This verse and the next few verses argue about one of the most important Islamic matters which is the leadership, and the reference points for Muslims when they are in important variances:

      ``O, believers! obey Allah and obey the Messenger, and those who are charged with authourity from among you.''

      All ultimate authorities and final decisions rest in God; and men of God derive their authorities from Allah.

      Allah is the only leader and guide, and any guidance should have its source and authority from Allah. This is because Allah is the real commander, and the real owner of the Universe and all beings. So in the first degree, every one and everything has to obey Him. Then in a lower grade the obedience belongs to God's Messenger, whom God has charged him to authourity and responsibility, and he can settle the affairs of people through God's inspiration. Then in the lower and the third step, man is to obey his ULI-L-AMR who is the truthful leader and the righteous Imam.

      As for their differences; Muslims have to refer to Allah, whose BOOK which is the Holy Qurän is among them and they may also refer to Allah's Messenger whose conduct and methodical way is well known to them.

WHO ARE THE VALI-L-AMR

      All the Shiite commentators, unanimously, understand VALI-L-AMR to mean the righteous Imams, who are all innocent and infallible, and are chosen by Allah through His Messenger for the leadership of Muslims, and for the settlement of their sacred and secular affairs. And also those who are authorized for various positions by the righteous Imams are to be obeyed, but on conditions.

      There has been an extensive dispute and hot arguments about the question, that who are the VALI-L-AMR among different sects and schools in Islamic world which makes many voluminous books, and yet the dispute and variance still exists!