We should also take note that this obedience is without reservation. We should accept his commands willingly and not feel any hesitation or skepticism. Allah emphasises this point categorically in the following verses:

{But no, by your Lord, they cannot have faith until they make you judge in all disputes between them and find in their hearts no resistance against your decisions, but accept them with the fullest conviction.} (An-Nisa’ 4: 65)

{It is not fitting for a believer, man or woman, when a matter is decided by Allah and His Messenger to have an option about their decisions. If anyone disobeys Allah and His Messenger he is indeed on a clearly wrong path.}(Al-Ahzab 33: 36)

{So take what the Messenger assigns to you, and deny yourselves that which he withholds from you…} (Al-Hashr 59: 7)

The same message is given in this hadith:

“What I have forbidden to you, avoid: what I have ordered you [to do] do as much as you can.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Unlike obedience of national laws in a country where one happens to reside and finding them repulsive but feeling compelled to obey, obedience of the Messenger has to be with full faith and fervour and not half-hearted and perfunctory.

One cannot be a believer unless one surrenders oneself fully. It is narrated by `Abdullah ibn `Amr ibn al-`Ass that Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)  said:

“None of you [truly] believes until his inclination is in accordance with what I have brought.” (Kitab al-Hujjah)

Obedience equates with formal adherence of laws and regulations to fulfil the legal requirements of the Shari`ah. However, believers are required to follow the Messenger diligently. This is called ittiba` which means to follow in the footsteps of others. The instruction given to the believers is:

{Say: If you do love Allah follow me; Allah will love you and forgive your sins…} (Aal `Imran 3: 31)

The circle of ittiba` is wider than that of ita`ah (obedience). The latter covers obligatory and compulsory requirements whereas the former covers optional and supererogatory works. Obedience at times may be superficial and lacking sincerity whereas ittiba` can only be performed with love and devotion.

This is illustrated by the Companions’ conduct. For example `Abdullah ibn `Umar was so strict in following the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) that he used to stop and pray where the Prophet happened to have done so. It is narrated that Shaikh Bayazid Bustami did not eat watermelon as he did not know whether the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)  had eaten this fruit and if so how he had eaten it.

Yet a much higher stage of our relationship with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)  is his love. Believers should have the utmost respect and love for the Prophet.

It is reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

“None of you [truly] believes until you love me more than his parents, children or any other person.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)