Mukhtasar Bukhari

Narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "We are the last among the nations in terms of time, but the foremost in rank." And he said: "Whoever obeys me has obeyed Allah, and whoever disobeys me has disobeyed Allah. And whoever obeys the (lawful) leader has indeed obeyed me, and whoever disobeys the (lawful) leader has indeed disobeyed me. And the Imam is like a shield; fighting is done from behind him, and he is a means of protection. So if he commands the fear of Allah and acts justly, then he will be rewarded for that, and if he does otherwise, then he will bear the sin for that."