The Final Fatwa of Ibn ’Uthaymīn, may Allāh have mercy on him, Regarding the Issue of Ruling by Other Than What Allāh Has Revealed, known as:

«التحرير في مسألة التكفير». “Clarification on the Issue of Takfīr.” Question (1): All praise is due to Allāh, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allāh. I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allāh, alone without partner, and I testify that Muḥammad is His slave and Messenger. To proceed: This question is being presented through a phone call, and it is also being recorded for the honourable Sheikh, Al-’Allāmah Muḥammad ibn Ṣāliḥ Al-’Uthaymīn—may Allāh preserve him, grant him long life, and make him and others like him a source of comfort after the passing of our esteemed father, may Allāh have mercy on him. This question addresses an issue that has sparked significant debate among students of knowledge, and many have referred to certain statements of our esteemed Sheikh Muḥammad ibn Ṣāliḥ Al-’Uthaymīn—may Allāh preserve him—in their arguments. First, I say to the Sheikh: Peace be upon you, and may the mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you. May Allah increase your knowledge and elevate your status in this world and the Next. Honourable Sheikh, may Allāh protect you: There are many students of knowledge who frequently raise the issue of a ruler who implements laws that contradict the Sharī‘ah of Allāh, no doubt enforcing these laws upon the people, punishing those who oppose them, and rewarding those who comply. These laws, according to the Book of Allāh and the Sunnah of His Prophet ﷺ, are considered to contradict and oppose the texts of the Qur'ān and the Sunnah. If such a ruler enforces these laws on the people, while acknowledging that Allāh's law is the truth and anything else is falsehood, but due to some misconception (shubhah) or personal desire, compels people to follow these laws; similar to what occurred frequently during the Umayyad and Abbasid periods, as well as under tyrannical rulers, as is not hidden from your likes; rather it is not hidden from most people. Especially considering that some rulers imposed practices that are displeasing to Allāh, such as hereditary rule, turning kingship into a tight grasp/biting dynasty, as the Prophet ﷺ foretold, bringing close the worst of people, and distancing the best, favoring those who support their falsehood, and possibly even fighting those who command them to do good and forbid them from doing wrong. If a ruler today were to implement similar laws, would he be considered a disbeliever simply because he enforced them, even though he acknowledges that they contradict the Qur'an and Sunnah, and believes that the truth is in the Qur'an and Sunnah? Or must his belief on this matter be examined? For instance, if a ruler enforces usury, opens interest-based banks in his country, borrows from the World Bank with interest-based loans, and adapts his economy accordingly. If asked, he might say, "Usury is forbidden and impermissible," but he justifies it due to an economic crisis or other reasons, offering excuses that may or may not be acceptable. Does such a ruler become a disbeliever, or not? It is worth noting that many young people claim that you have said that whoever does such things is a disbeliever. Yet, we observe this practice in many countries, to varying degrees, both openly and covertly. We ask Allāh for pardon and well-being. We hope for a response from your esteemed self on this matter, so that Allāh may benefit students of knowledge and preachers with it. It is not diffen from you how much disagreement affects the ranks of those calling to Allāh. Additionally, I convey to your esteemed self the love and desire of your sons and students in this country to hear your voice and receive your guidance and advice, whether via phone or otherwise. We ask Allāh, the Most High, to accept from everyone their righteous deeds.