resentment and hatred toward the rulers; and when the populace comes to despise those in authority, loathe them, rise up against them, interpret their commands for good as commands for evil, and cease to remain silent about their faults, the only outcome is hearts filled with rancor, widespread mischief, and corruption.

When the nation splinters and disintegrates, turmoil inevitably breaks out—just as happened in the time of ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān, may Allah be pleased with him. People began to speak against him, inflaming hearts toward him, rallying the masses against him, and the strife and evils that erupted then have continued to our own day.

Thus, those in authority have rights over their subjects, and the subjects have rights over them.

The author—may Allah have mercy on him—then supports this with verses from the Book of Allah. He quotes the Almighty’s words: “And lower your wing to those of the believers who follow you” (Q 26:215). That is, do not exalt yourself above them or soar aloof; rather, lower your wing—even if you were capable of flying—lower it for the believers who follow you.

As for anyone who defies and disobeys you, apply to him the punishment that befits his offense, for Allah, Exalted is He, did not say “lower your wing to everyone,” but specifically, “to those of the believers who follow you.”

Concerning rebels and open sinners, Allah the Exalted says: “The recompense of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive on earth to spread corruption is that they be killed, or crucified, or have their hands and feet cut off on opposite sides, or be banished from the land. That is their disgrace in this world, and in the Hereafter they will have a mighty punishment—except for those who repent before you apprehend them. Know that Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful” (Q 5:33–34).

And He says: “Indeed, Allah commands justice, excellence, and giving to close relatives, and He forbids indecency…” (Q 16:90).