Rejecting Political Oppression: The Theory of Legitimacy of Rule According to Muslim Thinkers and Scholars in the Fifth Century AH

Abstract

The main objective of this work is to conduct a detailed analytical assessment of the beliefs and views of prominent Islamic scholars and experts in the fifth century AH regarding tyranny and power. Highlighting the views and positions of Qazi Abdul Jabbar Mu'tazali, al-Mawurdi, al-Jwaini and al-Ghazali in particular. In other words, it highlights their views on political thought and the legitimacy of ruling power within the structure of their writings. The research is based on authentic text and reliable sources to arrive at an approximate solution to the questions. The assessment of four basic components of justice—consultation and council, accountability of the ruler, and the principle of ruler legitimacy—form the main feature of the study. While there was some oppression and self-imposition in the writings and activities of the intellectuals and legal experts of the fifth century AH, it seems on the surface that they backed the rulers of the time. They have responded differently to political persecution.

The research consists of an introduction, four main themes, conclusions and a list of sources. In the first topic, which is related to justice, an attempt was made to find out the opinions and attitudes of scholars through this principle, how they expressed their support or opposition to the power and oppression of their time. The second topic, which dealt with councils and consultations as an important and main principle for the political legitimacy of the rulers, discussed how the jurists expressed their positions and opinions about it He has expressed oppression. This is despite the fact that the third topic discusses the responsibility of the ruler, what is the ruler responsible for and how? Are the powers and limits of the rulers absolute and irrevocable? Whether or not they are responsible to the people and the legal institutions. In the fourth and final topic, it is argued that the source of ruling authority among Muslims is heaven and God. Is any family or personality sacred to rule, or does the ruler's power and legitimacy come from the consent of the people?