How can the Hadith "The greatest jihad is a word of truth spoken to a tyrannical ruler" be reconciled with the obligation not to rebel against the ruler?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The intended meaning of jihad is enjoining good and forbidding evil with the tongue, which is one of the greatest forms of jihad because it exposes its practitioner to danger, and its benefit may extend to many people. This is not a rebellion against rulers; rather, it is a form of advising them. Furthermore, changing evil with the hand does not necessitate fighting unless it leads to discord (fitna).
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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