Fataawaa From the Imaams of Islam Concerning Rallies and Demonstrations
From the Fataawaa of Imaam Ibn Baaz (d.1420H) ,al-’Allaamah Ibnul-’Uthaymeen (d.1421H) and al-Muhaddith Muhammad Naasirud-Deen al-Albaanee (d.1420H)
Allaah the Glorified and Exalted said, “And do not kill a person whom Allaah has declared unlawful, except with due right.” [Sooratul-An’aam 6:151]
Allaah – the Lord of the Worlds – said, “And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell to abide therein, and the wrath and the curse of Allaah are upon him, and a great punishment is prepared for him.” [Sooratun-Nisaa‘ 4:93]
Said Imaam Muhammad Naasirud-Deen al-Albaanee (d.1420H) – rahimahullaah
, “We support everyone who calls for the refutation of those who come out against the Rulers,and those who encourage the Muslims in coming out against the Rulers.” [Fataawaa al-’Ulamaa‘il-Akaabir (p. 97)]
Said al-’Allaamah Ibn Baaz (d.1420H) – rahimahullaah
, “If anyone from amongst the callers in Algeria said about me that I said to them, ‘Assassinate the police, or use weapons in the
call to Allaah,’ then this is wrong, it is not true. Rather, it is a lie!”
Said Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-’Uthaymeen (d.1421H) – rahimahullaah
, “We view it obligatory upon them to put down their swords and to meet in peace. And if not, then they must endure the continuance of those who fight and take wealth by force and rape the women. Since they are responsible for it in front of Allaah the Mighty and Majestic. And the obligation upon them is to come back.”
Adapted by: Shaykh ’Abdul-Maalik Ramadaanee al-Jazaa‘iree
Translation: Maaz Qureshi
Benefit - Important Issues Of Revolt Against The Rulers
The following questions were asked to Imaam ’Abdul-’Azeez Ibn Baaz (d.1420H), this discussion was taken from ash-Sharqul-Awsat (no. 5289),as is found in Muraaji’aat fee Fiqhil-Waaqi’is-Siyaasee wal-Fikree of Dr. ’Abdullaah ar-Rifaa’ee.
[Q.1]: ‘From the matters that have caused controversy is the affair of the connection between the ruler and the ruled, and the Sharee’ah principle surrounding this connection. Noble Shaykh, there are those who hold that the perpetration of major sins by the rulers obligates revolting against them, and endeavoring to remove them, even if this causes some harm to the Muslims in the country. And recent occurrences like this have started to happen in places within our Islaamic world, so what is your opinion – O noble Shaykh – concerning this?’
[A.1]: “With the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of the mercy. The praise is due to Allaah, Lord of the Worlds. And may the Prayers and Peace of Allaah be upon the Messenger of Allaah, and upon his Family, and upon his Companions, and whosoever follows his guidance. To proceed: So indeed Allaah the Mighty and Majestic has said, “O you who believe! Obey Allaah, and obey the Messenger, and those who are in authority over you. So if you differ in anything, then refer it to Allaah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allaah and the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination.” [Sooratun-Nisaa‘ 4:59]
This aayah explains the obligation of obeying the caretaker of the affair (waliyyul-amr), and that is the rulers and the scholars.
Indeed there occurs in the authentic Sunnah that the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) explained this obligation to be a duty,
and it is an obligation in that which is good.
The texts from the Sunnah explain the meaning of this aayah to refer to obeying them in that which is good.
So it is obligatory upon the Muslims to obey the rulers (wulaatul-umoor) in goodness, not in evil. So if he commands you with sin, then do not obey him in sin. However, this is not a reason for revolting against him, due to the statement of the Prophet(sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam),
“Whosoever sees something from his leader of sin, then let him hate whatever occurs from sin. And let him not remove his hand from obedience, since whoever removes his hand from disobedience and splits off from the Jamaa’ah (united body), then he dies the death of Jaahiliyyah (pre-Islaamic times of ignorance).”
Related by Ahmad (2/296) and Muslim (no. 1848) from the hadeeth of Abee Hurayrah (radiyallaahu ’anhu).
And the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The person must obey in whatever he loves,and in whatever he hates, in ease and in hardship, in willingness and un-willingness; except if he is commanded to disobey Allaah. So if he is commanded to disobey Allaah, then he should not listen, not should he obey.” And the Companions asked him, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! When you mentioned that there will be rulers, ‘you will approve of some things from them, and disapprove of others things.” They said, ‘So what do you command us to do?’ He said, “Give them their right, and invoke Allaah, since He is with you.” ’Ubaadah (radiyallaahu ’anhu) said, “We gave the oath of allegiance to the Messenger of Allaah(sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) that we would not oppose the command, not its people.” He said, “Except if you were to see clear disbelief (kurfan bawaahan) about which you have a proof from Allaah.”
Related by Muslim (6/17)
This proved that it was not permissible for them to oppose the leaders(wulaatul-umoor), nor to revolt against them, except if they saw clear disbelief from them about which they had a clear from Allaah, and nothing less.
Since revolting against the rulers is the cause of great corruption and evil. So, by this the trust is betrayed, and the rights are denied, and prevention of the transgressor is not made easier, nor are the oppressed aided; and the paths are deceived, not trusted.
As ’Umar Ibn Yazeed said, ‘I heard al-Hasan al-Basree during the days of Yazeed Ibnul-Mahlab, and there came to him a group of people. So he commanded them to stay in their houses and to close their doors. Then he said, ‘By Allaah! If the people had patience when they were being tested by their unjust ruler, it will not belong before Allaah will make a way out for them. However, they always rush for their swords, so they are left to their swords. By Allaah! Not even for a single say did they bring about any good.”
It is related by Ibn Sa’d in at-Tabaqaat(8/164), and by Ibn Abee Haatim in his Tafseer(3/178).
So endeavouring to revolt against the ruler is the cause of great corruption and evil, except if the Muslims see a clear proof from them about which they have a proof from Allaah, then there is no problem if they revolt against this ruler to remove him, if they have the power to do so. As for when they do not have the power to do so, then they must not revolt, or their revolting will be the cause for a greater evil. So they must not revolt out of consideration for the safety of the common-folk. And the Sharee’ah principle upon which there is ijmaa’(consensus) is:
that it is not permissible to remove an evil with that which is a greater evil.
