Prominent Islamic scholar Assim Alhakeem has sparked intense debate on social media with his comments on protests and rebellion against oppressive Muslim rulers.
The Saudi Arabia-based scholar’s remarks came in response to a Twitter query about the recent unrest and alleged oppression in Pakistan.
Previously, he also declared taking citizenship of non-Muslim countries are Haram.
Alhakeem declared that participating in protests or rebelling against a tyrannical leader is not permissible in Islam.
He tweeted, “It’s not permissible to rebel against a tyrant leader or to protest/demonstrate! People aren’t interested in what the Quran or Sunnah says; they follow their whims, even if it destroys the country!”
Alhakeem’s statement was a response to a Twitter user’s concern about the alleged killings of Pakistanis and the arrests of thousands during recent protests. The user questioned the Islamic perspective on opposing such oppression.
The scholar’s comments have received both backlash and support online. Critics argue that his interpretation undermines the importance of standing against injustice, citing examples from Islamic history where speaking truth to power was encouraged.
While some of the users have quoted some of the hadith that promotes standing up against the oppressor as mentioned in Sahih Muslim book 1 and Hadith 79. Accusing the Sheikh going against the Sunnah.
One of the commenters also mentioned the farewell khutbah (Sermon) that was given by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in which he mentioned “Not to be oppressed” which signifies that one should stand against the tyrant leader.
On the other hand, supporters agree that protests often lead to chaos and destabilization, which goes against Islamic principles of maintaining order and peace in society.
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