On openly criticising the Muslim ruler

[bamalli]

On openly criticising the Muslim ruler.

*Is it permissible to openly criticise the Muslim ruler in front of a
gathering and the people?* *Answer:*

It is not permissible to
speak about the rulers because this brings about evil and differing in the
society and it splits the unity of the Muslims and cause hatred between the
ruler and the ruled. And this splitting and evil leads to rebellion against
the ruler and the shedding of blood and matters which have blameworthy
consequences. So if you have a comment about them, take it to the ruler
secretly by visiting him, if possible, or by writing to him or by informing
someone who can convey it to the ruler as a sincere advice to him, and it
should be done secretly not openly and this has been mentioned in the
hadeeth, "*Whoever wishes to advise the ruler, then let him not mention it
in public, rather let him take the ruler by his hand. So if he listens then
that is that, and if not then he has fulfilled that which was upon him.*"
And this meaning has been reported from the Messenger of Allaah
(sallallaahualaihi wasallam).

*Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan* Al-Ijaabaat al-Muhimmah fee Mashaakil
il-Mudlahimmah" by Muhammad bin Fahad al-Husayn Translated by Abul-Irbaad
Abid Zargar