of authority in addition to Allah and His Messenger: that
of (Ulu-al-amr). “O you; who believe, obey Allah and obey

the Apostle, and Ul-ul-amr [those with authority, or
command] among you” (2). In addition, many traditions

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