What is the authenticity of the hadith: "Even if your back is flogged and your wealth is taken, listen and obey"? And is it true that Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah transmitted the consensus of the Tabi'un on obeying the unjust Muslim ruler? And does the "clear disbelief" mentioned in the hadith include violating honors and mass killing? Or do the Salaf have another saying permitting holding the ruler accountable and removing him?
The Salaf differed on the issue of taking up arms against an oppressive or corrupt Muslim ruler whose corruption had not reached the level of clear disbelief (kufr bawwah). The consensus among the Ahl al-Sunnah (Sunnis) settled on abandoning fighting during fitnah (strife/temptation) and enduring the injustice of rulers, unless the ruler is a disbeliever, an apostate, or abandons prayer; in which case, it is obligatory to take up arms against him if there is a strong presumption of being able to prevail over him.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/137062