Ghareebah
Bint Abdulkadir
:salam2:
What to do if a Disbelieving Leader Comes into Power over the Muslims
Shaykh ‘Abdul’Azeez bin Rayees ar-Rayees
Source: Who’s in for ‘Iraaq?
If a disbelieving ruler becomes dominant over an Islamic land and he assumes power the Muslims must cease fighting him if they do not have the ability or power (to remove him). If they do not do this they will seriously harm themselves and their Muslim brothers. For that reason, it is obligatory for them to cease and listen and obey such a disbelieving ruler in everything except disobedience to Allaah.
Our Shaykh, ‘Abdul’Azeez ibn ‘Abdullaah ibn Baaz (raheemahullaah) states:
If the Muslims see clear kufr that they have proof from Allaah for, then there is no problem in them revolting against such a ruler in order to remove him, as long as they have the ability. As for them not having the ability then they should not revolt and also if the revolt will cause a greater evil, they should not revolt. This is for general rectification and the principle of the Divine Revelation is general applied to it, that it is not permissible to bring an end to evil via something which is worse (than the evil that one wishes to remove), it is obligatory to bring an end to evil with that which is less problematic (than the actual evil). As for challenging evil with that which will increase evil, then that is not permissible. It is obligatory to avert evil with that which is the same as it or less (in negative effect) than it. As for wanting to avert evil with that which will result in increasing evil, then does this agree with the Divine Legislation? Does this agree with rectifying the situation? This does not agree with rectification and does not comply with the Divine Legislation. As for averting evil with that which is more evil then that is not permissible according to the consensus of the Muslims. So if this group which wants to bring an end to this leader who performed clear and explicit (buwaahan) kufr, has the ability to bring an end to it, along with a pious righteous good Imaam, is based upon not causing a greater evil to the Muslims and will not bring about an evil far greater than the evil of the leader (whom they seek to remove), then there is no problem. Yet if the revolt is based on corruption, the removal of safety and security, oppressing the people, assassinating one who does not deserve to be assassinated and thereby assassinating others, then this is a corrupt action and such (a revolt) is not permissible. Rather, patience is obligatory, listening (to the leader), obedience (to the leader) in that which is good, advice to those responsible for the state of affairs, making du’a for goodness for them, working hard to lessen evil, increasing goodness, all of this is the path of fairness which is incumbent for one to traverse as within that is rectification for the general Muslims. And also within that is lessening the evil and increasing goodness and within that is preserving security and safety for the Muslims from greater evil. We ask Allaah for every success and guidance. [1]
Our Shaykh, al-‘Allaamah Saalih al-Fawzaan (hafidhahullaah) states:
As for interacting with a disbelieving leader who comes into power (in a Muslim land) then this differs depending on the situations. If the Muslims have power and are able to fight him and remove him from power and are able to fight him and remove him from power in a place of a Muslim leader then they must do that. This is from jihad in the cause of Allaah, but if they are unable to remove such a disbelieving leader from power then it is not permissible for them to provoke such oppressors and disbelievers because this will cause harm for the Muslims. The Prophet (sallAllaahu alayhi wassallam) lived in Makkah for thirteen years after receiving Prophethood under the kuffaar (who were aggressive to Islaam and the Muslims) at that moment in time. They were not instructed to fight except until after the migration of the Prophet (sallAllaahu alayhi wassallam) and they had established a state and body of Muslims that was able to fight the kuffaar (who were aggressive to Islaam and the Muslims). This is the manhaj of Islaam, if the Muslims are under the authority of a disbelieving authority and are unable to remove it they adhere to their Islaam and to their ‘aqeedah but do not put themselves in danger and attempt to confront the kuffaar because that will result in harms for them and their the da’wah. If they have the power and are able to wage armed jihaad then they are to make jihaad in the cause of Allaah in accordance with the principles of the Divine Legislation. [2]
Imaam al-Albaanee (raheemahullaah) stated:
I used to say, and I still do, to those who always drone on about takfeer of the rulers of the Muslims: if they were kuffaar who have disbelieved and apostatized and it was discovered that they had disbelieved and apostatized, those rulers would have to have the punishment established on them. So now, what do you benefit from this aspect of action if for arguments sake all of the leaders are kuffaar and apostates? What is possible for them to do? Those kuffaar who have occupied parts of the Islamic lands, and unfortunately we have been tested with the Jewish occupation of Palestine, so what are we able to do with them along with your thinking that the leaders are kuffaar? It is better that you leave this aspect and begin with the foundational principle upon which Muslim government is established, which is following the Sunnah of the Messenger (sallAllaahu alayhi wassallam), which the companions were cultivated upon. So we do not deny that in such cases that the Muslim groups have to act for the return of the Islamic rule, not only within the Islamic lands, but on the entire earth, in order to achieve the saying of Allaah,
“It is He Who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth, to make it superior over all religions even though the idolators hate (it).”
