Question:
When is the statement of the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) given precedence over his action? Likewise, when do we say that it (the action) is specifically for the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم)?
Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzan:
That which has been established from the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) – by way of speech, action or (his) approval is considered to be Sunnah; which we have been ordered to follow. If the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was to command us to do something but yet (the Messenger) did otherwise, then in such a case we take his statement, and consider his action to be specifically for him.
Translated by DaarutTawheed.
Source: http://www.alfawzan.af.org.sa/node/15703