As Imaam as-Suyootee said in al-Ishbaah wan-Nadhaa‘ir (p. 87),
“Preventing mafsadah (harm) is given precedence over procuring maslahah (benefit).”
And Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H) -rahimahullaah - said in al-Hisbah fil-Islaam (p. 124),
“Ordering the good should not result in the loss of a greater good, nor cause a greater evil (than before). Likewise, forbidding the evil should not result in a greater evil, nor in the loss of a greater good.”
Rather, it is obligatory to avert the evil by removing it.
Reflect upon this, since it is priceless! That is the fact that the Shaykh does not act upon this principle, except after fulfilling this condition which he mentioned before. Indeed the disbelief of the ruler depends upon the text of the preceding hadeeth. Likewise, the action of those firmly grounded in knowledge As for averting the evil with a greater evil, then that is not permissible by consensus of the Muslims. So if this group which wishes to remove the ruler who has committed clear disbelief, has the power to remove him, and to replace him with a good righteous leader, without bringing about that which is a greater evil and corruption upon the Muslims, and a greater evil than this ruler, then there is no problem. And for if this revolting will bring about a greater corruption, and betraying the trust, and oppression upon the people, and murdering those who do not deserve it, and great evils other than this, then it is not permissible.
As Imaam Aboo Bakr al-Aajurree (d.360H) - rahimahullaah – said,
“It is not permissible for the one who sees the uprising of a khaarijee who has revolted against the leader, whether he is just or oppressive - so this person has revolted and gathered a group behind him, has pulled out his sword and has made lawful the killing of Muslims - it is not fitting for the one who sees this, that he becomes deceived by this person’s recitation of the Qur‘aan , the length of his standing in Prayer, nor his constant fasting, nor his good and excellent words in knowledge when it is clear to him that this person’s way and methodology is that of the Khawaarij.” Refer to ash-Sharee’ah (p. 28).
Rather, it is obligatory to patiently persevere, and to listen and obey in that which is good, and to advise the rulers sincerely, and to call them (da’wah) to the good, and striving to avert the evil and to increase the good.
This is the correct path which it is obligatory to traverse, because in that is the general benefit of the Muslims; and because in that is the decreasing of the evil and the increasing of the good; and because in that is the trust and the safety of the Muslims from a greater evil.
As Imaam ’Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn Naasir as-Sa’dee (d.1376H) - rahimahullaah – said,
“As for advice to the imaams of the Muslims - and they are their leaders; from the main leader to the ministers and judges, to everyone who is appointed over them with a general or specific type of leadership - then it is to believe (i’taqad) in their leadership, and to listen to and obey them. And it entails invoking the people to do likewise, and to strive according to that which is feasible to guide them. And it is to inform them of everything that benefits them and benefits the people, and to the establishment of their obligation.”
Refer to Bahjatul-Quloobil-Abraar (p.19).
We ask Allaah to grant all of us the success and the guidance.”
[Q.2]: ‘Noble father, we know that these words are a foundation from the foundations of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah However, regretfully, there are some youth from Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah who see this as defeatist thought, and indeed it is said that these words contain subservience. Due to this, they call the youth to being severe in opposition.’
[A.2]: “This is an error from the one who said it, and it is due to lack of understanding, since they do not understand the Sunnah, not do they know it as they should. They only run upon feverish zeal and pride in removing the evil, despite falling into that which opposes the Sharee’ah; as what occurred with the Khawaarij and the Mu’tazilah.
Their basis is loving to aid the truth, or pride for the truth, they run upon that, even if it means falling into falsehood, to the extent that they perform Takfeer upon the Muslims due to sins, or testify to them abiding in the Fire due to their sins, as the Mu’tazilah did.
So the Khawaarij performed Takfeer based upon sins,
As Imaam Ibn Abil-’Izz (d.729H) – rahimahullaah – said,
“We do not say about a particular individual from amongst the people of the Qiblah, that he is from the people of Paradise, or from the people of the Fire, except about those whom the truthful (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) has informed about, that he is from amongst the people of Paradise, such as the ten who were given glad tidings of Paradise, may Allaah be pleased with them. And if we say that whomsoever Allaah wishes to enter into the Hellfire, from amongst the people who commit major sins will – by necessity – enter the Hellfire, and that he will be brought out of the Hellfire by the intercession of those who are entitled to intercede, then we would refrain from attributing this to a specific individual. So we do not testify for him that he will enter Paradise, nor that he will enter the Hellfire, except due to knowledge, because the reality is hidden, and what an individual dies upon cannot be encompassed by us. However, we do hope for those who do good, and we fear for those who do evil.”
Refer to Sharhul-’Aqeedatit-Tahaawiyyah (p. 378).
and they enter the sinner into the Fire, and the Mu’tazilah agree with them in saying that their end is in the Fire abiding therein. However, all of them are upon misguidance, and that which Ahlus-Sunnah is upon is the truth. The sinner does not become a disbeliever due to his sins if he does not declare them lawful. So therefore, the adulterer does not become a disbeliever, and the thief does not become a disbeliever, and the drinker of wine does not become a disbeliever.
However, he becomes a disobedient sinner, weak in eemaan (faith) upon whom the prescribed punishment must be established.
So he is not declared a disbeliever, except if he declares the sin to be lawful, and he says:
Verily it is lawful. And whatever the Khawaarij say concerning this is false, their Takfeer of the people is false.
And due to this, the Prophet (sallalaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said about them, “Verily they leave from Islaam, then they do not return to it, they fight the people of Islaam, and call upon the people of idols.”
This is part of a hadeeth related by Muslim (no. 1067) and Ibn Maajah (1/170).
This is the condition of the Khawaarij, due to their extremism, and their ignorance, and their misguidance. So there is no difference whether it is the youth, they blindly follow the Khawaarij and the Mu’tazilah .