{at-Tawbah (9): 33}
And it is mentioned in some authentic hadeeth that these verses will be realized in the later times. So that the Muslims are empowered to realize this Qur’anic text, will the way to it be announcing revolutions against those leaders who they think are kuffaar who have disbelieved and apostatized?!! Then along with this thought, which is incorrect, they are not able to do anything, so what is the (correct) manhaj? What is the (correct) path? There is no doubt that the path is: what the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wassallam) was upon and those around him, when he reminded them before every khutbah “The best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (sallAllaahu alayhi wassallam).” So it is upon all the Muslims, and in particular those who attach importance to the return of Islamic rule, to begin from where the Messenger (sallAllaahu alayhi wassallam) began. This is what we name in two words as being purification and cultivation. As we know the reality yet we are heedless to it, or more correctly we pretend to be. Those extremists who have nothing except for announcing takfeer of the leaders and then nothing else manifests from them except for tribulation. This is what has occurred in recent years as you know, beginning with the fitna at the Haram in Makkah to the fitna in Egypt when Sadat was assassinated and the blood of innocent Muslims was spilled. Then finally the fitna in Syria and what is unfortunately taking place in Egypt and Algeria. All of this was due to them contradicting many of the texts of the Book (i.e. Qur’aan) and Sunnah, the most important being,
“There has certainly been for you in the messenger of Allaah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allaah and the Last Day and (who) remembers Allaah often.”
{al-Ahzaab (33): 21}
If we want to establish the rule of Allaah on the earth, do we begin with fighting against the leader whilst we are not able to fight against them? Or do we begin with what the Messenger (sallAllaahu alayhi wassallam) began with? There is no doubt that the answer is
“There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allaah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allaah and the Last Day and (who) remembers Allaah often.”
{al-Ahzaab (33): 21}
What did the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wassallam) begin with? You know that he began with da’wah among the people who he thought were prepared to accept the truth, then whoever responded to him, responded as is well known in the Prophetic sunnah. Then punishment happened along with torture and hardship which affected the Muslims in Makkah; then the instruction for the first and second migrations, until Allaah established Islaam in Madeenah al-Munawwarah. Establishment began and fighting began between Muslims and kuffaar from one side and then against the yahood from another side. Therefore, we have to begin with teaching the people about Islaam just as how the Prophet (sallAllaahu alayhi wassallam) began. However, we do not now restrict teaching because many alien things have entered Islaam. Indeed, things which have been responsible for destroying the Islamic edifice have entered Islaam. For this reason, the du’aat have to begin with purifying Islaam from what has entered into it. Secondly, along with this tasfiyah has to be with tarbiyyah (education and cultivation) of the Muslim youth arising from this pure Islaam. So if we study the, established Islamic groups today since almost century, we will find that many of them did not benefit at all despite their shouts and agitation for an Islamic government. They split the blood of many innocent Muslims for this reason, without benefiting at all. We still hear from them beliefs which contradicted the Book and the Sunnah and they do actions which the Book and the Sunnah oppose. Based on this we say: there are some words which were stated by one of the du’aat, which I wish his own followers would stick to and practice it: “Establish the Islamic state within your own selves then it will be established in your lands.” Because if a Muslim corrects his creed based upon the Book and the sunnah, there is no doubt that behind that will be rectification of his worship, manners and character etc. yet this is a good saying, unfortunately, those people do not act by it they merely stay screaming about the establishment of the Muslim government with no benefit whatsoever. The saying of the Poet is truthful regarding them:
You hope for success and do not traverse its path,
The boat does not sail on dry land [3]
Therefore, if there is a disbelieving leader, or if a disbelieving leader comes into power, and the Muslims do not have the ability or power to remove such a leader or remove a disbelieving state then they must halt in order to preserve the blood of the Muslims and the core of Islaam and ease the da’wah to Allaah.
