How to reconcile our statement that the Messenger does not forbid from his own authority nor permit, with his saying (peace and blessings be upon him): “If it were not that I would burden my Ummah, I would have ordered them…”

The questioner : Shaykh, may Allah bless you.

The Shaykh : It is now time for the question, yes?

The questioner : What is the difference between our statement that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) does not forbid from his own authority, and what he forbade… such as the hadith regarding the siwak?

The Shaykh : No , meaning: after the command of Allah (Mighty and Majestic). We know that if the Messenger commands something, Allah has commanded him, either by confirmation or by initiation. It is necessary that even if he initiated permitting or forbidding, if Allah does not approve of it, He makes it clear; and if He is silent, it is confirmation. However, a ruling cannot be established merely by the fact that the Messenger said it. For this reason, he said: .