Former Deputy President of the Fiqh Accademy, Dr. Mohamed Iyad has said that Imam Abu Haneefa supported standing up against tyrants and he also spent on such causes.
Dr. Iyad said that Abu Haneefa encouraged the Muslims to stand up against tyrants as it is an obligation to speak the truth without fear or favour.
He said that if oppression becomes rampant then Allah might send a punishment upon all which will not leave even the believers behind.
“Therefore it is an obligation upon all to stand against oppression. If it cannot be stopped with the hand then it should be stopped with the tongue. If it is not stopped with the tongue then it should be abhorred from the heart. Oppression should be fought according to our ability,” he said.
Dr. Iyad noted that the Ummah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) became the best of nations because they command good and forbid the evil.
Earliest known muslim scholar who refused to obey tyrant was Imam Abu Hanifa who refused to accept the appointment of chief judge from Khalifa Mansur. Khalifa wanted to capitalize on popularity/stature of Imam Abu Hanifa to gain legitimacy, however Abu Hanifa declined him this opportunity. Khalifa then had him put behind bars and poisoned him in prison.
Imam Abu Haneefa supported standing up against tyrants- Dr. Iyad
