Abu Dawud

Benefits and Issues:
Where, in the well-known sense, rulers and sultans are oppressive and tyrannical, and do not tolerate the truth being spoken to them, there likewise society and the community are, in a sense, like a tyrannical ruler: a believer must, with courage and steadfastness, speak the truth to his brethren and the people of his society, even if it goes against their customs and traditions, and must demonstrate the truth through his actions.

This is a very great jihad.

Sometimes, speaking before the authorities is easier, but confronting the customs and practices of one’s own community and society is extremely difficult.

For example, well-known Islamic symbols such as growing the beard, keeping the lower garment (shalwar) above the ankles, and women observing hijab (veil) are such acts that no person of knowledge and faith is ignorant of their obligation, yet some people find it extremely burdensome to consider them in opposition to societal traditions.

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And Allah is the One whose help is sought!

Explanation:
1:
This is considered the best form of jihad because, at the time of confronting the enemy, the fear that prevails encompasses both the possibilities of victory and defeat within oneself. However, when speaking the truth before a tyrannical king, only the fear of being overpowered prevails. For this reason, it has been called the best jihad.

Note:

Based on corroborating narrations and supporting evidence, this hadith is authentic; otherwise, its narrator "Atiyyah al-Awfi" is weak. See: (al-Sahihah: 491)

Commentary:
Benefits and Issues:

➊ If a Muslim ruler is oppressive, even then rebellion against him is not permitted, but it is necessary to prevent him from committing oppression.

➋ Since an oppressive ruler is not confronted in the same manner as fighting against disbelievers, therefore, to approach him unarmed and armed only with the weapon of arguments to convey the message is an act of greater courage and bravery. This is because, generally, there is always the risk from such individuals that they may kill, imprison, or inflict various kinds of hardships.