Chapter: Fighting the Rebels
Rebels are those who rise up against the ruler on the basis of a plausible interpretation and who possess real force.
If either of those two conditions is missing, they are deemed highwaymen.
Appointing an imam is a communal obligation.
From the outset and for as long as he remains in office, the imam must be a Qurashi, adult, sane, hearing, sighted, articulate, free, male, upright, knowledgeable, clear-sighted, and competent.
He is not deposed merely for sinfulness.
He must correspond with the rebels, dispel their misconceptions, and address the grievances1 they claim; if they desist, well and good, otherwise he is required to fight them, and his subjects are obliged to aid him2.
When the rebels lay down their arms, it is forbidden to kill them, or to kill anyone who flees or is wounded.
Their property is not taken as booty, nor are their dependents enslaved; all of it must be returned to them.
The rebels are not liable for what they destroyed during the fighting.
With regard to their testimony and the validation of the judgments issued by their judges3, they are treated like upright Muslims.