ISLAM: PROTEST AND LABOR STRIKE

-Ustadh Ibrahim Albanny

Alhamdulillah, wasolatu wasalaam ‘alarosulillah. Scholars differ on the ruling on this topic:

(A) Some scholars are of the opinion that it is permissible with conditions that going on strike or protesting in any other form should…

- be limited to get some benefit or to avoid some harm. So they should not be done if they can lead to perversion or to something worse.

- not lead to evil consequences, like sabotage or transgression against public properties.

- be free of forbidden acts; mixing between men and women; women going out wearing adornment and make-up; using music in the demonstration; shouting slogans that are incorrect, begging the kaafirs for help by using phrases that are humiliating to the Muslims; holding up pictures or effigies of people; doing wrong to others such as blocking the road or preventing people from passing by; using slanderous and insulting words that are not permitted in sharee’ah; imitating the kuffaar in any of their unique characteristics such as clothing or symbols that the demonstrators may wear; committing acts of aggression against the property of innocent people, such as destroying their shops or breaking their windows, or starting fires in public facilities, and other haraam actions.

THEIR EVIDENCES:

1. Some Sahabah (including Umar and Hamzah rodiyallahu ‘anihuma) protested in Makkah.

2. Strike and protest are means to achieve something, and means is part of our norms. In as much there is no evidence against it then it is permissible.

(ii) An action that is not Islamic by origin, its process and outcome cannot be Islamized. Strike and Protest cannot be free of at least one of the following forbidden in our society;

- Imitating the kuffaar;

- Free mingling between opposite sexes;

- Destroying the properties of innocent people or government;

- Brings about more harm than good e.g. violence between Armed forces and protesters that do result to killing and harming, and disrupting business activities; Resulting to death of many innocent patients, and incommoding helpless students to achieve their plans.

- Cooperating upon sin and misguidance and thereby compromising or neglecting the sunnah;

- Wasting time and money;

- Inconveniencing others; blocking the road or depriving people their right to transact, acquire knowledge or denying them access to health facilities in the case of emergency; Resulting to death of many innocent poor patients, and incommoding hapless students on their plans for education.

- Chanting silly slogans that are sometime haram. While some Muslims will be raising their voices saying “Allahu Akbar” in the name of Jihad (Abu Musa Al Asa’ri (rodiyallahu ‘anih) reported that we are with the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wasalam and when we approached a valley, we use to raise our voice saying ‘Lailaaha illa Allah’, and ‘Allahu Akbar’, so the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wasalam told us: “O people, take it easy(i.e. lower your voices), indeed you are not calling upon a deaf or a distant one. But One Who is with you, He is Hearer and, Ever Near” - Muslim;

- Missing the five prayers sometimes as there may be no space to pray;

- Hostility towards some people just because they did not join the strike, attend the demonstration or are against it;

- Indecent dresses;

- Holding up pictures or effigies of people;

- Using slanderous and insulting words that are not permitted in shariah;

- Cursing, slandering, backbiting and exposing the sins of our Muslim brother you are protesting against;

- Using musical instruments, singing and dancing;

- Collecting salary for days off during strike which does not belong to us because we don’t work for it.

Shaykh Abdul-Muhsin Al-’Abbaad Aal-Badr on 12th of Rabee’ al Awwal, 1432H (15th of February 2011): “…demonstrations bring harm to the country where you find demonstrations. Because the demonstrations, I say the smallest thing with it is the cutting of the paths, and causing harm for the people, and it may be that these demonstrations give way to other demonstrations which oppose it so then the killing occurs and the corruption occurs and matters like these. The obligation is to distancing oneself from it generally.”

