Published on Apr 01 2011 by Nadimur Rahman

Hudhur gave a discourse on ‘obedience to the state’ in his Friday Sermon today. Hudhur said he wished to reiterate today what he had mentioned a few weeks ago as regards a Tehreek for prayer for the world of Islam. He had asked Ahmadis to pray that may God grant sense to the Muslim leaders so that the Muslim countries are saved from defeat. In addition, the message to the masses was to avoid falling prey to the extremists or the outsiders. Hudhur said, with God’s grace, Ahmadis have understood that prayer alone is the real ‘weapon’ and they do not participate in violent protests. However, at times the thought of how much patience must one demonstrate towards wrong polices of a tyrant emerges in minds. It is wondered in some African countries as what should be the reaction to such leaders, for example as in the current situation in the Ivory Coast. How much should Ahmadis participate in the radical reaction by the public or against the anti-governmental rallies. Hudhur said even some educated people did not understand the spirit of Hudhur’s message. At times, they wish to have a definitive answer whether they can participate in a mission to forcefully take their rights and also how much oppression they should endure.

Hudhur had organised a meeting with the Arab Desk where he had explained to Haani Tahir sahib regarding the Arabic-speaking African nations and had explained in detail as to what should be the deportment of Ahmadis in the current situation. Hudhur had also directed that his instructions should be sent to the relevant countries in writing for better understanding. However, judging from some letters and questions, it appears that some do not understand the view point of the Ahmadiyya Community in this regard; view point that is based on the Qur’an Ahadith and the pronouncements of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). Thus, Hudhur felt the need to explain further in order to allay all doubts.

Hudhur said the Qur’an states, and this part of the verse is recited every Friday: ‘Allah…forbids indecency, and manifest evil, and transgression’. (16:91). The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) has explained the Arabic word Bagh’i (transgression) as signifying excessive rainfall that spoils crops. Hudhur explained this means one who diminishes rightful dues or one who exceeds in rightful dues. God forbids from both; neither the ruler, nor the masses should either diminish or exceed in this regard, if they do, they break the boundaries set by God. Hudhur said as these day it is the masses who are taking severe action against governments, Hudhur would address the matter correspondingly. Ahadith inform us that even if the leader is in the wrong, the masses are enjoined to be patient.

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said; ‘After me you will see injustice, rights suppressed and others given preference over you. You will see matters that you will disapprove of’. When asked what was the commandment in such circumstances, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) replied, ‘pay their [leaders] rights to them and ask God for your rights.’ The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) also said: ‘Whoever disapproves of something done by his ruler should be patient, for whoever disobeys the ruler even as little as the span of a hand will die a death of ignorance.’ A man came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and complained that he had appointed so and so as a ruler and had not appointed him, to which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) replied: ‘After me you will see others given preference over you but you should be patient till the Day of Judgment.’ Once the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) was asked how people should react if unjust rulers are imposed on them. He declined to answer, he was asked again, and again he declined. When he was asked the third time, he replied that even in such a situation the ruler should be obeyed. He would be accountable for the responsibility given to him while the subjects would be accountable for the responsibility laid on them. Once the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) took Bai’at, after which he said once someone is made a ruler he should not be quarrelled with unless he does Kufr (disbelief) publically and for this they [they people] have a proof from God.

Hudhur explained that the above explains that rioting against the government is against the Shariah. Hudhur said Wahhabi school of thought and others with extreme view infer from this Hadith that if the Kufr of a leader becomes apparent, his leadership should be snatched. They issue severely binding Fatwa (edict) that those who do not acknowledge as Kaffir people whom they have decreed as Kaffir, are also Kaffir. Hudhur said the Hadith mentions obedience and does not refer to rebellion/ transgression.

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