Reconciling Hadiths on Self-Defense and Refraining from Fighting Rulers

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

The Mufti, Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, was asked:

How do we reconcile the Hadith “Whoever is killed while protecting his property, then he is a martyr” (1) and the Hadith: “You should listen and obey the ruler (i.e. when he commands good) even if he flogs your back and takes your wealth, then still hear and obey (i.e. when he commands good).(2)

Answer: “You should listen and obey the ruler even if he flogs your back and takes your wealth”, this is with the Muslim Ruler.

As for protecting one’s wealth, this is (done) with other than the Muslim Ruler. If an oppressor, a thief, a robber, or a highway robber wants to take your wealth, then you defend (yourself) even if you are killed. If killed, you are a martyr.

As for the Muslim Ruler, you do not resist. Even if your wealth is taken, you do not resist; rather exercise patience due to the greater evil (i.e. the greater evil that may come about due to fighting).

So there is differentiation between the Muslim Ruler and someone among the people.

Question:What do you say to the one who says: “Indeed the hadith (i.e. the above hadith) nurtures the Muslim upon weakness”.

Answer: The Hadith nurtures the Muslim upon obedience and strength. This is because obedience to the Muslim Ruler is Strength and not weakness. He leaves this (i.e. this fighting) for the sake of a universal good and unity of the Muslims.

The people of desires want to do away with the authentic proofs so that they can safeguard their views. This is their intention. They bring doubts in the verses and the ahadith in order to safeguard their deviated views.

Source: Explanation of the hadith: “We were in a state of ignorance p.46-47. Questions and Answers section

1. Al-Bukhari 2480

2. Muslim 4554 and Ibn Abee Aasim in As-sunnah 2/492 no:1026