Heard and Obeyed?

Shaykh Muhammad bin Haadi al-Madkhalee (may Allaah preserve him) was asked: Our Noble Shaykh, may Allaah preserve you, "Some of the Imaams of the Masaajid here in America claim that they are to be heard and obeyed like the rulers and the scholars (of the Muslim lands) and they apply the proofs of obedience (to the rulers) to themselves. So what is the ruling concerning this statement? How do we respond to this? Benefit us, and may Allaah reward you with good."

The Shaykh responded by saying:

"All praise is due to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. May the prayers and peace of Allaah be upon the noblest of Prophets and Messengers, our Prophet Muhammad, his family and all of his companions. To proceed:

Says the one who is in need of the pardon of His Lord, Muhammad bin Haadi al-Madkhalee (may Allaah preserve him):

Whoever claims this affair which the questioner has mentioned, then he is misguided and astray from the way of Ahlis-Sunnah wal Jamaa'ah. This matter is well-known even by the youth and the elderly from the People of the Sunnah, and the praise is due to Allaah for that. That is only due to the severity of its appearance amongst the People of the Sunnah. It is upon the one who made this statement to repent to Allaah and return to the methodology of the Sunnah and the Jamaa'ah. If he does not return, then beware of him and warn the people against him, for indeed this statement is proof that he harbours evil and wickedness.

May Allaah send the prayers, peace and blessings upon His Servant and Messenger, our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions."

Handwritten by the Noble Shaykh Muhammad ibn Madkhalee (may Allaah preserve him)

Sunday night the 15th of Rajab 1431 Hijri.