Also on the 11th of Rabee’ al Awwal, 1432H corresponding to 14th of February, 2011 the shaykh (Abdul-Muhsin Al-’Abbaad Aal-Badr) said: “I do not know anything that proves that these demonstrations are legislated (the shaykh is referring to the demonstrations in Libya). We do not know the basis in the religion that proves these (demonstrations and protests) matters. Rather these matters are newly invented (demonstrations are bidah (innovation)), that the people invented and that they have imported from their enemies in the Western and Eastern countries (imitating the kuffaar which is haram). Meaning, it does not have a basis in the religion. We do not know of anything that proves its permissibility in the legislation. So the people should tread the legislated paths that have been legislated for them and abandon the things that do not have a basis and that cause harm, corruption, killing, and cutting off (paths). If the only harm of it was cutting the paths of the people then that would be sufficient in clarification of its evil and that it’s not for anyone to partake in things like that.”

Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan said in Majmoo’ Fataawa wa Rasa’il – Volume Two, Number 141, 143, and 146, “Our religion is not a religion of chaos. Our religion is a religion of discipline, and a religion of order, and calm, and tranquillity. And demonstrations are not from the actions of the Muslims and it is not something the Muslims are familiar with. And the religion of Islam is a religion of calm, and a religion of mercy, and a religion of discipline; not chaos, and not disorder, and not (a religion) of inciting trials (fitnah). And this is the religion of Islam. And rights are earned by asking for them in the manner legislated by the Shariah and through ways legislated by the Shariah. And demonstrations cause bloodshed and cause the ruination of wealth (of the Muslims). And these matters are not permissible.” A person asked “What is the ruling pertaining to demonstrations, and are they considered to be from jihad in the path of Allah?”

Shaykh Saalih ibn Fawzaan. So he replied: “There is no benefit in demonstrations. Rather they are confusion. They are from confusion, disorder. And what harm will be done to the enemy if the people demonstrate a street amongst the streets and raise their tongues?! Rather, this is from the matters on account of which the enemy actually rejoices… Islam is a religion of sanctity, and religion of tranquillity, a religion based upon knowledge, it is not a religion of confusion and noise. It is a religion that aims to bring about tranquillity and sanctity, alongside the working of beneficial and praiseworthy deeds… So it us upon the Muslims to traverse upon the manhaj of Islam in the likes o,f these affairs and other than them. Islam did not come with demonstrations and clangour, and raising of the voices, or destruction of the state properties, or transgression. All of this is not from Islam, it does not benefit, rather this harms the Muslims.

Shaykh Ibn Baz (D. 1420h) said Concerning Protests and Demonstration: “I do not view the rallies and demonstrations done by women and men to be from the treatment. However, I do see that they are from amongst the causes of fitan and from amongst the causes of evil and from amongst the causes of transgression upon some people and to have enmity towards some people without due right.” Rather, the Shariah means consist of writing letter, advice and calling to goodness by Shariah legislated means that the people of knowledge have explained. And the Companions of the Messenger of Allah and their followers in goodness have all explained these means to be writing letters and speaking along with (A word is unclear) and with the leader and calling him and advising him and writing to him, without publicizing the affair upon the pulpits that he did such and such and such and such emanated from him. And Allah is the One from whom aid is sought.” Shaykh Ibnul Uthaymeen said Concerning Protests and Demonstration: “As for competing in protests and staging public demonstrations, then this is in opposition to the guidance of the Salaf. Indeed, now you know that these affairs have no connection to the Shariah, nor any connection to rectification. It is nothing except harm…

(C) Reliable Fatwa from Scholars on protest Shaykh Muhammad Amaan bin Alee Al-Jaamee said in his explanation of Usool ath-Thalaatha, “Jihad is a righteous action, the pinnacle of Islaam. The meaning of it (jihad) is not hollow slogans and demonstrations and declarations, no! Jihaad in the path of Allaah is private, go if there is Jihaad, fight and you are quiet, no one knows that except Allaah.” Shaykh Abdul-Muhsin Al-’Abbaad Aal-Badr said “No doubt that (demonstrations) is from the ways of rebellion, rather it is from rebellion, no doubt (rebelling against the Muslim leader is haram whether he is good or bad)!” Shaykh Abdus-Salaam bin Burjiss Aal Abdul-Kareem said regarding the corruption of rebellion: “The one who thinks about what is the result of the religious and worldly punishments in the streets from those who split the Jamaah (community) and rebels against their leader, he will realize the corruption with this rebellion is immense and its effects are harmful regardless of the intent of the rebellion.”

