To what extent is the hadith authentic: "Whoever sees an oppressive ruler, who makes lawful what Allah has made unlawful, breaks the covenant of Allah, opposes the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, and deals with the servants of Allah with sin and aggression, then does not change [this] with words or deeds, it is deserving of Allah to admit him to the same place as him"?

This hadith is not found in the books of Sunnah, but it is famous in books of literature and sermons. Al-Tabari, Ibn al-Athir, and Al-Nuwayri mentioned it as part of a sermon by Al-Husayn ibn Ali, with a chain of narration that includes Abu Mikhnaf, who is weak.

Furthermore, the hadith restricts change to action and speech, missing the stage of denunciation by the heart, even though the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; if he is unable, then with his tongue; if he is unable, then with his heart, and that is the weakest of faith." Disliking with the heart absolves its owner of responsibility when unable to do otherwise.