Does the mere action of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) indicate obligation?
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The questioner : How do some of the scholars of usul al-fiqh (principles of jurisprudence) obligate the servants of Allah based on a mere action, given that the Messenger’s mere action does not indicate obligation?
The Shaykh : No, it indicates obligation because it is an explanation of a general text. If the action is an explanation of a general text, then it has the ruling of that general text. If the general text is commanded, then it becomes commanded. The discussion is about the mere action that is not for the purpose of explanation.
The questioner : And the general text in the verses?
The Shaykh : It is a general text in the verse.
The questioner : Were the ears mentioned in the verses?
The Shaykh : They were not mentioned, but the fact that the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) was consistent in wiping the head is evidence that the ears are included in it: "and wiping the head, and the ears are part of it".
The Shaykh : No, it indicates obligation because it is an explanation of a general text. If the action is an explanation of a general text, then it has the ruling of that general text. If the general text is commanded, then it becomes commanded. The discussion is about the mere action that is not for the purpose of explanation.
The questioner : And the general text in the verses?
The Shaykh : It is a general text in the verse.
The questioner : Were the ears mentioned in the verses?
The Shaykh : They were not mentioned, but the fact that the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) was consistent in wiping the head is evidence that the ears are included in it: "and wiping the head, and the ears are part of it".