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyya said a magnificent statement on the topic of rebellion and rebelling against the Muslim ruler: ‘And perhaps the group that rebelled against the leader do not know that in their rebellion is a great corruption and it is greater than the corruption that they wanted to remove’. Indeed splitting the Jamaah and rebelling against the leader has with it:

1. Replacing the security with fear

2. Replacing satisfaction with hunger

3. The shedding of blood

4. Indecent Attacks

5. Looting wealth

6. Cutting off the paths

7. The spreading (increase) of fools (and foolishness)

8. Spreading of ignorance, and increasing the ignorance

9. Reducing knowledge, and making its people strangers

10. Weakening of the religion, and making it strange

The Caliph, al-Ma`moon killed everyone from amongst the Scholars who did not speak of the creation of the Quran. He killed a group of Scholars and the people were forced to say this false statement. We have never heard from Imam Ahmad (d.241H), nor from other than him from the Scholars, that anyone from amongst them ever staged a sit-in within any mosque (or demonstrations and protest)…”

Shaykh Muhammad bin Abdul-Wahhaab Al-’Aqeel advised the brothers in Libya and the Muslims all over the world regarding the recent situation in Egypt over Mubarak (the now retiered leader of Egypt) his advice was ‘to stay away from these protests and demonstrations, spilling the blood of the Muslims, etc and says that all of these are Haraam (prohibited).’

Shaykh ‘Abdul-Qaadir bin Muhammad Al-Junaid advices protesters and demonstrators “Indeed these protests, demonstrations, marches, sit-ins, and insurgencies that you are active in to remove your leader and topple his government or objections to some of his decisions, moves, and actions are not worthy enough for you to go out against him, and to march about it, and to be amongst the masses of people, and organize a way to call to it or support and be proponents to it.” Then he explains how demonstrations are haram because they involve coping the kuffaar in their harm actions. He said “…they are the disbelievers from the Jews, Christians, Communists, Buddhists, and those who are upon the way of the Baathists , Socialists, Marxists, Secularists, Liberalists, and other than them…the recent history of revolutions, demonstrations, protests, sit-ins, marches in the street in their countries are hardly unnoticed or hidden from the reasonable, insightful intellectual, as it is said (by them (the kuffaar): Freedom is a sufficient sign… So beware O believer in Allah and His Messenger that you will take the path of these two groups (the Khawarij and the kuffaar), and that you imitate their actions, and make them your examples and guides for you will lose not win, and you will spread corruption not rectification, you will cause disarray and not guidance, you will deviate and not guide. It’s affirmed from the most merciful of the creation to you and the most sincere one to you, and he is the Prophet that he said to you and to the believers, warning, repulsing, and disliking, ‘Whoever imitates a people then he is from them.’ Abu Dawood, 3512; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani.” (Ibn Taymiyyah said about this hadeeth, “This at the very least indicates that it is haraam to imitate them (the kuffaar), although the apparent meaning is that the one who imitates them is a kaafir (disbeliever). Iqtidaa al-Siraat al-Mustaqeem, 1/237. Also he said, “Imitating them in outward matters leads to imitating them in attitude and actions, hence we are forbidden to imitate the kuffaar…as it says in the marfu hadeeth: ‘Whoever imitates a people is one of them.’” Majmoo al-Fataawa of Ibn Taymiyyah, 22/154.)

Shaykh ‘Abdul-Qaadir bin Muhammad Al-Junaid words on demonstrations and protest being from the kuffaar are explained by the words of Shaykh Muhammad Naasiruddeen Al-Albaanee. “Going out for these demonstrations and protests with signs showing displeasure and rejection of some of the decisions or some of the laws, this system is with the ruling upon those who say: The rule is for the people, or from the people by the people (the kuffaar who support democracy). He made this clear when he said, “They have taken it (demonstrations and protest) completely from the culture of the westerners and their system of govern.”

On this point Shaykh Saaleh bin Fawzaan Al-Fawzaan said, “And demonstrations are not from the actions of the Muslims (because they are the actions of the kuffaar), and the Muslims have never known it before.”


