What is the evidence for the obligation to follow the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, in his actions, especially given the disagreement on the principle of "the lesson is in the generality of the wording"? Is the fundamental principle that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, is equal to his community in religious laws? What is the ruling on following an action of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, if he performed it discreetly and one of the Companions saw it, such as his urinating while standing? And is contemplating these matters considered a sin?

The actions of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, are divided into three categories: legislative actions that are to be emulated, natural/instinctive actions that are not to be emulated, and actions that could be either legislative or natural, which is a point of contention. The default understanding of his actions is that they are legislative, unless there is evidence indicating their specificity to him or if they were purely natural actions. The prohibition against urinating while standing has not been authentically reported from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. However, Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, mentioned that he never urinated except while sitting. It has been reported that he, peace and blessings be upon him, urinated while standing once, and perhaps that was to show permissibility or due to an excuse. It has also been authentically reported that a number of companions urinated while standing.