Sunday, January 30, 2011

Malcolm X - Islam: The Solution to Racism - Hajj Pilgrimage

The Islamic View of going against Rulers

about an hour ago

 
 
Narrated Junada bin Abi Umaiya: We entered upon 'Ubada bin As-Samit while he was sick. We said, “May Allah make you healthy. Will you tell us a Hadith you heard from the Prophet and by which Allah may make you benefit?" He said, "The Prophe...t called us and we gave him the Pledge of allegiance for Islam, and among the conditions on which he took the Pledge from us, was that we were to listen and obey (the orders) both at the time when we were active and at the time when we were tired, and at our difficult time and at our ease and to be obedient to the ruler and give him his right even if he did not give us our right, and not to fight against him UNLESS WE NOTICED HIM HAVING OPEN KUFR for which we would have a proof with us from Allah.”
The great Hadith expert (hafidh), Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani (Allah have mercy on him) states in his monumental commentary of Sahih al-Bukhari, Fath al-Bari in the explanation of this very Hadith:

“The meaning of “open Kufr” is “clear and apparent” and the meaning of “having a proof from Allah” is a clear text of the Qur’an or an authentic Hadith both of which are unambiguous and not subject to speculation (ta’wil). Therefore, it is not permissible to go against the leader as long as his action is open to interpretation.

Imam Nawawi (Allah have mercy on him) said:

“The meaning of kufr here is “sin”, meaning one should not object to the actions of the rulers unless they carry out clear and open transgression, and which is contrary to the general principles of Islam.”

Others have said:

“The ruler’s leadership should not be challenged unless he commits Kufr or a grave sin, in which case, it should be condemned without using any violence. Also, this ruling is when one is capable of doing so.”

Ibn Teen narrates from al-Dawudi:

‘The scholars have stated that if one is able to remove a transgressing leader/ruler, without causing any Fitnah and oppression, then he should be removed, otherwise it is necessary to be patient.” ( See: Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Fath al-Bari, Vol.13, P.11/12).
From the above excerpt of Imam Ibn Hajr, it becomes clear that there are certain conditions and guidelines in order to challenge a transgressing authority. The ‘kufr’ mentioned in the Hadith must be something which is absolute and crystal clear. If it is open to interpretation, then to challenge authority would not be permissible. Also, one must ensure there is no fear of fitnah, and that one is able to do so.

If one is unable to challenge the ruler in the above manner, then it would be necessary to be patient.

Muslims living in the west will also be obliged to abide by the laws of the country as long as it is not in contradiction to the Shariah.

Sayyiduna Abd Allah ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “It is necessary upon a Muslim to listen to and obey the ruler in things he likes and dislikes, as long as he is not ordered to carry out a sin. If he is commanded to commit a sin, then there is no adherence and obedience.” (Sunan Tirmidhi)
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