Footnotes:
[1] Al-Qahtaanee (ed.), Fataawaa al-A’immah fee Nawaazil al-Mulahumah, 2nd Edition, introduced by Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan, p.93
[2] Ibid., p.120
[3] Fataawaa al-A’immah fi’t-Tawaazil il-Mudalahamah, p.204
__________________
IF THAT IS THE CASE FOR A DISBELIEVING LEADER, THEN WHAT ABOUT A MUSLIM LEADER WHO IS A TYRANT? ........
Imaam Barbahaaree on the Manhaj of Dealing with the Rulers
Imaam al-Barbahaaree said:
"And that we do not contend with or attempt to take away the command from those assigned with it (i.e., the rulers) due to the saying of the Messenger: "There are three things towards which the heart of a Muslim never shows hatred or rancour:
1. Making ones action sincerely for the sake of Allaah,
2. Giving obedience to the rulers (wulatul-amr) and
3. Sticking to the group (jamaa'ah) for verily, their supplication encompasses those who are behind them (i.e. those whom they rule over)." [2]
This is confirmed in His saying:
"O you who believe! Obey Allaah and obey the Messenger, and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority". [an-Nisaa (4):59]
And that the sword is not to be raised against (any of) the Ummah of Muhammad (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam).
And al-Fudayl said, "If I had a supplication that would be answered, I would not make it except for the leader (Imaam) because when the leader becomes righteous, the towns and servants become safe and secure."
Ibn al-Mubaarak said (in reference to the above saying of al-Fudayl), "O teacher of goodness, who would show boldness towards this besides you?" [End of the words of Bukhaaree]
Imaam al-Barbahaaree (d. 329H) also said, "Whoever rebels against a Muslim ruler is one of the Khawaarij, has caused dissent within the Muslims, has contradicted the narrations and has died the death of the days of ignorance." (Sharhus-Sunnah [p.42])
The Khawaarij are a group who first appeared in the time of 'Alee. They split from his army and began the grave innovation of takfeer (declaring Muslims, rulers or the ruled, in their view guilty of major sins, to be unbelievers). The Prophet s warned against them in many authentic ahaadeeth, "They are the dogs of Hellfire" [3].
He also informed us that they would continue to appear until the end of this world, saying, "A group will appear reciting the Qur'aan, it will not pass beyond their throats, every time a group appears it will be cut off, until the Dajjaal appears within them." [4]
Imaam Al-Barbahaaree (d.329H) also said, "It is not permissible to fight the ruler or rebel against him even if he oppresses. This is due to the saying of the Messenger of Allaah to Aboo Dharr al-Ghifaaree, "Have patience even if he is an Abyssinian slave," [5] and his saying to the Ansaar, "Have patience until you meet me at the Pool," (reported by Bukharee from Usayd ibn Hudayr). There is no fighting against the ruler in the Sunnah. It causes destruction of the Religion and the worldly affairs." Sharh-us-Sunnah, (p. 43).
Abu Bakr al-Aajurree (d.360H) said in ash-Sharee'ah (p. 28),
"It is not fitting for the one who sees the uprising of a khaarijee who has revolted against the Imaam, 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 the prayer, nor his constant fasting or his good and excellent words in knowledge when (it is clear to him that) this person's way and methodology (madhhab) is that of the Khawaarij."
And Ibn al-Qayyim (d.751H) said in Miftaah Daaris-Sa'aadah (1/119), "And as for Imaam Maalik, then Ibn al-Qaasim said, "I heard Maalik say, "Indeed there are a people who desire worship but squander the knowledge (being deprived of it) so they revolt against the Ummah of Muhammad with their swords. And if they had followed the knowledge, then it would have prevented them from doing that."
It is authentically reported from the Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) in the hadeeth of 'Iyaad ibn Ghunum who said, "The Messenger of Allaah s said, "Whoever desires to advise the one with authority then he should not do so openly, rather he should take him by the hand and take him into seclusion (and then advise him). And if he accepts (the advice) from him then (he has achieved his objective) and if not, then he has fulfilled that which was a duty upon him." [7] Reported by Ahmad (3/403) and Ibn Abee 'Aasim (2/521) with a saheeh isnaad.