Rather, it is obligatory to be upon the way of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah in sticking to the Sharee’ah proofs, so they suffice with the texts as they have come, and it is not upon them to revolt against the ruler on account of a sin, or sins that have occurred. Rather, it is upon them to sincerely advise him, in written or spoken form, with good manners and wisdom, by debating in a manner that is good; until they succeed, and until the evil is decreased and
the good is increased. So these are the texts which have come from the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam),
As Imaam Ibn Abee ’Aasim said in Kitaabus-Sunnah (2/251),
“Chapter: How are the leaders of the common-folk to be advised?” And he related, ‘From Shurayh Ibn ’Ubayd al-Hadramee and other than him who said: ’Iyaad Ibn Ghunm was whipping a person of a land which was conquered. So Hishaam Ibn Hakeem spoke harshly with him, until ’Iyaad became angry. So he stayed the night (like this) through the night, then he came to Hishaam Ibn Hakeem and sought an excuse from him. Then Hishaam said to ’Iyaad, ‘Have you not heard the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, ‘Verily the person who shall suffer the severest
punishment is the one who is most severe in punishing the people in this world.” So ’Iyaad Ibn Ghunm said, ‘O Hishaam Ibn Hakeem! Indeed we have heard what you have heard, but you have not heard the statement
of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), ‘Whosoever wishes to advise the ruler concerning a matter, then let him not do it openly. Rather, he should take him by the hand and take him into seclusion. So if he accepts his advice, then he has achieved his objective, and if he does not accept from him, then he has still conveyed that which was a duty upon him.’ And verily you – O Hishaam – are a reckless fool –
therefore, you dare to come out against the ruler of Allaah. So why are you not scared that you may be killed by the ruler, so you will be one who was killed by the ruler of Allaah the Blessed and Exalted?!”
In addition to Ibn Abee ’Aasim, this hadeeth was also related by Ahmad (3/403), and it was authenticated by Shaykh al- Albaanee in Dhilaalul-Jannah fee Takhreejis-Sunnah (no. 1096).
and Allaah the Mighty and Majestic says,
“And by the mercy of Allaah, you were kind and gentle with them. And had you been harsh and hard-hearted with them, they would have broken off from you.” [Soorah Aali-’Imraan 5:159]
So the obligation upon those who wish to honour Allaah, and upon the callers to guidance is to stay within the confines of the Sharee’ah, and to advise those whom Allaah has placed in authority over them with kind words, wisdom, and good dealings, until they increase in goodness and decrease in evil, and until the callers to Allaah increase, and until they
become active in their call, with goodness, not with harshness and severity. And they should advise the one whom Allaah has placed over them in authority in many ways which are good and secure, along with supplication for the ruler – openly and in secret – that Allaah will aid him and guide him and give him success upon the good, and that Allaah will help him to leave of the sin that he has committed, and to establish the truth.
This is how Allaah is to be called upon and beseeched that He guide the rulers, and aid them upon the truth, and that He helps them along with that to leave the falsehood, and to establish the truth, with beautiful manners and goodness.
As Imaam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal (d.241H) – rahimahullaah – said,
“Verily I supplicate for the ruler, for his correctness, success and support – night and day – and I see this as being obligatory upon me.” Refer to as-Sunnah (no. 14) of Aboo Bakr al-Khallaal.
This is how his brothers should sincerely advise, exalt and mention him, until they succeed in calling to that which is good, not with harshness and severity. So with this, the goodness will increase and the evils will decrease, along with Allaah guiding the rulers to goodness, and keeping them steadfast upon it, and there will be a praiseworthy result for the community.”
[Q.3]: ‘If we appoint a Jamaa’ah from the jamaa’aat to revolt in accordance to the Sharee’ah,does this justify fighting those who help the ruler, and everyone who works for that government, like the police, and other then them?’
[A.3]: “I have already informed you earlier that it is not permissible to revolt against the ruler, except under two conditions: Firstly: the presence of clear disbelief (kufr) from him about which you have a proof from Allaah. Secondly: the power and ability to remove the ruler without bringing about a greater evil. And without these two conditions, it is not permissible.”
[Q.4]: ‘May Allaah preserve you, some of the youth have become agitated with the disbelievers who settle in the Islaamic countries, or visit them with due right, and due to that, some of them have declared it lawful to fight them, and to rob them if they see from them that which they disapprove of.’
[A.4]: “It is not permissible to fight the disbelievers who seek protection in the peaceful State, nor is it permissible to fight the sinners, nor to have enmity towards them.
Rather, their condition is for the Sharee’ah courts to decide, these matters are to be judged by the Sharee’ah rule.”
[Q.5]: ‘What if we do not find Sharee’ah courts?’
[A.5]: “If you do not find Sharee’ah courts, then there is advice only.
The advice is for the leaders, and to direct them to goodness, and to co-operate with them until they rule by the Law of Allaah. As for when one is commanding evil in fighting, or raising his hand, or beating, then no. However, the rulers are to be co-operated with in that which is good, until they rule by the Sharee’ah of Allaah amongst the servants of Allaah. Indeed it is obligatory to advise him, and it is obligatory to direct them to that which is good, and it is obligatory to oppose the evil with the good. This is obligatory.
“So fear Allaah as much as you are able.” [Sooratut-Taghaabun 64:16]
Since opposing him with the hand will bring about a greater corruption and evil, and anyone who examine the affairs will without a doubt come to know this.”
This section can be found in Fataawaa al-’Ulamaa‘il-Akaabir feemaa Ahdira min Dimaa‘ fil-Jazaa‘ir (p. 69-76) of Shaykh ’Abdul-Maalik Ramadaanee al-Jazaa‘iree (hafidhahullaahu ta’aalaa).
The Fatwaa Of Imaam Ibn Baaz Concerning Protests And Demonstrations
Imaam ’Abdul-’Azeez Ibn ’Abdullaah Ibn Baaz – rahimahullaah – was asked in Sha’baan of 1412H in the city of Jeddah, ‘Are the demonstrations by men and women done against the rulers to be counted from amongst the means (wasaa‘il) of da’wah? And is the one who dies in these rallies and demonstrations to be referred to as a shaheed (martyr) in the path of Allaah?’
So the Imaam – rahimahullaah – answered, “I do not view the rallies and demonstrations done by women and men to be from the treatment. However, I do see that they are from amongst the causes of fitan and from amongst the causes of evil and from amongst the causes of transgression upon some people and to have enmity towards some people without due right. Rather, the Sharee’ah means consist of writing letter, advice and calling to goodness by Sharee’ah legislated means that the people of knowledge have explained.
