The Role of Islamic Thought in Governance and Rebellion
In the aftermath of the Arab Spring and subsequent counter-revolutions, the Islamic discourse surrounding governance has evolved significantly. A recent episode of the “Mawazine” program delved into the complexities of obedience to oppressive rulers and the responsibilities of scholars in addressing contemporary oppression. Hani Al-Maghlis, an Assistant Professor of Political Theory at Sana’a University, emphasized that the principle of consultation among Muslims should guide the legitimacy of rulers, a concept rooted in Islamic tradition. He noted that the Rightly-Guided Caliphs were chosen through voluntary means, contrasting this with later periods where power dynamics shifted towards domination.
Al-Maghlis pointed out that the imposition of will by rulers began after the caliphate era, leading to a historical context where the legitimacy of power became increasingly questioned. Moroccan thinker Muhammad Talabi elaborated on this, describing the reliance on hard power to maintain authority as a response to fears of major strife, which historically fragmented the Muslim community. He argued that the concept of 'overcoming' emerged from objective circumstances rather than the subjective nature of rulers.
Talabi posited that rebellion against usurpers has become a historical necessity, advocating for civil uprisings rather than violent political upheaval, as seen in Tunisia, Yemen, and Syria. This perspective aligns with the views of Hassan Al-Khattaf, a Professor of Islamic Theology at Qatar University, who cited Quranic verses to illustrate that obedience to rulers is conditional and not absolute. He emphasized that while rulers have executive authority, they lack legislative power, and thus, obedience should only be granted in matters that align with goodness.
The Limits of Obedience in Islamic Governance
The discussion on the limits of obedience to rulers is crucial in understanding the current political landscape in many Muslim-majority countries. Al-Khattaf highlighted that the Quran does not endorse unconditional obedience to those in authority, indicating that rulers must adhere to divine principles. He stated that if a ruler exceeds their limits, they lose the right to obedience.
Furthermore, the legal stance on military coups was addressed, with Al-Khattaf asserting that such actions are impermissible if they undermine the nation’s right to choose its leaders. This perspective reflects a growing recognition among scholars that the legitimacy of power must be rooted in the consent of the governed, rather than mere force or coercion. The ongoing discourse among Islamic scholars regarding the nature of governance, obedience, and the role of civil resistance continues to shape the political dynamics in the region, as citizens increasingly seek to hold their leaders accountable.