And it is also related by Ibn Sa'ad in Tabaqaatul-Kubraa (7/163-165): A group of Muslims came to al-Hasan al-Basree (d.110H) seeking a verdict to rebel against al-Hajjaaj . So they said, "O Aboo Sa'eed! What do you say about fighting this oppressor who has unlawfully spilt blood and unlawfully taken wealth and did this and that?" So al-Hasan said, "I hold that he should not be fought. If this is the punishment from Allah, then you will not be able to remove it with your swords. If this is a trial from Allaah, then be patient until Allaah's judgment comes, and He is the best of judges." So they left al-Hasan, disagreed with him and rebelled against al-Hajjaaj - so al-Hajjaaj killed them all. [9]
About them al-Hasan used to say, "If the people had patience, when they were being tested by their unjust ruler, it will not be long before Allaah will give them a way out. However, they always rush for their swords, so they are left to their swords. By Allaah! Not even for a single day did they bring about any good."
NOTES
1. Taken from "The Creed of Imaam al-Bukhaaree".
2. This hadeeth has been reported from a group among the Companions and see Sunan at-Tirmidhee (no. 2657), al-Musnad (4/80, 82 183), 'Jami' ul-Usool (1/265) and Majma'uz-Zuwaa'id (1/137-139).
3. Reported from Ahmad and it is saheeh
4. Reported from Ibn Maajah and it is hasan.
5. Reported from Muslim
7. When changing the evil of the rulers, then this should be done by the scholars and not openly as is mentioned by a clear hadeeth of the Prophet, "When you wish to correct the sultan then take him by the hand in secret and advise him." [Aquidah at-Tahawiyah]
8. He was ath-Thaqafee, and is well known. Adh-Dhahabee said in Siyar A'laam in-Nubalaa (4/343) at the end of his biography, "We revile him and do not love him, rather we hate him for Allaah. He had some some good deed, but they are drowned in the ocean of his sins, and his affair is for Allaah!"
Prepared by Abu Talhah and Abu Iyaad
Source: The Creed of Imaam Bukhaaree / Explanation of the Creed
wasalam
What to do if a Disbelieving Leader Comes into Power over the Muslims
Shaykh ‘Abdul’Azeez bin Rayees ar-Rayees
Source: Who’s in for ‘Iraaq?
If a disbelieving ruler becomes dominant over an Islamic land and he assumes power the Muslims must cease fighting him if they do not have the ability or power (to remove him). If they do not do this they will seriously harm themselves and their Muslim brothers. For that reason, it is obligatory for them to cease and listen and obey such a disbelieving ruler in everything except disobedience to Allaah.
Our Shaykh, ‘Abdul’Azeez ibn ‘Abdullaah ibn Baaz (raheemahullaah) states:
If the Muslims see clear kufr that they have proof from Allaah for, then there is no problem in them revolting against such a ruler in order to remove him, as long as they have the ability. As for them not having the ability then they should not revolt and also if the revolt will cause a greater evil, they should not revolt. This is for general rectification and the principle of the Divine Revelation is general applied to it, that it is not permissible to bring an end to evil via something which is worse (than the evil that one wishes to remove), it is obligatory to bring an end to evil with that which is less problematic (than the actual evil). As for challenging evil with that which will increase evil, then that is not permissible. It is obligatory to avert evil with that which is the same as it or less (in negative effect) than it. As for wanting to avert evil with that which will result in increasing evil, then does this agree with the Divine Legislation? Does this agree with rectifying the situation? This does not agree with rectification and does not comply with the Divine Legislation. As for averting evil with that which is more evil then that is not permissible according to the consensus of the Muslims. So if this group which wants to bring an end to this leader who performed clear and explicit (buwaahan) kufr, has the ability to bring an end to it, along with a pious righteous good Imaam, is based upon not causing a greater evil to the Muslims and will not bring about an evil far greater than the evil of the leader (whom they seek to remove), then there is no problem. Yet if the revolt is based on corruption, the removal of safety and security, oppressing the people, assassinating one who does not deserve to be assassinated and thereby assassinating others, then this is a corrupt action and such (a revolt) is not permissible. Rather, patience is obligatory, listening (to the leader), obedience (to the leader) in that which is good, advice to those responsible for the state of affairs, making du’a for goodness for them, working hard to lessen evil, increasing goodness, all of this is the path of fairness which is incumbent for one to traverse as within that is rectification for the general Muslims. And also within that is lessening the evil and increasing goodness and within that is preserving security and safety for the Muslims from greater evil. We ask Allaah for every success and guidance. [1]
