BENEFIT 300: Have Ahlus-Sunnah changed their stance on revolutions following the fall of Bashar al-Assad?

Sheikh Salman Al-’Imad writes: "Ahlus-Sunnah, at the onset of the Syrian uprising in 2011 during the so-called 'Arab Spring', which affected many Arab countries including Syria, maintained a clear and firm stance of rejection and rebuking. This position was well-documented and rooted in the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the Manhaj of the righteous predecessors, may Allāh be pleased with them. The consequences of these revolutions brought great harm to all the countries where they occurred, including Syria. It is a firmly established principle among Ahlus-Sunnah that rebellion against a Muslim ruler is prohibited in all forms, as proven by the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the consensus of scholars. As for rebelling against a disbelieving ruler, Ahlus-Sunnah have outlined specific conditions, among them the necessity of capability and ensuring that the resulting harm does not outweigh the benefit. Additionally, it is a point of unanimous agreement among Ahlus-Sunnah that the Alawites (Nusayris), including Bashar Al-Assad, are disbelievers. This ruling is not recent; rather, it has been known among Ahlus-Sunnah wal Jama’ah for centuries. Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allāh have mercy on him) stated in 'Minhaj al-Sunnah al-Nabawiyyah' (7/415): "For this reason, the Rafidah were among the greatest causes for the entry of the disbelieving Turks into the lands of Islam...Among them are those with the greatest hypocrisy, such as the Nusayris, Ismailis, and their likes, who harbour greater disbelief internally and greater enmity towards Allāh and His Messenger than the Jews and Christians." [End of quote] Ahlus-Sunnah’s rulings are not pre-packaged fatwas with set production and expiration dates. When rebellion against Bashar Al-Assad’s regime initially failed to yield any tangible Islamic benefit for Muslims, it was met with rejection and criticism from Ahlus-Sunnah. This was due to the absence of conditions permitting rebellion against a disbelieving ruler and the overwhelming harms that resulted. However, when a victory was achieved that brought benefit to Muslims, Ahlus-Sunnah rejoiced at this triumph. Their stance on revolutions and uprisings remains consistent and unchanged. Some individuals, harbouring malice in their hearts, attempt to portray this joy as a contradiction in the principles of Ahlus-Sunnah. They may hope to hear discontent or complaints from Ahlus-Sunnah in order to exploit such opportunities to attack them. To such individuals, we say: O Muslim, we rejoiced and prostrated in gratitude to Allāh for the downfall of the tyrant of Syria and the removal of the Alawite Rafidi filth from the land. We also pray that Allāh appoints righteous Sunni Muslim leaders over the Syrian people who will establish their religion and worldly affairs. Finally, Allāh the Almighty says (interpreted meaning): "Alif Lam Mim. The Byzantines have been defeated in the nearest land, but after their defeat, they will triumph within a few years. To Allāh belongs the command, before and after. And on that day, the believers will rejoice in Allāh’s support. He supports whomever He wills, and He is the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful." [Surah al-Rum: 1-5] Ibn Jarir, in his Tafsir, explains: "The interpretation of the Āyah is that Persia defeated the Byzantines in the nearest land to the lands of Syria, but the Byzantines, who are Christians, would later defeat Persia within a few years. To Allāh belongs the command both before and after their victory, for He decrees as He wills. And on that day when the Byzantines defeat Persia, the believers will rejoice at Allāh’s victory, which He grants to whomever He wills, for He is All-Mighty, Most Merciful."