Shaykh Uthmaan As-Saalimee said “Allaahul Musta’aan, with it is Tawheed (monotheism) and the greatness of trusting in Allah, and the people became… ignorant of the likes of these meanings (trusting in Allah), they started to look at their leaders only: “What should we give them if they fall short?” They (referring to the people of Egypt in their recent protest) went out to the streets protesting. Some of them were looting from others. Some of them rob each other. Importantly, it’s a great evil (protesting and demonstrations).” So we do not support the demonstrations and protests and whatever resembles that. We do not support under any circumstances, and rectification is possible without such things. However, there is no escape from the fact that there are hidden matters, inward or outward that are trying to spread these affairs.”

Conclusion:

My brothers and sisters, Strike and Protest are ways instituted by the democratic system in which the people have absolute domination and it is politically, socially and professionally right and not Islamically.

Nevertheless, Islam allow peaceful way of getting benefits like dialogue, writings etc. but in a state where the only language understand by its government is violent acts, then, Muslims should not forget their religion teachings… Ibn Mass`ûd (rodiyallahu ‘anih) reported that the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wasalam said: "Soon you will see others given preference over you, and there will be things which you will deny" the Companions of the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wasalam asked:" O Allah's Apostle! What do you order us to do?" He said: "To give the rights that are on you and to ask Allah for your rights". Bukhari 3603. This is the sunnah! Beware of those who doesn’t mind turning white to black, just to defend their sect or society. It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him ) said:

*“There will come to the people years of TREACHERY, when the liar will be regarded as honest, and the honest man will be regarded as a liar; the traitor will be regarded as faithful, and the faithful man will be regarded as a traitor; and the Ruwaibidah will decide matters.’ It was said: ‘Who are the Ruwaibidah?’ He said: ‘Vile and base men who control the affairs of the people.’”

Ibn Majah 4036

We will revive the Sunnah, in Shaa Allah, and reject their tradition and civilization that permit protest to the extent of going topless in the name of protest. I hope this little knowledge of mine will benefit seekers of knowledge like me. May Allah forgive me and you.

of course, the govt has to be aware.

hmmm

kareemkamil:
hmmm

what's hmmm counter with evidences from reputable scholars

As a Muslim , I disagree fundamentally with the “reputable scholars” . A lot of scholars from the Arab world especially Saudi Arab are on govt payroll and as such can not maintain full independence in thier fatwas.
Fatwas usually have political undertones depending on who your pay master is and your generally ideoligical leanings.

If you are aware of the origins of Saudi Arabia post world war 1 and the role played by wahabi scholars in issuing very questionable fatwas.
You can read this article I found very relevant.
Raja AbdulHaq – Throughout Islamic history, and during times of trials and tribulations, true leaders emerge to fight for what Islam stands for, while other public figures and scholars surface as true obstacles to the mission of Islam. The role of the latter, better known as scholars of the Sultan, is critical for the continuation of oppression, injustice, and heresies by giving “religious legitimacy” to these corrupt leaders and hence their actions.

Religious legitimacy is given by these tyrants’ scholars through any combination of the following:

* Highlighting the Furu’ [branches] of Islam on the expense of the Usul [roots] since comprehending the latter protects minds from being fooled by some out-of-context Furu’

* Focusing on the Islamic concept of obeying the ruler without explaining the firm conditions the ruler must adhere to before being obeyed, or taking into consideration whether the ruler is just or oppressive.

* Ignoring the sound position of Islam in fighting oppressors and oppression by undermining the prophetic call to standing up against unjust rulers for it being the highest form of Jihad.

* Forbidding any criticism of the ruler and any call for freedom or justice with the excuse of protecting the Ummah from Fitnah, chaos, and division.

* Praising the rulers for any minor goodness and overlooking their major offenses while slandering, by questioning their faith and adab (manners), those who criticize them.

* Blaming the Ummah’s downfall on our sins, and not the conflicting agenda of the rulers.

