Respecting Authority

[[ Ruby’s comment:- Since the verse particularly mentions to heed the Apostle, under God’s direct guidance, who is not capable of major deviations from God’s path and Justice. This injunction to settle dissent with the Apostle is specifically for that period and not for the later periods by any means. Authority of the Apostle is different from other authorities that are not under direct guidance of God and capable of making major deviations that need to be protested, confronted and even fought against if needed. The people cannot follow this verse in any other time without careful considerations of the leadership and its degree of deviation from the right path of upholding justice and human rights, and defending the due process. However, in a broader sense and considering the teachings and the spirit of the Quran, it is important that all citizens work and participate to achieve social harmony and law and order. And make all efforts to settle dissents through dialogue and peaceful means before embarking on a more confrontational and violent agenda.]]

4. Sura an-Nisa

The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:

أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِينَ يُزَكُّونَ أَنفُسَهُمْ...   

4: 49.  Hast thou not turned thy vision to those who claim sanctity for themselves?

C570. The sanctimonious or self-sanctified people are the farthest from sanctity or purity, which can only proceed from Allah. They cannot play with Allah's Truth and yet go on claiming to be guided and purified or justified by Allah.

Their falsehood in itself condemns them: no further proof is needed of their selfishness and evil.

... بَلِ اللّهُ يُزَكِّي مَن يَشَاء ...

Nay, but Allah doth sanctify whom He pleaseth

... وَلاَ يُظْلَمُونَ فَتِيلاً ﴿٤٩﴾

but never will they fail to receive justice in the least little thing.

C571. Literally, the small skin in the groove of a date stone, a thing of no value; fatila.

Asad’s Version:

4: 59 O you who have attained to faith! Pay heed unto God, and pay heed unto the Apostle and unto those from among you who have been entrusted with authority; and if are at variance over any matter, refer it unto God and the Apostle, if you [truly] believe in God and the Last Day. This is the best [for you], and best in the end. Asad