And the Companions of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and their followers in goodness have all explained these means to be writing letters and speaking along with…(A word here is unclear) and with the leader and calling him and advising him and writing to him, without publicizing the affair upon the pulpits that he did such and such and such and such emanated from him. And Allaah is the One from whom aid is sought.”
Said Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-’Uthaymeen (d.1421H) – rahimahullaah – about the condition of the people with respect to their leaders, “Some of the people speak about the rulers in all of their sittings.
They sit and speak about the rulers and find fault with them and broadcast their sins and errors, thereby negating whatever they have of good qualities or correct views. And there is no problem in stating that traversing this path of finding fault with the rulers does not increase the affair, except in severity. Since the problem does not become solved, nor is the affliction lifted. It is only increases the calamity, and obligates hatred for the rulers and dislike for them and leaving off the affairs in which it is obligatory to obey them.
And we do not doubt that the rulers commit sins and err, just like those other than them from the children of Aadam. Since all of the children of Aadam are sinners and the best of the sinners are those who repent. Likewise, we also do not doubt that it is not permissible for us to remain silent concerning the person who errs, until we have strived with whatever is available to us in giving naseehah (advice, sincerity) to Allaah, His Books, His Messengers, and to the leaders of the Muslims and their common-folk. So since the affair is like that, then we must call him or write him when we see an error from the ruler. So those who advise him in this manner are upon the best of paths in clarifying the truth to them and explaining the truth to them and clarifying their error. Then we admonish them and remind them about what is obligatory upon them in terms of sincerity towards those who are in their care and raising the affliction from them. Then, one must admonish them with the admonishment of the Qur‘aan and the hadeeth.
So this is what is required, but if he does not accept the admonishment of the Hadeeth and the Qur‘aan, then we admonish him by reminding him that those under the ruler raise the affair to the ruler so that it may be settled. So if we were to raise the affair to those above whom there is none other from amongst the creation, then they are free from blame concerning that.
And nothing else then remains for us to do, except to raise the affair to the Lord of the worlds. And we ask Him to rectify the affairs of the Muslims and their leaders.” Taken from Wujoob Taa’atis-Sultaan fee Ghayri Ma’siyatir-Rahmaan bi Daleelis-Sunnah wal-Qur‘aan (p. 23-24) of Shaykh Muhammad al-’Areenee.
Said al-’Allaamah Saalih Ibn Fawzaan al-Fawzaan – hafidhahullaah,
“So speaking against the rulers is gheebah(backbiting) and nameemah (tale-carrying). These two acts are from the severest of the prohibited affairs after Shirk, not to mention that if the backbiting involves the Scholars and the rulers it is even more severe.It brings about corruption and divides the word and it creates an evil view of the rulers and makes the peopledespair in them.” Refer to al-Ajwibatul-Mufeedah (p. 60).
Said al-’Allaamah Muhammad Ibn Subayyil –hafidhahullaah,
“Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah warn against attacking the rulers and putting them down, or supplicating against them, because this is from the affairs which are from the causes of malice and hatred between the rulers and the constituents. And it is from the causes of arousing fitan (trials, tribulations) and differing with the ranks of the Ummah.”
Refer to al-Addilatul-Shar’iyyah fee Bayaan Haqqir-Raa’ee war-Ra’iyyah (p. 325).
The Fatwaa Of Imaam Ibnul-’Uthymeen Concerning Revolt Aganist The Muslim Rulers
Said Shaykh ’Abdul-Maalik Ramadaanee al-Jazaa‘iree –hafidhahullaahu ta’aalaa , ‘I asked the Noble Shaykh Ibnul-’Uthaymeen about the issue of revolt against the rulers.
So he said, “FIRSTLY: It is not permissible to revolt against the rulers and repudiate them, except when they disbelieve with clear disbelief, due to the statement of the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), “Except if you see clear disbelief (kufr bawaah),” Related by al-Bukhaaree (5/13) and Muslim (6/17)
...to the end of the hadeeth which is agreed upon.
---Reflect upon this and hold onto it with your molar teeth, since the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) made khurooj (revolt) dependant upon the disbelief of the ruler. And they connect many of the revolutions
today to benefit and harm, so in this is clear opposition to the Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam).Then comes the traditional practice of Allaah concerning these people, that everyone who depends upon the benefit and harm for the revolt doubts in the revolt. So look carefully at the wisdom of the Sharee’ah! There is no escape from reminding the reader that I embarked upon quoting the consensus of these three great Scholars – Ibn Baaz, al-Albaanee and Ibnul-’Uthaymeen – in relying upon the disbelief as a basis for revolt, until no one could have said otherwise, yet with great regret, it is still said.
Said ash-Shawkaanee – rahimahullaah – in as-Saylul-Jarraar (4/556),
“It is not permissible to revolt against the ruler, no matter how much they transgress, as long as they establish the Prayer and clear disbelief (kufr bawaah) is not apparent from them. And the ahaadeeth mentioned with this meaning are mutawaatir (concurrent). However, it is upon the constituent to obey the ruler in what he commands of obedience to Allaah and to disobey him in whatever he commands of disobedience to Allaah. Since there is no obedience to the creation in disobedience to the creator.”----
SECONDLY: There must be certain knowledge of their disbelief. And the Scholars are those who decide that. And I am not from those who decide the ruling upon their rulers, because I do not know it. And the previous hadeeth continues to state, “that which you have a proof from Allaah about.”
THIRDLY: The benefit must be produced and the harm must be removed
--- This occurs after fulfilling the first two conditions, since the problem with the benefit and the harm, and likewise the power is that all of that does not resolve anything if the first two conditions are not met. So take note!---
and the decision concerning this is with the people of knowledge as well.
FOURTHLY: The Muslims must have the power to remove the disbelieving leader.”
