How is the denouncement in the Hadith: "There will be rulers over you, and you will recognize (their good deeds) and denounce (their evil deeds). So, whoever dislikes (their evil deeds) is absolved, and whoever denounces (them) is safe. But whoever is pleased and follows (them, is not)" – is it by the tongue, or what?

Umm Salamah's narration about the rulers: "So whoever dislikes [their action] is absolved, and whoever denounces [it] is safe, but whoever is pleased and follows [them is sinful]," meaning disliking and denouncing with the heart.

The one who said: "Meaning whoever dislikes with his heart, and denounces with his heart" is Qatadah.

Another narration states: "So whoever denounces with his tongue is absolved, and whoever dislikes with his heart is safe, but whoever is pleased and follows [them is sinful]."

Al-Hasan (definition) al-Basri was of the view that the time for denunciation by tongue has passed, and that the time for denunciation by heart has come.

Al-Bayhaqi was of the view that denunciation is either by tongue or by disliking with the heart while exercising patience.

The Salaf differed concerning public denunciation of rulers. Some of them held it permissible when there is no fear of fitnah (strife), while others held that denunciation should only be by heart, and some others deemed it obligatory if one does not fear a punishment he cannot bear.

Ibn 'Uthaymeen was of the view that denunciation is obligatory, while observing wisdom. If public denunciation achieves a benefit, we undertake it; but if it causes an increase in evil, then it is better to denounce secretly.