Is what the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, meant by his saying, "If you are three, then appoint one of you as your leader," leadership in the sense of commanding and forbidding and the obligation of obedience?

The Hadith: "If three people go on a journey, they should appoint one of them as their leader" is authentic and indicates the great importance of leadership among people and the necessity of Muslim unity. Leadership (al-imarah) means giving commands and prohibitions, and obedience is obligatory unless it involves disobedience. There is no difference in this regard between major and minor leadership. The Companions pledged allegiance to the Prophet (peace be upon him) to listen and obey, except in clear disbelief. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also explained that caliphs would be numerous after him and commanded giving each person their due rights. The verse "Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you" was revealed concerning Abdullah ibn Hudhafah.