Islamic Law states that obedience to people in charge is not an absolute precept but rather one that is tied to their commitment to the teachings of Islam and their ability to preserve the dignity of their people and provide them a decent life, emphasized several Al-Azhar scholars.
Abdel Mouti Bayoumi, a member of the Islamic Research Institute, told Al-Masry Al-Youm that in Islam obedience to the ruler is not absolute since an Islamic rule states that there should be “no obedience to the creation, in disobedience to the creator”.
When the ruler does not fulfill what he has pledged to do in his election platform, the people have the right to disobey him her and if corruption becomes widespread, disobedience to the ruler becomes an obligation, he added.
Mohamed Rafat Othman, another member of the Islamic Research Institute, agreed with Bayoumi and said that the toppling of Ben Ali was legitimate due to the violence used by security forces.
Amena Nousseir, professor of creed and Islamic philosophy at Al-Azhar, said obedience to rulers is linked to their ability to provide the means for a decent life and to establish social and economic justice in society. Nousseir cited the address given by the second Islamic Caliph Omar Ibn al-Khattab when he assumed power, “O people! I have been appointed as your ruler though I am not the best among you. So if you find me in the right, help me. But if you find me in the wrong, correct me. Obey me so long as I obey Allah in conducting your affairs. However, if I disobey Him, I have no claim to your obedience."
One person responded, "By Allah! If we find you crooked, we will correct you with our swords." Omar did not get angry or harbor malice towards him; he only said, according to Nousseir, "Praise be to Allah, Who has created among our people a person who is able to correct the crookedness of Omar."
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
