The default ruling for commands is obligation, and a mention of the disagreement on this issue.

The Shaykh : And this is a text that indicates the obligation of complying with the command. Others said: Rather, the default ruling for a command is that it is recommended, because the command for it indicates its prescription. And the default is that there is no sin in leaving it. And this is the reality of what is recommended. I saw a statement by some of the later scholars saying: "The default ruling for commands is obligation in acts of worship, and the default ruling for commands is recommendation in what pertains to good manners and etiquette". This is a statement closer to the two previous statements in terms of precision. So what pertains to good manners and etiquette, what is the default ruling for commands in it? Recommendation, unless there is evidence indicating obligation. And what pertains to acts of worship, the default ruling in it is obligation, unless there is evidence indicating recommendation. And this is a very sound statement. But from the perspective of education and from the perspective of worship, it is not befitting for us, ever, when we hear the command of Allah and His Messenger, to say: Is it for recommendation or for obligation? Ever. Rather, it is obligatory for us to say: We hear and we obey. As for discussing and saying: O our Lord, is Your command for obligation or for recommendation? Or: O Messenger of Allah, is Your command for obligation or for recommendation? This is contrary to the way of the Companions. The Companions, when the Messenger commanded something, said: We hear and we obey. And they did not say: O Messenger of Allah, did you intend obligation or did you intend recommendation? You, my brother, are a slave who heard the word of your Master: Do it, do it. You heard the word of your Master: Do not do it, do not do it. As for you saying: Is the command for obligation or for recommendation? Why, my brother? You are a slave. You were told: Do it, do it. Do not discuss. You were told: Do not do it, do not do it. And listen to the word of Allah (Mighty and Majestic): And listen to the word of Allah (Mighty and Majestic): . My brother, do not say this. Do not say the command is for obligation or for recommendation. It is true that if a person falls into a predicament and violates the command or the prohibition, then at that time he asks: Is the command for obligation? He needs repentance, meaning he needs repentance for his violation. Is the prohibition for prohibition? He needs repentance. And as for not falling into a predicament, do not say this is for obligation or this is for prohibition. Say: We hear and we obey, so that you realize the meaning of servitude and so that you are truly a slave to Allah (Mighty and Majestic).