Questioning a ruler is only acceptable if done so by knowledgeable people and only on issues where it concerns laws which force Muslims to not be able to submit in all peace to our creator.
Being a firm believer that ignorance is a curable disease yet armed with the full knowledge that I quit medical school in favor of pursuit of studies in the humanities, I humbly acknowledge that the single dose of medication I have to offer may not be enough to cure this individual's ailment; therefore, I would ask other physicians and physicians in training to suggest treatments as well.
Considering that we have examples in the sunnah of ordinary people questioning even the Prophet (saws), a practice that continued under the righteous leadership of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, Umar ibn al-Khattab, Uthman ibn Affan, and Ali ibn Abu Talib, the ignorance (not as in stupidity, rather as in lack of accurate information) of the anonymous commentator is obvious. If the average, uneducated, humble believer could question the Prophet (saws) of all people, what on earth would make this person think that only "knowledgeable people" can question a leader? This comment is a classic example of the blurring of culture and faith that troubles me so seriously.
History has shown us time and time again that a when a despot first assumes power, his first order of business is to free himself of the intellectuals as they pose the greatest threat to his regime with their questions and critical thinking. With the elimination of the thinkers and questioners, the despot can instill fear in his people. And fear is number one on the despot's list of "tool[s] for keeping the people in line and not questioning their . . . leaders" (PM's World). Herein lies the rub and, I fear, the greatest problem among Muslims in general.
We are all too willing to give up the responsibility that we have to "Seek knowledge even unto China." It is so much easier to let the "knowledgeable people" do our thinking for us. Why should we put our precious grey matter to use perusing texts, analyzing words, deciphering meanings, gaining greater understanding, putting two and two together for ourselves when there are others to whom we could just as easily pass that buck?
2 comments:
Sister Al-maraya, Again you just dug into this little birdie's brain. Man, it's a heavy stuff! who wants to lift it; You know, it's really scary, to seek knowlegde---and when we go down into the thinking tank; what do we see, dark pit with no light and shallow souls, just living like animals---food, sex and sleep. If you don't like it just change the channel; But, seeking Knowledge means asking for a Greater responsibility, And no-one is ready to shoulder it;
Not even for our children or coming Generations. So one day will come, when, only, Blind will be guiding other Blinds. I am glad, I won't be there.
This is so true and you are right, fear is at the base of it. I was having exactly this conversation with a friend yesterday! The unfortunate thing is that that opinion about not disagreeing with the leader has been formulated into traditional fiqh so it's a hard one to budge, because you don't just risk the wrath of the despot, you risk being called an unbeliever and this of course is the age old tool for keeping Muslims in line...i need to remember the basis for it, can't think at the moment.
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