Do not revile your rulers, deceive them, or hate them. Fear Allah and be patient, for the matter is near.”1.

Ibn Abd al-Barr, may Allah have mercy on him, said in his book al-Tamhīd: “If it is not possible to advise the ruler, then one must be patient and supplicate, for they—that is, the Companions—used to forbid reviling rulers.” He then cited, through his chain of transmission, the aforementioned hadith of Anas.2.

The early generations, may Allah have mercy on them, regarded preoccupation with reviling rulers and praying against them as an innovation. Regarding this, Imam al-Hasan ibn Alī al-Barbahārī, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “If you see a man praying against the ruler, know that he is a follower of whims; but if you hear a man praying for the ruler’s righteousness, know that he is an adherent of the Sunnah, Allah Most High willing.”3.

His Eminence Shaykh Abd al-Azīz ibn Bāz, may Allah have mercy on him, was asked about someone who refuses to pray for those in authority. He replied: “This stems from his ignorance and lack of insight. Supplicating for the ruler is among the greatest means of drawing near to Allah and the most excellent acts of obedience, and it is part of sincerity toward Allah and His servants…”—to the end of his remarks. May Allah have mercy on him, forgive him, and make his abode the highest Firdaws in Paradise. We likewise ask Him, Glorified is He, to set all our affairs aright, grant us success in every good that He loves in this world and the Hereafter, rectify our rulers, and guide us and them to Himself along a straight path.