(Part 40)
The Eighth Topic
The Importance of Imitation
The Fourth Speech:
Preserving the Islamic System
Following the great Imams of Islamic jurisprudence, in addition to guaranteeing unity and preserving Islamic heritage and culture, is a key factor in maintaining the Islamic system. It prevents followers from engaging in bloodshed, political discord, and conflict with the Islamic government. It has been narrated from the majority of Sunni scholars that there should be no rebellion against the rulers. If they command evil, their commands should be rejected, and they should be advised—but only if they openly commit disbelief. Rebellion against a Muslim ruler, even if he is unjust, sinful, or oppressive, has been declared forbidden by the majority of jurists, hadith scholars, and theologians, and consensus has been reported on this. (Al-Nawawi, 1392 AH, 12/229).
The great Imams of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah, even under the worst conditions and oppression of their time, did not call for armed uprisings against rulers. Imam Abu Hanifa passed away in the prison of the Abbasid caliph al-Mansur, and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal endured much suffering from the Abbasid caliphs over the issue of the createdness of the Qur’an, yet never encouraged rebellion. This is the methodology of the majority of Sunni scholars in dealing with rulers.
It is narrated that the jurists of Baghdad unanimously decided to complain about the rule of al-Wathiq. They came to Imam Ahmad and said that calamities have spread, and some express belief in the crestedness of the Qur’an and other deviations, and we are displeased with this rule—what is your ruling? Imam Ahmad replied: “Reject it in your hearts, but do not withdraw your obedience from them. Do not cause division among Muslims, do not shed your or others’ blood. Be patient, so that the righteous can live in peace and you may be safe from the oppressors.” He strongly forbade rebellion and instructed preservation of life. (Al-Maqdisi, Bita, n.d., 1/175)
Most scholars hold that enduring the rule of an unjust ruler is better than rebellion, because conflict leads to insecurity, bloodshed, empowering the ignorant, foreign invasions, and widespread corruption. Only two sects have supported rebellion: The Kharijites and the Mu’tazilites. (Al-Qurtubi, 1384 AH, 2/109) These two sects, from all Islamic factions, advocated for war and bloodshed under the pretense of reform.
Imitation in The Present Age