Then the Shaykh – rahimahullaah – gave a golden advice saying, “Whatever the case may be, these words are problematic, because the overwhelming reality is that the might and power is with the governments. So I advise deliberation and da’wah with wisdom and the abandonment of entering into these confrontations…”
---I presented this fatwaa to the Shaykh and he accepted it. Refer to my book, Madaarikun-Nadhr (p.19).---
From the Fataawaa of Imaam Ibn Baaz (d.1420H) ,al-’Allaamah Ibnul-’Uthaymeen (d.1421H) and al-Muhaddith Muhammad Naasirud-Deen al-Albaanee (d.1420H)
Allaah the Glorified and Exalted said, “And do not kill a person whom Allaah has declared unlawful, except with due right.” [Sooratul-An’aam 6:151]
Allaah – the Lord of the Worlds – said, “And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell to abide therein, and the wrath and the curse of Allaah are upon him, and a great punishment is prepared for him.” [Sooratun-Nisaa‘ 4:93]
Said Imaam Muhammad Naasirud-Deen al-Albaanee (d.1420H) – rahimahullaah
, “We support everyone who calls for the refutation of those who come out against the Rulers,and those who encourage the Muslims in coming out against the Rulers.” [Fataawaa al-’Ulamaa‘il-Akaabir (p. 97)]
Said al-’Allaamah Ibn Baaz (d.1420H) – rahimahullaah
, “If anyone from amongst the callers in Algeria said about me that I said to them, ‘Assassinate the police, or use weapons in the
call to Allaah,’ then this is wrong, it is not true. Rather, it is a lie!”
Said Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-’Uthaymeen (d.1421H) – rahimahullaah
, “We view it obligatory upon them to put down their swords and to meet in peace. And if not, then they must endure the continuance of those who fight and take wealth by force and rape the women. Since they are responsible for it in front of Allaah the Mighty and Majestic. And the obligation upon them is to come back.”
Adapted by: Shaykh ’Abdul-Maalik Ramadaanee al-Jazaa‘iree
Translation: Maaz Qureshi
Benefit - Important Issues Of Revolt Against The Rulers
The following questions were asked to Imaam ’Abdul-’Azeez Ibn Baaz (d.1420H), this discussion was taken from ash-Sharqul-Awsat (no. 5289),as is found in Muraaji’aat fee Fiqhil-Waaqi’is-Siyaasee wal-Fikree of Dr. ’Abdullaah ar-Rifaa’ee.
[Q.1]: ‘From the matters that have caused controversy is the affair of the connection between the ruler and the ruled, and the Sharee’ah principle surrounding this connection. Noble Shaykh, there are those who hold that the perpetration of major sins by the rulers obligates revolting against them, and endeavoring to remove them, even if this causes some harm to the Muslims in the country. And recent occurrences like this have started to happen in places within our Islaamic world, so what is your opinion – O noble Shaykh – concerning this?’
[A.1]: “With the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of the mercy. The praise is due to Allaah, Lord of the Worlds. And may the Prayers and Peace of Allaah be upon the Messenger of Allaah, and upon his Family, and upon his Companions, and whosoever follows his guidance. To proceed: So indeed Allaah the Mighty and Majestic has said, “O you who believe! Obey Allaah, and obey the Messenger, and those who are in authority over you. So if you differ in anything, then refer it to Allaah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allaah and the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination.” [Sooratun-Nisaa‘ 4:59]
This aayah explains the obligation of obeying the caretaker of the affair (waliyyul-amr), and that is the rulers and the scholars.
Indeed there occurs in the authentic Sunnah that the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) explained this obligation to be a duty,
and it is an obligation in that which is good.
The texts from the Sunnah explain the meaning of this aayah to refer to obeying them in that which is good.
So it is obligatory upon the Muslims to obey the rulers (wulaatul-umoor) in goodness, not in evil. So if he commands you with sin, then do not obey him in sin. However, this is not a reason for revolting against him, due to the statement of the Prophet(sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam),
“Whosoever sees something from his leader of sin, then let him hate whatever occurs from sin. And let him not remove his hand from obedience, since whoever removes his hand from disobedience and splits off from the Jamaa’ah (united body), then he dies the death of Jaahiliyyah (pre-Islaamic times of ignorance).”
Related by Ahmad (2/296) and Muslim (no. 1848) from the hadeeth of Abee Hurayrah (radiyallaahu ’anhu).
And the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The person must obey in whatever he loves,and in whatever he hates, in ease and in hardship, in willingness and un-willingness; except if he is commanded to disobey Allaah. So if he is commanded to disobey Allaah, then he should not listen, not should he obey.” And the Companions asked him, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! When you mentioned that there will be rulers, ‘you will approve of some things from them, and disapprove of others things.” They said, ‘So what do you command us to do?’ He said, “Give them their right, and invoke Allaah, since He is with you.” ’Ubaadah (radiyallaahu ’anhu) said, “We gave the oath of allegiance to the Messenger of Allaah(sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) that we would not oppose the command, not its people.” He said, “Except if you were to see clear disbelief (kurfan bawaahan) about which you have a proof from Allaah.”
Related by Muslim (6/17)
This proved that it was not permissible for them to oppose the leaders(wulaatul-umoor), nor to revolt against them, except if they saw clear disbelief from them about which they had a clear from Allaah, and nothing less.
Since revolting against the rulers is the cause of great corruption and evil. So, by this the trust is betrayed, and the rights are denied, and prevention of the transgressor is not made easier, nor are the oppressed aided; and the paths are deceived, not trusted.
As ’Umar Ibn Yazeed said, ‘I heard al-Hasan al-Basree during the days of Yazeed Ibnul-Mahlab, and there came to him a group of people. So he commanded them to stay in their houses and to close their doors. Then he said, ‘By Allaah! If the people had patience when they were being tested by their unjust ruler, it will not belong before Allaah will make a way out for them. However, they always rush for their swords, so they are left to their swords. By Allaah! Not even for a single say did they bring about any good.”
It is related by Ibn Sa’d in at-Tabaqaat(8/164), and by Ibn Abee Haatim in his Tafseer(3/178).
So endeavouring to revolt against the ruler is the cause of great corruption and evil, except if the Muslims see a clear proof from them about which they have a proof from Allaah, then there is no problem if they revolt against this ruler to remove him, if they have the power to do so. As for when they do not have the power to do so, then they must not revolt, or their revolting will be the cause for a greater evil. So they must not revolt out of consideration for the safety of the common-folk. And the Sharee’ah principle upon which there is ijmaa’(consensus) is:
that it is not permissible to remove an evil with that which is a greater evil.
