The Method of Advising Rulers

Question:
What is the correct method of advice, particularly in advising rulers? Is it by publicizing them on the minbars and exposing their reprehensible actions, or by advising them in private?

Answer:
Infallibility belongs to no one except the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). Rulers make mistakes, without a doubt; they have errors, and there is no doubt about that. You are not infallible. However, we do not take their mistakes as an opportunity to publicize them or to withdraw our obedience from them. It is not permissible, even if they are unjust, even if they dominate, and even if they oppress or disobey, as long as they do not commit clear disbelief, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said. If they have sins, if they have falsehood and injustice, then in enduring their obedience lies the gathering of the word, the unity of the Muslims, and the protection of the lands of the Muslims. And among the jurists...