ANALYSING SH. AT-TAHIRI (6)

Dealing with the rulers Sheikh At-Tahiri states: The Arab Autumn (i.e. Arab spring) came, distinguishing those who remain steadfast from those who waver. Among our scholars, some issued fatwas prohibiting demonstrations, consistently ruling them as impermissible...he was asked about the demonstrations in Egypt against Hosni Mubarak, he ruled them impermissible. When Morsi came to power and he was asked again, his stance remained unchanged, as it did under the rule of As-Seesi. This constancy shows that Salafi principles do not shift with political changes. Those who alter their views often fall into one of two groups: (a) either those superficially associated with Salafiyyah or (b) those who are opportunists seeking worldly gains. According to Salafi doctrine, the relationship between the ruler and the people is clear and well-defined. One of our teachers, Sheikh AbdusSalam Al-Burjis, may Allāh have mercy on him, wrote an important work titled: علاقة الحاكم والمحكوم 'The Relationship Between the Ruler and the Ruled,' explaining this relationship in depth. Salafis are not flatterers; in fact, classical Islamic texts warn against getting too close to rulers. Salafis practice restraint and integrity, offering advice sincerely, often supplicating for the ruler privately. As Sheikh Suleiman Ar-Ruhaili beautifully said, "When Salafis are with the ruler, they incline his heart toward his people; when they are with the people, they incline their hearts toward the ruler." This captures the essence of Salafiyyah. Salafis strive to fulfill the goals of Islam, which include establishing Tawheed, preserving the Sunnah, and fostering unity. These principles are grounded in Allāh’s words: {یَـٰۤأَیُّهَا ٱلَّذِینَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِۦ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنتُم مُّسۡلِمُونَ (102) وَٱعۡتَصِمُوا۟ بِحَبۡلِ ٱللَّهِ جَمِیعࣰا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا۟ۚ} "O you who believe, fear Allāh as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims. And hold firmly to the rope of Allāh altogether and do not become divided." [Surah Āli-ʿImrān: 102-103] Holding firmly to Allāh’s rope means adhering to the Qur’an and the Sunnah. As narrated in a hadith from Muslim, the Prophet ﷺ said, "I urge you to adhere to the Book of Allah." He repeated this, then added, "And take care of my family." Some of the Salaf observed that, since authority was not granted to the Prophet’s family, he urged people to treat them well. The Prophet ﷺ also said, as reported by Al-Hakim, "I leave among you that which, if you hold firmly to it, you will never go astray: the Book of Allāh and my Sunnah." الاعتصام بالكتاب والسنة على فهم سلف الأمة عاصم من الاختلاف في الدين، والاعتصام بولي الأمر عاصم من الاختلاف الدنيوي. 'Adhering to the Qur’an and the Sunnah, in the way understood by the earliest generations, shields against religious division, while adhering to the ruler protects against worldly discord.'