Hadith 28- revolting against the state

Hadith 28- revolting against the state

by Faizan Nawaz -
Number of replies: 1

Assalamu Alaykum Shaykh,

I am aware of the severity of revolts and the chaos it creates but if the ruling of revolting against the state was a matter of belief, then how would one understand the rebellions of great companions like Muawiya, al-Husayn, Abdullah ibn Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with them)? By extension, would rebellion have its contextual justification because if it was a matter of aqeedah, then the companions would not have rebelled.

Hence, would we say that their decisions to revolt against the state was an exercise of ijtihad and if so, would this then make the issue of rebellion a legal matter rather than a creedal issue?

Jazakallah Khair, may Allah reward you and Seekersguidance for your efforts.


In reply to Faizan Nawaz

Re: Hadith 28- revolting against the state

by Shaykh Yusuf Weltch -
Wa alaikum salaam

Political decisions are not a matter of belief. What occurred from Sayyidna Mu'awiya, 'Abdullah bin Zubair, and others was indeed from their ijtihad (legal judgments). This is represented in the Hadith of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and give him peace), 'When a ruler judges and is right they have two rewards. When a ruler judges and is wrong they have one reward."

In the Islamic viewpoint, unjust leadership is better than anarchy and chaos. For this reason, it is impermissible for the Muslim, under Muslim Governance, to rebel against the leader unless the leader show clear and undisputed disbelief. Note that this does not apply to Non-Muslim countries/governments. Such countries are considered mu'ahidin (people with whom there is a covenant). In such countries, one must obey the laws of the land unless doing so entails clear disobedience of the laws of Allah.

Hope this helps
Yusuf Weltch