Returning back to Allaah and the Messenger (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) during the times of differing:
Likewise from the reasons of unity: Obedience to the leader of the Muslimeen.
Allaah stated: Oh you who believe, obey Allaah, obey the Messenger and those in authority from amongst you. If you differ in any matter, refer it back to Allaah and the Messenger if you truly believe in Allaah and the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for a final determination. (Soorah an-Nisaa: 59)
The occurrence of dispute and differing is a must. However this matter of dispute and differing is put to an end with the returning back to the book of Allaah and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam). This will be be (a reality) at the hands of Ahlil-'Ilm (the scholars of Ahlus-Sunnah), those who know the book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam). The person returns back to them (the scholars) in bringing about the solution to the dispute in light of the book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam).
[Regarding Allaah's statement:] If you truly believe in Allaah and The Last Day
Therefore the believer returns back to the book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam). He takes that which the sound evidence has indicated. This is the true believer. As for other than the believer, indeed he doesn't return back to the Book and the Sunnah. He only returns back to his desires and his tastes. He returns back to the people of misguidance and he doesn't return back to the scholars. He only returns back to the rules/regulations of the parties and groups (of deviance) and he doesn't return back to the book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam).
Source: Majmoo' ar-Rasaa-il Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan (hafidhahullaah) p.g. 165-166, via [url=http://31097.multiply.com/journal/item/66/Returning_Back_to_Allaah_and_The_Messenger_During_Times_of_Differing_From_The_Words_of_Shaykh_Saalih_al-Fawzaan_may_Allaah_preserve_him]Click here or headline[/url]
Translated by: Abu Yusuf Khaleefah
Subhanak Allaahuma wa bihamdika ash-hadu anlaa illaaha illa anta astaghfiruka wa atubu ilayk
If I said anything correct, then it is from Allaah (subhanahu wa taa'ala), and if I erred, then that is from me and shaytan.