Quran’s View on Who to Obey
Managing the affairs of a group is based on the interaction of two categories of people; those who give instructions and manage and those who obey and implement.
Words related to obedience are used 129 times in the Holy Quran as some of the references are related to management. Verse 19 of Surah Al-Alaq reads: “(Muhammad), never yield to him! Prostrate yourself and try to come closer to God.” This verse asks the subordinates not to obey. This shows that the Quran considers a special place for subordinates and even enables them to not obey an incompetent manager.
If we obey a rebellious manager, we will eventually become like him; that's why the Quran insists on obeying a manager who deserves it. The Holy Quran has said that a manager who blocks your access to the path of God should not be obeyed.
“Therefore fear Allah as much as you can, and listen, obey, and spend well for yourselves. And whosoever is saved from the greed of his own soul; those are the winners.” (Surah At-Taghabun, verse 16)
As long as no proper interaction is in place between managers and those below, the management will not be effective.
