there have been rulers in former times who killed people deliberately, yet were not put to death. I do not think that anyone who had the right to demand retaliation remained silent in claiming it. Nevertheless, I consider their rationale unsound, because the relevant texts are general. If the door were opened for tyrannical rulers, they would transgress against people, killing them deliberately and unjustly, without any cause, and with utter audacity before Allah and towards His creatures—may Allah protect us. This issue requires careful consideration.