To counter the attempts of corrupt scholars and preachers to idolize tyrants, one needs to keep the following in mind:

* Understanding the definition of scholar, Imam, preacher, Quran reciter, etc. is essential, not everyone that is a public speaker is automatically a scholar

* Scholars’ main responsibility is raising awareness and helping people see the truth. Their focus should be on enjoining the good and forbidding the wrong; that’s the essence of Islam. The death of fellow humans and Muslims, or the oppression practiced against them isn’t a political disagreement; it’s a call for action.

* The “Scholar’s flesh is poisonous” idea is an un-Islamic paradox. Scholars and public figures are only humans who can be wrong, commit a sin, or worse, go against the teaching of Islam. Allah says: “And recite to them, [O Muhammad], the news of him to whom we gave [knowledge of] Our signs, but he detached himself from them; so Satan pursued him, and he became of the deviators.” [7:175]

* Islam nurtures free men who can think for themselves and seek knowledge and intelligence to be able to lead the world to be a better place. Islam doesn’t breed slaves who blindly follow their masters without checks and balances. Great companions, like Omar bin al-Khatab, who was promised paradise, were questioned and criticized publicly for even minor issues. Nonetheless, Some companions had different opinions with the Prophet (peace be upon him) in non-divine positions.

* The ultimate objective of Islam is establishing justice on earth by preserving human dignity. Any attempt by any individual to misguide us, mislead us, or divert us from that path is a betrayal call to the mission of Islam. Allah confirms this in Surat al-Baqarah: “Indeed, those who conceal what We sent down of clear proofs and guidance after We made it clear for the people in the Scripture – those are cursed by Allah and cursed by those who curse” [2:159]

* In terms of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), raising awareness and speaking up against public figures who make mistakes or take shady positions is not only exempted from backbiting rulings, but is also recommended, as Allah says: “Allah does not love the public utterance of hurtful speech unless (it be) by one to whom injustice has been done; and Allah is Hearing, Knowing.” [4:148]

As our Ummah goes through the calamities of colonization, occupation, tyranny, and oppression, we must live up to the challenges ahead of us to lead it to a safe haven. Our prosperity, freedom, and independence start by nourishing inner shrewdness to be equipped to reject all idols, starting with those who use the religion of freedom to enslave people to power.

DBPOWER:
As a Muslim , I disagree fundamentally with the “reputable scholars” . A lot of scholars from the Arab world especially Saudi Arab are on govt payroll and as such can not maintain full independence in thier fatwas.
Fatwas usually have political undertones depending on who your pay master is and your generally ideoligical leanings.

If you are aware of the origins of Saudi Arabia post world war 1 and the role played by wahabi scholars in issuing very questionable fatwas.
You can read this article I found very relevant.
Raja AbdulHaq – Throughout Islamic history, and during times of trials and tribulations, true leaders emerge to fight for what Islam stands for, while other public figures and scholars surface as true obstacles to the mission of Islam. The role of the latter, better known as scholars of the Sultan, is critical for the continuation of oppression, injustice, and heresies by giving “religious legitimacy” to these corrupt leaders and hence their actions.

Religious legitimacy is given by these tyrants’ scholars through any combination of the following:

* Highlighting the Furu’ [branches] of Islam on the expense of the Usul [roots] since comprehending the latter protects minds from being fooled by some out-of-context Furu’

* Focusing on the Islamic concept of obeying the ruler without explaining the firm conditions the ruler must adhere to before being obeyed, or taking into consideration whether the ruler is just or oppressive.

* Ignoring the sound position of Islam in fighting oppressors and oppression by undermining the prophetic call to standing up against unjust rulers for it being the highest form of Jihad.

* Forbidding any criticism of the ruler and any call for freedom or justice with the excuse of protecting the Ummah from Fitnah, chaos, and division.

* Praising the rulers for any minor goodness and overlooking their major offenses while slandering, by questioning their faith and adab (manners), those who criticize them.

* Blaming the Ummah’s downfall on our sins, and not the conflicting agenda of the rulers.