As Imaam as-Suyootee said in al-Ishbaah wan-Nadhaa‘ir (p. 87),
“Preventing mafsadah (harm) is given precedence over procuring maslahah (benefit).”
And Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H) -rahimahullaah - said in al-Hisbah fil-Islaam (p. 124),
“Ordering the good should not result in the loss of a greater good, nor cause a greater evil (than before). Likewise, forbidding the evil should not result in a greater evil, nor in the loss of a greater good.”
Rather, it is obligatory to avert the evil by removing it.
Reflect upon this, since it is priceless! That is the fact that the Shaykh does not act upon this principle, except after fulfilling this condition which he mentioned before. Indeed the disbelief of the ruler depends upon the text of the preceding hadeeth. Likewise, the action of those firmly grounded in knowledge As for averting the evil with a greater evil, then that is not permissible by consensus of the Muslims. So if this group which wishes to remove the ruler who has committed clear disbelief, has the power to remove him, and to replace him with a good righteous leader, without bringing about that which is a greater evil and corruption upon the Muslims, and a greater evil than this ruler, then there is no problem. And for if this revolting will bring about a greater corruption, and betraying the trust, and oppression upon the people, and murdering those who do not deserve it, and great evils other than this, then it is not permissible.
As Imaam Aboo Bakr al-Aajurree (d.360H) - rahimahullaah – said,
“It is not permissible for the one who sees the uprising of a khaarijee who has revolted against the leader, whether he is just or oppressive - so this person has revolted and gathered a group behind him, has pulled out his sword and has made lawful the killing of Muslims - it is not fitting for the one who sees this, that he becomes deceived by this person’s recitation of the Qur‘aan , the length of his standing in Prayer, nor his constant fasting, nor his good and excellent words in knowledge when it is clear to him that this person’s way and methodology is that of the Khawaarij.” Refer to ash-Sharee’ah (p. 28).
Rather, it is obligatory to patiently persevere, and to listen and obey in that which is good, and to advise the rulers sincerely, and to call them (da’wah) to the good, and striving to avert the evil and to increase the good.
This is the correct path which it is obligatory to traverse, because in that is the general benefit of the Muslims; and because in that is the decreasing of the evil and the increasing of the good; and because in that is the trust and the safety of the Muslims from a greater evil.
As Imaam ’Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn Naasir as-Sa’dee (d.1376H) - rahimahullaah – said,
“As for advice to the imaams of the Muslims - and they are their leaders; from the main leader to the ministers and judges, to everyone who is appointed over them with a general or specific type of leadership - then it is to believe (i’taqad) in their leadership, and to listen to and obey them. And it entails invoking the people to do likewise, and to strive according to that which is feasible to guide them. And it is to inform them of everything that benefits them and benefits the people, and to the establishment of their obligation.”
Refer to Bahjatul-Quloobil-Abraar (p.19).
We ask Allaah to grant all of us the success and the guidance.”
[Q.2]: ‘Noble father, we know that these words are a foundation from the foundations of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah However, regretfully, there are some youth from Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah who see this as defeatist thought, and indeed it is said that these words contain subservience. Due to this, they call the youth to being severe in opposition.’
[A.2]: “This is an error from the one who said it, and it is due to lack of understanding, since they do not understand the Sunnah, not do they know it as they should. They only run upon feverish zeal and pride in removing the evil, despite falling into that which opposes the Sharee’ah; as what occurred with the Khawaarij and the Mu’tazilah.
Their basis is loving to aid the truth, or pride for the truth, they run upon that, even if it means falling into falsehood, to the extent that they perform Takfeer upon the Muslims due to sins, or testify to them abiding in the Fire due to their sins, as the Mu’tazilah did.
So the Khawaarij performed Takfeer based upon sins,
As Imaam Ibn Abil-’Izz (d.729H) – rahimahullaah – said,
“We do not say about a particular individual from amongst the people of the Qiblah, that he is from the people of Paradise, or from the people of the Fire, except about those whom the truthful (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) has informed about, that he is from amongst the people of Paradise, such as the ten who were given glad tidings of Paradise, may Allaah be pleased with them. And if we say that whomsoever Allaah wishes to enter into the Hellfire, from amongst the people who commit major sins will – by necessity – enter the Hellfire, and that he will be brought out of the Hellfire by the intercession of those who are entitled to intercede, then we would refrain from attributing this to a specific individual. So we do not testify for him that he will enter Paradise, nor that he will enter the Hellfire, except due to knowledge, because the reality is hidden, and what an individual dies upon cannot be encompassed by us. However, we do hope for those who do good, and we fear for those who do evil.”
Refer to Sharhul-’Aqeedatit-Tahaawiyyah (p. 378).
and they enter the sinner into the Fire, and the Mu’tazilah agree with them in saying that their end is in the Fire abiding therein. However, all of them are upon misguidance, and that which Ahlus-Sunnah is upon is the truth. The sinner does not become a disbeliever due to his sins if he does not declare them lawful. So therefore, the adulterer does not become a disbeliever, and the thief does not become a disbeliever, and the drinker of wine does not become a disbeliever.
However, he becomes a disobedient sinner, weak in eemaan (faith) upon whom the prescribed punishment must be established.
So he is not declared a disbeliever, except if he declares the sin to be lawful, and he says:
Verily it is lawful. And whatever the Khawaarij say concerning this is false, their Takfeer of the people is false.
And due to this, the Prophet (sallalaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said about them, “Verily they leave from Islaam, then they do not return to it, they fight the people of Islaam, and call upon the people of idols.”
This is part of a hadeeth related by Muslim (no. 1067) and Ibn Maajah (1/170).
This is the condition of the Khawaarij, due to their extremism, and their ignorance, and their misguidance. So there is no difference whether it is the youth, they blindly follow the Khawaarij and the Mu’tazilah .
