Islam Rediscovered
11. Non-Violence and Islam
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be upon him, observed in plain words that in later
times perversions would set in in the rulers, they
would become tyrannical and unjust, but that
Muslims should not wield their swords against
them. They should rather move to the mountains
with their goats and camels.
By ‘goats and camels’ are meant the opportunities
in non-political fields which exist, even when the
political institutions are corrupted. This injunction
given by the Prophet meant that the Muslims
should avail of such opportunities by avoiding
clash and confrontation in the political field. In
short, by ignoring the political problem, they
should avail of the non-political opportunities.
These injunctions of the Prophet Muhammad, may
peace be upon him, were so clear that the Muslim
ulema
of later times formed a consensus to make
insurrection against the rulers unlawful.
Imam An-Nawawi, commenting upon some
traditions as set forth by
Sahih
Muslim (
Kitab al-
Imarah
) observes: “You should not come into
conflict with the rulers in matters of their power.
Even if you find them going against express Islamic
