Page 22 - The Revolution of Imam Hussein

The Revolution of Imam Hussein

have been attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (p)

insisting that one should not obey a creature against his
creator (3); and should say a just word before an unjust
First Chapter ruler (4). Therefore, it is extremely important to know who
(Ulu-al-amr) the Muslims are told to listen to and obey.
There is disagreement among the early companions of
Ulu-al-amr (Holders of power) the Prophet (p) and other Muslim scholars regarding the

(Ulu-al-amr). According to Abu Huraira (d.58A.H/678),
(Ulu-al-amr) are the (Umara), [those in command]. But
according to Mujahid; al-Hasan al-Basri (d.110A.H),

and ‘Ata (d.115A.H), they are the ‘Ulama, [the scholars].
Meanwhile al-Tabari (d.310A.H), considered the rulers to
be (Ulu-al-amr) on the basis that “it has been transmitted
from the Prophet of God, that he said the rulers should
be obeyed as long as they obey God and preserve Islamic
interests” (5). It has also been narrated that Mujahid had
expressed a different opinion stating that (Ulu-al-amr) are

the companions of the Prophet (p) (6).
On the other hand, according to the 5th Imam of (Ahl-
ul-Bait) al-Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (d.113 A.H), and the
6TH Imam of (Ahl-ul-Bait) al-Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq (d.148
A.H), (Ulu-al-amr) are the Twelve Imams of (Ahl-ul-Bait)
[the progeny of the prophet] and as such it is to them
that obedience was enjoined (7).
Al-Sheikh al-Saduq b. Babawayh al-Qommi
(306A.H/919381-A.H/991), who is regarded amongst

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