166. Demonstrations And Protests

By Asma bint Shameem

Demonstrations and protests are not from the Sunnah of the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam. 

So generally speaking, they’re not allowed. 

That’s because they bring about more harm than good;

Many lives are lost, and the destruction is great. 

So Islaam looks out for the greater good. 

But that also depends on “situation” of the protest taking place. 

So some ulama allowed protests IF there is a better outcome and if the protest is peaceful. 

But some ulama said, protests and demonstrations are not allowed, irrespective of any situation. 

Shaikh Saleh al-Fowzaan said about protests and demonstrations:

“Our religion is not a religion of chaos and disorder. 

It is a religion of order, discipline, tranquillity and calmness. 

Demonstrations are not from practices of the Muslims — and the Muslims did not know about them (in the past).

Islaam is a religion of calmness and mercy, a religion of orderly conduct — not a religion of chaos, mischief or inciting discord and trials. So that is the religion of Islaam.

And the rights are arrived at by appealing to the Sharee’ah and the paths of the Sharee’ah.

Demonstrations lead to spilling blood and destruction of wealth and possessions — so these affairs are not permitted.”

However, some ulama said demonstrations and protests ‘’may” be allowed if there’s no violence and there’s hope for some benefit. 

Shaikh Waleed Basyouni said:

“The Assembly of Muslim Jurists (AMJA) fatwa committee have issued a statement in regard to the participation in such demonstrations. 

 Its conclusion is that it can be different from one country to another while the default of peaceful civil protest is that it is permissible.  

Each situation should be judged by itself  as by its scholars and leaders based on the benefits and harms.  

As for what we have seen in Egypt and other Muslim countries, I believe that it was correct and may Allaah  make the outcome of such change in the Muslim world, positive and good for them and their future. “ (AMJA Fatwa # 86280)

And Allaah knows best