Question:
The questioner says: There are those who claim that it is not permissible to apply the ḥadīth about the Khawārij (rebellious sect) to those who go out today in demonstrations against a specific ruler. They also say that there are some who describe these demonstrations as a “peaceful movement” (ḥirāk silmī) and claim that only the people of innovation (Ahl al-Bid‘ah) disapprove of them. What is the ruling on this?
Answer:
Demonstrations are not from the religion of Islam, because they lead to many evil such as the loss of unity among the Muslims, division among them, destruction, and the spilling of blood. They bring about corruption and harm.
Demonstrations are not a correct or legitimate solution to problems. The proper solution is to follow the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger ﷺ. The trials that occurred in previous times were even greater than those happening today, yet the people of those times dealt with them according to the guidance of the Sharī‘ah, not according to the systems of the disbelievers or through imported demonstrations.
This (i.e., demonstrating) is not part of the religion of Islam. Chaos is not from Islam.
The religion of Islam calls to discipline, patience, wisdom, and referring matters to the people of authority and knowledge those known as Ahl al-Ḥaal wa al-‘Aqd (the scholars and decision-makers). Allah the Exalted said:
{فَإِنْ تَنَازَعْتُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ وَالرَّسُولِ إِنْ كُنتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ}
“And if you differ in anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you truly believe in Allah and the Last Day.”
(Surah An-Nisā’, 4:59)
Yes.