Rather, it is obligatory to be upon the way of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah in sticking to the Sharee’ah proofs, so they suffice with the texts as they have come, and it is not upon them to revolt against the ruler on account of a sin, or sins that have occurred. Rather, it is upon them to sincerely advise him, in written or spoken form, with good manners and wisdom, by debating in a manner that is good; until they succeed, and until the evil is decreased and
the good is increased. So these are the texts which have come from the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam),
As Imaam Ibn Abee ’Aasim said in Kitaabus-Sunnah (2/251),
“Chapter: How are the leaders of the common-folk to be advised?” And he related, ‘From Shurayh Ibn ’Ubayd al-Hadramee and other than him who said: ’Iyaad Ibn Ghunm was whipping a person of a land which was conquered. So Hishaam Ibn Hakeem spoke harshly with him, until ’Iyaad became angry. So he stayed the night (like this) through the night, then he came to Hishaam Ibn Hakeem and sought an excuse from him. Then Hishaam said to ’Iyaad, ‘Have you not heard the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, ‘Verily the person who shall suffer the severest
punishment is the one who is most severe in punishing the people in this world.” So ’Iyaad Ibn Ghunm said, ‘O Hishaam Ibn Hakeem! Indeed we have heard what you have heard, but you have not heard the statement
of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), ‘Whosoever wishes to advise the ruler concerning a matter, then let him not do it openly. Rather, he should take him by the hand and take him into seclusion. So if he accepts his advice, then he has achieved his objective, and if he does not accept from him, then he has still conveyed that which was a duty upon him.’ And verily you – O Hishaam – are a reckless fool –
therefore, you dare to come out against the ruler of Allaah. So why are you not scared that you may be killed by the ruler, so you will be one who was killed by the ruler of Allaah the Blessed and Exalted?!”
In addition to Ibn Abee ’Aasim, this hadeeth was also related by Ahmad (3/403), and it was authenticated by Shaykh al- Albaanee in Dhilaalul-Jannah fee Takhreejis-Sunnah (no. 1096).
and Allaah the Mighty and Majestic says,
“And by the mercy of Allaah, you were kind and gentle with them. And had you been harsh and hard-hearted with them, they would have broken off from you.” [Soorah Aali-’Imraan 5:159]
So the obligation upon those who wish to honour Allaah, and upon the callers to guidance is to stay within the confines of the Sharee’ah, and to advise those whom Allaah has placed in authority over them with kind words, wisdom, and good dealings, until they increase in goodness and decrease in evil, and until the callers to Allaah increase, and until they
become active in their call, with goodness, not with harshness and severity. And they should advise the one whom Allaah has placed over them in authority in many ways which are good and secure, along with supplication for the ruler – openly and in secret – that Allaah will aid him and guide him and give him success upon the good, and that Allaah will help him to leave of the sin that he has committed, and to establish the truth.
This is how Allaah is to be called upon and beseeched that He guide the rulers, and aid them upon the truth, and that He helps them along with that to leave the falsehood, and to establish the truth, with beautiful manners and goodness.
As Imaam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal (d.241H) – rahimahullaah – said,
“Verily I supplicate for the ruler, for his correctness, success and support – night and day – and I see this as being obligatory upon me.” Refer to as-Sunnah (no. 14) of Aboo Bakr al-Khallaal.
This is how his brothers should sincerely advise, exalt and mention him, until they succeed in calling to that which is good, not with harshness and severity. So with this, the goodness will increase and the evils will decrease, along with Allaah guiding the rulers to goodness, and keeping them steadfast upon it, and there will be a praiseworthy result for the community.”
[Q.3]: ‘If we appoint a Jamaa’ah from the jamaa’aat to revolt in accordance to the Sharee’ah,does this justify fighting those who help the ruler, and everyone who works for that government, like the police, and other then them?’
[A.3]: “I have already informed you earlier that it is not permissible to revolt against the ruler, except under two conditions: Firstly: the presence of clear disbelief (kufr) from him about which you have a proof from Allaah. Secondly: the power and ability to remove the ruler without bringing about a greater evil. And without these two conditions, it is not permissible.”
[Q.4]: ‘May Allaah preserve you, some of the youth have become agitated with the disbelievers who settle in the Islaamic countries, or visit them with due right, and due to that, some of them have declared it lawful to fight them, and to rob them if they see from them that which they disapprove of.’
[A.4]: “It is not permissible to fight the disbelievers who seek protection in the peaceful State, nor is it permissible to fight the sinners, nor to have enmity towards them.
Rather, their condition is for the Sharee’ah courts to decide, these matters are to be judged by the Sharee’ah rule.”
[Q.5]: ‘What if we do not find Sharee’ah courts?’
[A.5]: “If you do not find Sharee’ah courts, then there is advice only.
The advice is for the leaders, and to direct them to goodness, and to co-operate with them until they rule by the Law of Allaah. As for when one is commanding evil in fighting, or raising his hand, or beating, then no. However, the rulers are to be co-operated with in that which is good, until they rule by the Sharee’ah of Allaah amongst the servants of Allaah. Indeed it is obligatory to advise him, and it is obligatory to direct them to that which is good, and it is obligatory to oppose the evil with the good. This is obligatory.
“So fear Allaah as much as you are able.” [Sooratut-Taghaabun 64:16]
Since opposing him with the hand will bring about a greater corruption and evil, and anyone who examine the affairs will without a doubt come to know this.”
This section can be found in Fataawaa al-’Ulamaa‘il-Akaabir feemaa Ahdira min Dimaa‘ fil-Jazaa‘ir (p. 69-76) of Shaykh ’Abdul-Maalik Ramadaanee al-Jazaa‘iree (hafidhahullaahu ta’aalaa).
The Fatwaa Of Imaam Ibn Baaz Concerning Protests And Demonstrations
Imaam ’Abdul-’Azeez Ibn ’Abdullaah Ibn Baaz – rahimahullaah – was asked in Sha’baan of 1412H in the city of Jeddah, ‘Are the demonstrations by men and women done against the rulers to be counted from amongst the means (wasaa‘il) of da’wah? And is the one who dies in these rallies and demonstrations to be referred to as a shaheed (martyr) in the path of Allaah?’
So the Imaam – rahimahullaah – answered, “I do not view the rallies and demonstrations done by women and men to be from the treatment. However, I do see that they are from amongst the causes of fitan and from amongst the causes of evil and from amongst the causes of transgression upon some people and to have enmity towards some people without due right. Rather, the Sharee’ah means consist of writing letter, advice and calling to goodness by Sharee’ah legislated means that the people of knowledge have explained.
