Is it appropriate to speak with the general public about the ruler, his rights, and what is obligatory upon him?

The questioner : Shaykh, may Allah bless you. It is well known that it is appropriate to address people regarding, for example, tawhid (the oneness of Allah), prayer, and these clear matters of religion. Is it also appropriate to address them and speak with them about such a matter as the rights of the wali al-amr (the one in authority) and what is befitting for him? Or should one leave the matter of enjoining good and forbidding evil alone if it comes up?

The Shaykh : No, this requires conditions. Because many people nowadays, if a person speaks about what is obligatory upon the wali al-amr, regarding what is his right and what is his duty, he is accused. Some people are rowdies who react to everything, so if he says that the wali al-amr is required to do such and such, and the subjects are required to do such and such, he is accused. They say, "This man is biased," or "This man is a flatterer," or "This man is a compromiser," and the like. Is the statement of desire more prevalent than the statement of guidance? This is a type of fitnah (trial, discord or temptation). But a person, on any occasion, if he speaks, as it was said about 'Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), "When he spoke, he was heard, and when he struck, it hurt," so if you speak, let your words be solid.

The questioner : To begin with, Shaykh.

The Shaykh : No, no, on the occasion, on the occasion, you are not accused. But for example, if the discussion becomes excessive and the talk becomes excessive and the like, then it is appropriate to speak.