Our Shaykh, al-‘Allaamah Saalih al-Fawzaan (hafidhahullaah) states:
As for interacting with a disbelieving leader who comes into power (in a Muslim land) then this differs depending on the situations. If the Muslims have power and are able to fight him and remove him from power and are able to fight him and remove him from power in a place of a Muslim leader then they must do that. This is from jihad in the cause of Allaah, but if they are unable to remove such a disbelieving leader from power then it is not permissible for them to provoke such oppressors and disbelievers because this will cause harm for the Muslims. The Prophet (sallAllaahu alayhi wassallam) lived in Makkah for thirteen years after receiving Prophethood under the kuffaar (who were aggressive to Islaam and the Muslims) at that moment in time. They were not instructed to fight except until after the migration of the Prophet (sallAllaahu alayhi wassallam) and they had established a state and body of Muslims that was able to fight the kuffaar (who were aggressive to Islaam and the Muslims). This is the manhaj of Islaam, if the Muslims are under the authority of a disbelieving authority and are unable to remove it they adhere to their Islaam and to their ‘aqeedah but do not put themselves in danger and attempt to confront the kuffaar because that will result in harms for them and their the da’wah. If they have the power and are able to wage armed jihaad then they are to make jihaad in the cause of Allaah in accordance with the principles of the Divine Legislation. [2]
Imaam al-Albaanee (raheemahullaah) stated:
I used to say, and I still do, to those who always drone on about takfeer of the rulers of the Muslims: if they were kuffaar who have disbelieved and apostatized and it was discovered that they had disbelieved and apostatized, those rulers would have to have the punishment established on them. So now, what do you benefit from this aspect of action if for arguments sake all of the leaders are kuffaar and apostates? What is possible for them to do? Those kuffaar who have occupied parts of the Islamic lands, and unfortunately we have been tested with the Jewish occupation of Palestine, so what are we able to do with them along with your thinking that the leaders are kuffaar? It is better that you leave this aspect and begin with the foundational principle upon which Muslim government is established, which is following the Sunnah of the Messenger (sallAllaahu alayhi wassallam), which the companions were cultivated upon. So we do not deny that in such cases that the Muslim groups have to act for the return of the Islamic rule, not only within the Islamic lands, but on the entire earth, in order to achieve the saying of Allaah,
“It is He Who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth, to make it superior over all religions even though the idolators hate (it).”
{at-Tawbah (9): 33}
And it is mentioned in some authentic hadeeth that these verses will be realized in the later times. So that the Muslims are empowered to realize this Qur’anic text, will the way to it be announcing revolutions against those leaders who they think are kuffaar who have disbelieved and apostatized?!! Then along with this thought, which is incorrect, they are not able to do anything, so what is the (correct) manhaj? What is the (correct) path? There is no doubt that the path is: what the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wassallam) was upon and those around him, when he reminded them before every khutbah “The best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (sallAllaahu alayhi wassallam).” So it is upon all the Muslims, and in particular those who attach importance to the return of Islamic rule, to begin from where the Messenger (sallAllaahu alayhi wassallam) began. This is what we name in two words as being purification and cultivation. As we know the reality yet we are heedless to it, or more correctly we pretend to be. Those extremists who have nothing except for announcing takfeer of the leaders and then nothing else manifests from them except for tribulation. This is what has occurred in recent years as you know, beginning with the fitna at the Haram in Makkah to the fitna in Egypt when Sadat was assassinated and the blood of innocent Muslims was spilled. Then finally the fitna in Syria and what is unfortunately taking place in Egypt and Algeria. All of this was due to them contradicting many of the texts of the Book (i.e. Qur’aan) and Sunnah, the most important being,
“There has certainly been for you in the messenger of Allaah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allaah and the Last Day and (who) remembers Allaah often.”