And the Companions of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and their followers in goodness have all explained these means to be writing letters and speaking along with…(A word here is unclear) and with the leader and calling him and advising him and writing to him, without publicizing the affair upon the pulpits that he did such and such and such and such emanated from him. And Allaah is the One from whom aid is sought.”
Said Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-’Uthaymeen (d.1421H) – rahimahullaah – about the condition of the people with respect to their leaders, “Some of the people speak about the rulers in all of their sittings.
They sit and speak about the rulers and find fault with them and broadcast their sins and errors, thereby negating whatever they have of good qualities or correct views. And there is no problem in stating that traversing this path of finding fault with the rulers does not increase the affair, except in severity. Since the problem does not become solved, nor is the affliction lifted. It is only increases the calamity, and obligates hatred for the rulers and dislike for them and leaving off the affairs in which it is obligatory to obey them.
And we do not doubt that the rulers commit sins and err, just like those other than them from the children of Aadam. Since all of the children of Aadam are sinners and the best of the sinners are those who repent. Likewise, we also do not doubt that it is not permissible for us to remain silent concerning the person who errs, until we have strived with whatever is available to us in giving naseehah (advice, sincerity) to Allaah, His Books, His Messengers, and to the leaders of the Muslims and their common-folk. So since the affair is like that, then we must call him or write him when we see an error from the ruler. So those who advise him in this manner are upon the best of paths in clarifying the truth to them and explaining the truth to them and clarifying their error. Then we admonish them and remind them about what is obligatory upon them in terms of sincerity towards those who are in their care and raising the affliction from them. Then, one must admonish them with the admonishment of the Qur‘aan and the hadeeth.
So this is what is required, but if he does not accept the admonishment of the Hadeeth and the Qur‘aan, then we admonish him by reminding him that those under the ruler raise the affair to the ruler so that it may be settled. So if we were to raise the affair to those above whom there is none other from amongst the creation, then they are free from blame concerning that.
And nothing else then remains for us to do, except to raise the affair to the Lord of the worlds. And we ask Him to rectify the affairs of the Muslims and their leaders.” Taken from Wujoob Taa’atis-Sultaan fee Ghayri Ma’siyatir-Rahmaan bi Daleelis-Sunnah wal-Qur‘aan (p. 23-24) of Shaykh Muhammad al-’Areenee.
Said al-’Allaamah Saalih Ibn Fawzaan al-Fawzaan – hafidhahullaah,
“So speaking against the rulers is gheebah(backbiting) and nameemah (tale-carrying). These two acts are from the severest of the prohibited affairs after Shirk, not to mention that if the backbiting involves the Scholars and the rulers it is even more severe.It brings about corruption and divides the word and it creates an evil view of the rulers and makes the peopledespair in them.” Refer to al-Ajwibatul-Mufeedah (p. 60).
Said al-’Allaamah Muhammad Ibn Subayyil –hafidhahullaah,
“Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah warn against attacking the rulers and putting them down, or supplicating against them, because this is from the affairs which are from the causes of malice and hatred between the rulers and the constituents. And it is from the causes of arousing fitan (trials, tribulations) and differing with the ranks of the Ummah.”
Refer to al-Addilatul-Shar’iyyah fee Bayaan Haqqir-Raa’ee war-Ra’iyyah (p. 325).
The Fatwaa Of Imaam Ibnul-’Uthymeen Concerning Revolt Aganist The Muslim Rulers
Said Shaykh ’Abdul-Maalik Ramadaanee al-Jazaa‘iree –hafidhahullaahu ta’aalaa , ‘I asked the Noble Shaykh Ibnul-’Uthaymeen about the issue of revolt against the rulers.
So he said, “FIRSTLY: It is not permissible to revolt against the rulers and repudiate them, except when they disbelieve with clear disbelief, due to the statement of the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), “Except if you see clear disbelief (kufr bawaah),” Related by al-Bukhaaree (5/13) and Muslim (6/17)
...to the end of the hadeeth which is agreed upon.
---Reflect upon this and hold onto it with your molar teeth, since the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) made khurooj (revolt) dependant upon the disbelief of the ruler. And they connect many of the revolutions
today to benefit and harm, so in this is clear opposition to the Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam).Then comes the traditional practice of Allaah concerning these people, that everyone who depends upon the benefit and harm for the revolt doubts in the revolt. So look carefully at the wisdom of the Sharee’ah! There is no escape from reminding the reader that I embarked upon quoting the consensus of these three great Scholars – Ibn Baaz, al-Albaanee and Ibnul-’Uthaymeen – in relying upon the disbelief as a basis for revolt, until no one could have said otherwise, yet with great regret, it is still said.
Said ash-Shawkaanee – rahimahullaah – in as-Saylul-Jarraar (4/556),
“It is not permissible to revolt against the ruler, no matter how much they transgress, as long as they establish the Prayer and clear disbelief (kufr bawaah) is not apparent from them. And the ahaadeeth mentioned with this meaning are mutawaatir (concurrent). However, it is upon the constituent to obey the ruler in what he commands of obedience to Allaah and to disobey him in whatever he commands of disobedience to Allaah. Since there is no obedience to the creation in disobedience to the creator.”----
SECONDLY: There must be certain knowledge of their disbelief. And the Scholars are those who decide that. And I am not from those who decide the ruling upon their rulers, because I do not know it. And the previous hadeeth continues to state, “that which you have a proof from Allaah about.”
THIRDLY: The benefit must be produced and the harm must be removed
--- This occurs after fulfilling the first two conditions, since the problem with the benefit and the harm, and likewise the power is that all of that does not resolve anything if the first two conditions are not met. So take note!---
and the decision concerning this is with the people of knowledge as well.
FOURTHLY: The Muslims must have the power to remove the disbelieving leader.”
Then the Shaykh – rahimahullaah – gave a golden advice saying, “Whatever the case may be, these words are problematic, because the overwhelming reality is that the might and power is with the governments. So I advise deliberation and da’wah with wisdom and the abandonment of entering into these confrontations…”
---I presented this fatwaa to the Shaykh and he accepted it. Refer to my book, Madaarikun-Nadhr (p.19).---