What is the ruling on a Muslim ruler drinking alcohol, and is it permissible to obey him in this case?

Drinking alcohol by a ruler compromises his integrity and renders him immoral, but jurists have differed on the continuity of his imamate thereafter:

- The Hanafis believe that integrity is not a condition for the validity of governance. It is permissible to appoint an immoral person, though it is disliked. The Imam is not deposed by his immorality, but he deserves to be removed if it does not lead to strife, and it is not permissible to rebel against him.

- The Malikis believe that it is forbidden to rebel against an unjust Imam, unless a just Imam rises against him.

- Al-Mawardi believes that immorality resulting from committing forbidden acts prevents the establishment and continuity of the imamate. If it afflicts the Imam, he is removed from it, and does not return except with a new contract. However, some theologians believe that he returns to it upon the restoration of his integrity, without a new contract.

- Abu Ya'la believes that the compromising of integrity by immorality does not prevent the continuity of the imamate, whether it is an immorality of actions or an immorality of belief. He cited Ahmad's statement regarding one who drinks intoxicants and steals, that one should go on campaigns with him.