The Ruling on Rising Against Rulers and Uniting the Ranks with Opposing Groups

Question:
There are several questions regarding the issue of rising against rulers, and they have cited as an example what they see in our present age: the uprising against Bashar or al-Qadhafi by those who consider their disbelief to be manifest.

Answer:
What benefit is there in their uprising now? What benefit? What is the fruit? What is it? We must proceed according to the principles and rules to which our religion guides us, and we must employ patience and wisdom until Allah provides relief for the Muslims, while spreading the call, spreading education, and spreading good as much as we are able.
The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) did not remain silent in Makkah; rather, he called to Allah, he called to Allah, and he clarified. But he did not rise against a ruler who was stronger than him, nor did he rebel against him, and he did not order his companions to carry out assassinations. That would destroy the call to Allah in its infancy. Matters are taken step by step, with gentleness and wisdom.
Step by step. Fear Allah as much as you are able. Matters are taken over time, like this. Otherwise, what is required? One does not take the greater harm; rather, one commits the lesser of two harms to avert the greater, or the lesser of two evils to avert the more severe.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you.