{al-Ahzaab (33): 21}
If we want to establish the rule of Allaah on the earth, do we begin with fighting against the leader whilst we are not able to fight against them? Or do we begin with what the Messenger (sallAllaahu alayhi wassallam) began with? There is no doubt that the answer is
“There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allaah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allaah and the Last Day and (who) remembers Allaah often.”
{al-Ahzaab (33): 21}
What did the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wassallam) begin with? You know that he began with da’wah among the people who he thought were prepared to accept the truth, then whoever responded to him, responded as is well known in the Prophetic sunnah. Then punishment happened along with torture and hardship which affected the Muslims in Makkah; then the instruction for the first and second migrations, until Allaah established Islaam in Madeenah al-Munawwarah. Establishment began and fighting began between Muslims and kuffaar from one side and then against the yahood from another side. Therefore, we have to begin with teaching the people about Islaam just as how the Prophet (sallAllaahu alayhi wassallam) began. However, we do not now restrict teaching because many alien things have entered Islaam. Indeed, things which have been responsible for destroying the Islamic edifice have entered Islaam. For this reason, the du’aat have to begin with purifying Islaam from what has entered into it. Secondly, along with this tasfiyah has to be with tarbiyyah (education and cultivation) of the Muslim youth arising from this pure Islaam. So if we study the, established Islamic groups today since almost century, we will find that many of them did not benefit at all despite their shouts and agitation for an Islamic government. They split the blood of many innocent Muslims for this reason, without benefiting at all. We still hear from them beliefs which contradicted the Book and the Sunnah and they do actions which the Book and the Sunnah oppose. Based on this we say: there are some words which were stated by one of the du’aat, which I wish his own followers would stick to and practice it: “Establish the Islamic state within your own selves then it will be established in your lands.” Because if a Muslim corrects his creed based upon the Book and the sunnah, there is no doubt that behind that will be rectification of his worship, manners and character etc. yet this is a good saying, unfortunately, those people do not act by it they merely stay screaming about the establishment of the Muslim government with no benefit whatsoever. The saying of the Poet is truthful regarding them:
You hope for success and do not traverse its path,
The boat does not sail on dry land [3]
Therefore, if there is a disbelieving leader, or if a disbelieving leader comes into power, and the Muslims do not have the ability or power to remove such a leader or remove a disbelieving state then they must halt in order to preserve the blood of the Muslims and the core of Islaam and ease the da’wah to Allaah.
Footnotes:
[1] Al-Qahtaanee (ed.), Fataawaa al-A’immah fee Nawaazil al-Mulahumah, 2nd Edition, introduced by Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan, p.93
[2] Ibid., p.120
[3] Fataawaa al-A’immah fi’t-Tawaazil il-Mudalahamah, p.204
__________________
IF THAT IS THE CASE FOR A DISBELIEVING LEADER, THEN WHAT ABOUT A MUSLIM LEADER WHO IS A TYRANT? ........
Imaam Barbahaaree on the Manhaj of Dealing with the Rulers
Imaam al-Barbahaaree said:
"And that we do not contend with or attempt to take away the command from those assigned with it (i.e., the rulers) due to the saying of the Messenger: "There are three things towards which the heart of a Muslim never shows hatred or rancour:
1. Making ones action sincerely for the sake of Allaah,
2. Giving obedience to the rulers (wulatul-amr) and
3. Sticking to the group (jamaa'ah) for verily, their supplication encompasses those who are behind them (i.e. those whom they rule over)." [2]
This is confirmed in His saying:
"O you who believe! Obey Allaah and obey the Messenger, and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority". [an-Nisaa (4):59]
And that the sword is not to be raised against (any of) the Ummah of Muhammad (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam).
And al-Fudayl said, "If I had a supplication that would be answered, I would not make it except for the leader (Imaam) because when the leader becomes righteous, the towns and servants become safe and secure."
Ibn al-Mubaarak said (in reference to the above saying of al-Fudayl), "O teacher of goodness, who would show boldness towards this besides you?" [End of the words of Bukhaaree]
Imaam al-Barbahaaree (d. 329H) also said, "Whoever rebels against a Muslim ruler is one of the Khawaarij, has caused dissent within the Muslims, has contradicted the narrations and has died the death of the days of ignorance." (Sharhus-Sunnah [p.42])
The Khawaarij are a group who first appeared in the time of 'Alee. They split from his army and began the grave innovation of takfeer (declaring Muslims, rulers or the ruled, in their view guilty of major sins, to be unbelievers). The Prophet s warned against them in many authentic ahaadeeth, "They are the dogs of Hellfire" [3].
