Nor do we ever withdraw our hand from obeying them.
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As for the creed of those astray and the ignorant, they regard this stance as mere sycophancy and flattery; they refuse to supplicate for the rulers and instead invoke prayers against them. Yet fervor for the religion is not shown by cursing the rulers. If you truly seek what is good, then pray that Allah grant them righteousness and well-being, for Allah is fully able to guide them and return them to the truth. Have you despaired of their guidance? That would itself be a form of despairing of Allah’s mercy.

Praying for them is also part of sincere counsel. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Religion is sincere counsel, religion is sincere counsel, religion is sincere counsel.” We asked, “To whom, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “To Allah, to His Book, to His Messenger, to the leaders of the Muslims, and to their common folk.” (1) This is a momentous principle that must be heeded—especially in our times.

The statement “and we do not withdraw our hand from obeying them” reinforces what has preceded: even if they commit injustice, oppression, sins, and major transgressions short of idolatry, we still do not sever our obedience to them, revolt against them, or disobey them. Allah says, “O you who believe, obey Allah, obey the Messenger, and those in authority among you” (al-Nisaʾ 4:59). Rather, we fight alongside them and attend the Friday prayers, the regular congregations, and the festivals with them, striving thereby to preserve the unity of the Muslims.