Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 34716 — Reports on obeying the imam

Ibn Abi Najih (may Allah have mercy on him) said that Mujahid (may Allah have mercy on him) explained this verse as follows: "Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you." Mujahid (may Allah have mercy on him) used to say that it means the Companions of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), and sometimes he said that it means the people of intellect and those with understanding of the religion of Allah.