Riyad as-Salihin, 194
Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (May Allah bepleased with him) reported:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The best type of Jihad (striving in the way of Allah) is speaking a true word in the presence of a tyrant ruler." <b>[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi, who categorized it as Hadith Hasan]</b>.
الحادي عشر: عن أبي سعيد الخدري رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال:
أفضل الجهاد كلمة عدل عند سلطان جائر
((رواه أبو داود، والترمذي وقال: حديث حسن)).
References1 variant
- In-Book Reference
- Introduction, Hadith 194
Sharh · explanationclick to expand
<b>Guidance from the Hadiths:</b><br>
1) Saying a word of truth to an unjust ruler is one of the greatest forms of Jihad, as it deters him from his injustice.<br>
2) Giving sincere advice to unjust rulers is obligatory, along with enjoining them to do good and forbidding them from doing evil.<br>
<br>
<b>Benefit:</b><br>
Expressing disapproval of the ruler’s actions falls under four categories:<br>
1) A word of truth said to a just ruler, which is an easy mission.<br>
2) A word of falsehood said to a just ruler. This word is perilous as it is a source of trial to the ruler and the sayer.<br>
3) A word of truth said to an unjust ruler. This is the best form of Jihad.<br>
4) A word of falsehood said to an unjust ruler. This is misguidance to the Ummah.