Principles and Methods for the Dismissal of a Ruler in Islam
Written by: Maulana Zahid al-Rashidi
Islam provides clear and peaceful mechanisms for the removal of a ruler, based on Sharʿī and moral grounds. These include:
If a ruler decides on his own that he is no longer able to fulfill his responsibilities and tenders his resignation, then he will be considered dismissed.
If due to physical or mental illness—such as insanity—or any other condition, the ruler becomes incapable of performing his duties, then he may be peacefully removed.
If the ruler engages in open acts of disobedience, such as consuming alcohol, accepting bribes, or imposing unlawful taxes, then it becomes obligatory to remove him through peaceful means.
Hafiz Ibn Hajar (رحمه الله) states:
"If a ruler can be removed without causing chaos and bloodshed, then it is obligatory to do so. Otherwise, it is better to remain patient."
(Fath al-Bari, Book of Tribulations, Vol. 13, p. 8)
If the ruler's policies are not in the interest of the state and the public disapproves of his rule, the Shūrā (consultative body) has the authority to dismiss him. Furthermore, if a term limit was set at the time of his appointment, his rule ends upon the expiry of that term.
Islamic teachings consider civil war to be among the worst of evils. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said during the Farewell Pilgrimage:
"Your blood, your wealth, and your honor are as sacred as this day, in this month, and in this city."
(Sahih Bukhari 4406; Sahih Muslim 4351)
The Prophet ﷺ prohibited armed rebellion against rulers, even if they committed sins or oppression, to prevent bloodshed among Muslims. However, if the ruler commits clear, open disbelief (kufr bawāḥ) with undeniable evidence from Allah, then armed rebellion is permitted.
Hadith of ʿUbādah ibn al-Ṣāmit (RA):
"Do not rebel against the ruler unless you see clear disbelief, for which you have proof from Allah."
(Sahih Bukhari, Book of Tribulations, Hadith 7056)
① The ruler must have committed clear and indisputable disbelief.
② There must be consensus on his act of disbelief.
③ There must be sufficient capability to remove him.
④ There must be no fear of greater fitnah (civil strife) or widespread bloodshed after his removal.
Modern forms of protest such as strikes, rallies, and demonstrations are borrowed from Western political systems, where such actions are used to pressure governments. In Islam, these methods are only permissible under specific conditions.
Any strike that resembles or approaches suicidal behavior is prohibited.
Damaging public property is a violation of the collective rights of the entire nation and is unlawful in Islam.
① There must be no coercion involved in calling for business closures.
② Essential services like medical care must remain accessible.
③ No one should be forced to participate in the strike against their will.
If a protest or demonstration is peaceful and does not disturb public order, it is permissible. However, since most modern-day protests involve violence and disruption, such actions become impermissible in Islamic law.
Islam emphasizes that the most effective and legitimate method to pressurize a ruler is to reject compliance with un-Islamic orders:
"لَا طَاعَةَ لِمَخْلُوقٍ فِي مَعْصِيَةِ الْخَالِقِ"
“There is no obedience to any creation in disobedience to the Creator.”
✔ Islam provides peaceful and lawful methods for dismissing a ruler.
✔ Armed rebellion is only allowed in the case of open disbelief, under very strict conditions.
✔ Pressuring the government must be done through peaceful, non-violent means, such as refusing to follow un-Islamic orders.
✔ Acts like destruction, coercion, and unlawful protest are strictly prohibited in Islam.
Written by: Maulana Zahid al-Rashidi
Principles of Ruler’s Dismissal in Islam
Islam provides clear and peaceful mechanisms for the removal of a ruler, based on Sharʿī and moral grounds. These include:
❖ Peaceful Dismissal
➊ Resignation of the Ruler
If a ruler decides on his own that he is no longer able to fulfill his responsibilities and tenders his resignation, then he will be considered dismissed.
➋ Incapacity or Incompetence
If due to physical or mental illness—such as insanity—or any other condition, the ruler becomes incapable of performing his duties, then he may be peacefully removed.
➌ Engagement in Open Sin or Oppression
If the ruler engages in open acts of disobedience, such as consuming alcohol, accepting bribes, or imposing unlawful taxes, then it becomes obligatory to remove him through peaceful means.
Hafiz Ibn Hajar (رحمه الله) states:"If a ruler can be removed without causing chaos and bloodshed, then it is obligatory to do so. Otherwise, it is better to remain patient."
(Fath al-Bari, Book of Tribulations, Vol. 13, p. 8)
➤ Public Disapproval
If the ruler's policies are not in the interest of the state and the public disapproves of his rule, the Shūrā (consultative body) has the authority to dismiss him. Furthermore, if a term limit was set at the time of his appointment, his rule ends upon the expiry of that term.
⚔ Armed Rebellion (Khurūj) and Civil War
Condemnation of Civil War
Islamic teachings consider civil war to be among the worst of evils. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said during the Farewell Pilgrimage:
"Your blood, your wealth, and your honor are as sacred as this day, in this month, and in this city."
(Sahih Bukhari 4406; Sahih Muslim 4351)
Prohibition of Armed Rebellion
The Prophet ﷺ prohibited armed rebellion against rulers, even if they committed sins or oppression, to prevent bloodshed among Muslims. However, if the ruler commits clear, open disbelief (kufr bawāḥ) with undeniable evidence from Allah, then armed rebellion is permitted.
Hadith of ʿUbādah ibn al-Ṣāmit (RA):"Do not rebel against the ruler unless you see clear disbelief, for which you have proof from Allah."
(Sahih Bukhari, Book of Tribulations, Hadith 7056)
Conditions for Permissible Armed Rebellion
① The ruler must have committed clear and indisputable disbelief.
② There must be consensus on his act of disbelief.
③ There must be sufficient capability to remove him.
④ There must be no fear of greater fitnah (civil strife) or widespread bloodshed after his removal.
Political Movements and Public Protests
❖ Protests and Western Political Methods
Modern forms of protest such as strikes, rallies, and demonstrations are borrowed from Western political systems, where such actions are used to pressure governments. In Islam, these methods are only permissible under specific conditions.
Prohibited Methods of Protest
➊ Hunger Strikes
Any strike that resembles or approaches suicidal behavior is prohibited.
➋ Destruction of Property
Damaging public property is a violation of the collective rights of the entire nation and is unlawful in Islam.
Conditions for Permissible Strikes
① There must be no coercion involved in calling for business closures.
② Essential services like medical care must remain accessible.
③ No one should be forced to participate in the strike against their will.
Peaceful Rallies and Demonstrations
If a protest or demonstration is peaceful and does not disturb public order, it is permissible. However, since most modern-day protests involve violence and disruption, such actions become impermissible in Islamic law.
⚖ Sharʿī Method of Pressuring the Government
Islam emphasizes that the most effective and legitimate method to pressurize a ruler is to reject compliance with un-Islamic orders:
"لَا طَاعَةَ لِمَخْلُوقٍ فِي مَعْصِيَةِ الْخَالِقِ"
“There is no obedience to any creation in disobedience to the Creator.”
Summary
✔ Islam provides peaceful and lawful methods for dismissing a ruler.✔ Armed rebellion is only allowed in the case of open disbelief, under very strict conditions.
✔ Pressuring the government must be done through peaceful, non-violent means, such as refusing to follow un-Islamic orders.
✔ Acts like destruction, coercion, and unlawful protest are strictly prohibited in Islam.