He also informed us that they would continue to appear until the end of this world, saying, "A group will appear reciting the Qur'aan, it will not pass beyond their throats, every time a group appears it will be cut off, until the Dajjaal appears within them." [4]
Imaam Al-Barbahaaree (d.329H) also said, "It is not permissible to fight the ruler or rebel against him even if he oppresses. This is due to the saying of the Messenger of Allaah to Aboo Dharr al-Ghifaaree, "Have patience even if he is an Abyssinian slave," [5] and his saying to the Ansaar, "Have patience until you meet me at the Pool," (reported by Bukharee from Usayd ibn Hudayr). There is no fighting against the ruler in the Sunnah. It causes destruction of the Religion and the worldly affairs." Sharh-us-Sunnah, (p. 43).
Abu Bakr al-Aajurree (d.360H) said in ash-Sharee'ah (p. 28),
"It is not fitting for the one who sees the uprising of a khaarijee who has revolted against the Imaam, 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 the prayer, nor his constant fasting or his good and excellent words in knowledge when (it is clear to him that) this person's way and methodology (madhhab) is that of the Khawaarij."
And Ibn al-Qayyim (d.751H) said in Miftaah Daaris-Sa'aadah (1/119), "And as for Imaam Maalik, then Ibn al-Qaasim said, "I heard Maalik say, "Indeed there are a people who desire worship but squander the knowledge (being deprived of it) so they revolt against the Ummah of Muhammad with their swords. And if they had followed the knowledge, then it would have prevented them from doing that."
It is authentically reported from the Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) in the hadeeth of 'Iyaad ibn Ghunum who said, "The Messenger of Allaah s said, "Whoever desires to advise the one with authority then he should not do so openly, rather he should take him by the hand and take him into seclusion (and then advise him). And if he accepts (the advice) from him then (he has achieved his objective) and if not, then he has fulfilled that which was a duty upon him." [7] Reported by Ahmad (3/403) and Ibn Abee 'Aasim (2/521) with a saheeh isnaad.
And it is also related by Ibn Sa'ad in Tabaqaatul-Kubraa (7/163-165): A group of Muslims came to al-Hasan al-Basree (d.110H) seeking a verdict to rebel against al-Hajjaaj . So they said, "O Aboo Sa'eed! What do you say about fighting this oppressor who has unlawfully spilt blood and unlawfully taken wealth and did this and that?" So al-Hasan said, "I hold that he should not be fought. If this is the punishment from Allah, then you will not be able to remove it with your swords. If this is a trial from Allaah, then be patient until Allaah's judgment comes, and He is the best of judges." So they left al-Hasan, disagreed with him and rebelled against al-Hajjaaj - so al-Hajjaaj killed them all. [9]
About them al-Hasan used to say, "If the people had patience, when they were being tested by their unjust ruler, it will not be long before Allaah will give them a way out. However, they always rush for their swords, so they are left to their swords. By Allaah! Not even for a single day did they bring about any good."
NOTES
1. Taken from "The Creed of Imaam al-Bukhaaree".
2. This hadeeth has been reported from a group among the Companions and see Sunan at-Tirmidhee (no. 2657), al-Musnad (4/80, 82 183), 'Jami' ul-Usool (1/265) and Majma'uz-Zuwaa'id (1/137-139).
3. Reported from Ahmad and it is saheeh
4. Reported from Ibn Maajah and it is hasan.
5. Reported from Muslim
7. When changing the evil of the rulers, then this should be done by the scholars and not openly as is mentioned by a clear hadeeth of the Prophet, "When you wish to correct the sultan then take him by the hand in secret and advise him." [Aquidah at-Tahawiyah]
8. He was ath-Thaqafee, and is well known. Adh-Dhahabee said in Siyar A'laam in-Nubalaa (4/343) at the end of his biography, "We revile him and do not love him, rather we hate him for Allaah. He had some some good deed, but they are drowned in the ocean of his sins, and his affair is for Allaah!"
Prepared by Abu Talhah and Abu Iyaad
Source: The Creed of Imaam Bukhaaree / Explanation of the Creed
wasalam
Al Islam is The victory Religion!!!
