The Essence of Obedience

before the period of political authority. Beyond this, following additional commandments becomes mandatory only when they have gained power and authority, which is necessary to enforce these laws. After reading my statements, a gentleman responded with strong criticism, stating: “We cannot compare ourselves to the Muslims of the Makkan period. If a Muslim in Makkah engaged in usury, married a polytheist, did not stone an adulterer, or did not cut off the hand of a thief, they would not be blamed because no command on these matters had yet been revealed. Today, however, the situation is completely different. It is no longer feasible for someone to dismiss issues like usury, gambling, alcohol, or marriage with polytheists by labelling them as Madinan commandments. Nor can they justify ignoring the collective commandments of religion by citing a lack of practical implementation.” My response is that this criticism merges two different types of commandments, which causes a misunderstanding. Regarding the personal prohibitions of usury, gambling, and alcohol, the fact that these prohibitions were revealed in their complete form in Madinah