To counter the attempts of corrupt scholars and preachers to idolize tyrants, one needs to keep the following in mind:

* Understanding the definition of scholar, Imam, preacher, Quran reciter, etc. is essential, not everyone that is a public speaker is automatically a scholar

* Scholars’ main responsibility is raising awareness and helping people see the truth. Their focus should be on enjoining the good and forbidding the wrong; that’s the essence of Islam. The death of fellow humans and Muslims, or the oppression practiced against them isn’t a political disagreement; it’s a call for action.

* The “Scholar’s flesh is poisonous” idea is an un-Islamic paradox. Scholars and public figures are only humans who can be wrong, commit a sin, or worse, go against the teaching of Islam. Allah says: “And recite to them, [O Muhammad], the news of him to whom we gave [knowledge of] Our signs, but he detached himself from them; so Satan pursued him, and he became of the deviators.” [7:175]

* Islam nurtures free men who can think for themselves and seek knowledge and intelligence to be able to lead the world to be a better place. Islam doesn’t breed slaves who blindly follow their masters without checks and balances. Great companions, like Omar bin al-Khatab, who was promised paradise, were questioned and criticized publicly for even minor issues. Nonetheless, Some companions had different opinions with the Prophet (peace be upon him) in non-divine positions.

* The ultimate objective of Islam is establishing justice on earth by preserving human dignity. Any attempt by any individual to misguide us, mislead us, or divert us from that path is a betrayal call to the mission of Islam. Allah confirms this in Surat al-Baqarah: “Indeed, those who conceal what We sent down of clear proofs and guidance after We made it clear for the people in the Scripture – those are cursed by Allah and cursed by those who curse” [2:159]

* In terms of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), raising awareness and speaking up against public figures who make mistakes or take shady positions is not only exempted from backbiting rulings, but is also recommended, as Allah says: “Allah does not love the public utterance of hurtful speech unless (it be) by one to whom injustice has been done; and Allah is Hearing, Knowing.” [4:148]

As our Ummah goes through the calamities of colonization, occupation, tyranny, and oppression, we must live up to the challenges ahead of us to lead it to a safe haven. Our prosperity, freedom, and independence start by nourishing inner shrewdness to be equipped to reject all idols, starting with those who use the religion of freedom to enslave people to power.

Dear brother, you mean to say all these scholars do not know that these ayaats and ahadeeth exist for them to take the position they took in these matter?

SubhaanaLlah! what a claim.
This is nothing but clear misguidance.
Do you think you know better than Allaah who instituted these rules and laws that we are following according to the understanding of our pious predecessors.

You must be a scholar to know all these things.
You want to democratize Islaam for us because it suits your whims and desires.

And as for the Saudi scholars being paid by the Saudi authorities then they have predecessor from the companions who did something similar during their time.

So using that ad hominem to undermine whatever message they have passed is simply trying to be clever by half.

Tell me out of those countries where demonstration were held how many were able to get what they were demonstrating about?
how many!?
Is it Libya.That is in ruins today with different factions here and there?
Is it Syria?
Tell me? You can't neglect what Allaah has decreed and what His trusted scholars are saying with honesty and you still remain normal.

The son of prophet Nuuh(alayhis salaam) exhibited this same attitude against Allah's decree by choosing human logic over revelation and we all know how he ended up.

It is better to accept this

It is not a bad idea to have opposing views. However, we must very open and not incline blindly to a side even in the face of strong evidences. We came alone and will be judged alone, so brothers let's forget "this is my school of thought" on matters, rather we should look at the strongest evidence. That way, we'll be closer to the truth.

DBPOWER:
As a Muslim , I disagree fundamentally with the “reputable scholars” . A lot of scholars from the Arab world especially Saudi Arab are on govt payroll and as such can not maintain full independence in thier fatwas.

Dear brother, this is a very false statement. Who says ordinary citizens- especially those billionaires opposing the govt cannot pay better. That saudi is not in ruins today is Allah's mercy via these prominent knowledgeable scholars. You see, rulers will come and go, Tawhid must remain. Don't allow unnecessary emotions to push you out of bounds. If 100 people rise for a revolution, rest assured there may be 100 different interests( will become evident after the coast clears up).