A major question in legal theory is when an imperative (amr) signifies obligation (wujūb). The present discussion adduces scriptural evidence for the obligatory force of a command, while the application of that principle to an individual instruction still requires attention to contextual indicators.
فَلْيَحْذَرِ الَّذِينَ يُخَالِفُونَ عَنْ أَمْرِهِ
Let those who oppose his command beware. (al-Nūr 24:63)
The warning attached to disobedience supports the argument that a command is not simply a nonbinding suggestion. Nevertheless, other textual evidence may establish a particular command as recommendation, specify its scope, or alter its apparent import. A general rule and the interpretation of a specific passage must not be conflated.