خطر الخروج على الحاكم في الإسلام

The danger of rebelling against the ruler in Islam

Abstract

This paper examines the Sunni Islamic doctrine that obligates obedience to Muslim rulers and prohibits rebellion except under narrowly defined circumstances. The study emphasizes that this principle, rooted in Qur’anic injunctions and Prophetic guidance, is essential for preserving the unity, stability, and security of Muslim societies. The Qur’an’s command to obey Allah, His Messenger, and those in authority establishes the foundation for lawful leadership, while numerous hadiths warn against division, instructing Muslims to remain with their community and to exercise patience even when rulers act unjustly. The research outlines the meaning of “rebellion” (khurūj) from linguistic and technical perspectives, showing that it involves separating from the community and opposing legitimate authority. Classical scholars applied this term especially to the Khawārij, whose history of extremism, takfīr, and armed revolt illustrates the destructive consequences of rejecting lawful leadership. A central argument of the paper is that rebellion leads to severe harm: bloodshed, societal chaos, weakened security, and the breakdown of communal unity. Islamic law, which aims to prevent greater evils, therefore calls for patience, private advice, and peaceful correction rather than confrontation. Even when rulers commit injustices, the tradition of the early generations (al-salaf al-ṣāliḥ) emphasized avoiding public insults or incitement, encouraging instead prayer for the ruler’s guidance and cooperation with him in resisting violent dissidents. The study concludes by recommending that Muslim societies increase awareness of the Islamic stance on rebellion through educational initiatives, academic programs, and youth-oriented guidance. Strengthening intellectual security and connecting young people to qualified scholars are presented as essential measures to prevent extremist ideologies and to maintain communal harmony and stability.