Shaykh Rabīʿ bin Hādī (رحمه الله) said:^[1]

The issue of rulership and rebellion is from the greatest of foundations that distinguish Ahl al-Sunnah from Ahl al-Bidʿah, and the pure, clear, unblemished Ahl al-Sunnah from those besides them.

This is because this foundation is both belief and action, as for belief, then just like every Muslim accepts and believes that various actions are prohibited and are major sins, but their desires and emotions may overwhelm that conviction and lead them into these sins, then in the same way, Ahl al-Sunnah and those upon the way of the Salaf, they have conviction in this foundation and the strength of that conviction and purity is what makes them abide by it and not violate it under any circumstances.

However, given the right circumstances, alongside inclinations, ambitions and desires, some among them, who may not have that purity, may act contrary to that belief and engage in what comprises rebellion, whether in word or deed or both.

Hence, this is one of the key issues in which the pure and unblemished from Ahl al-Sunnah who venerate the Sunnah and its foundations are made distinct from those besides them, and it is tribulations that reveal that distinction.

Also, this is why in the speech of Rabbānī scholars such as Shaykh Rabīʿ and others you see these words, naqiyy (clean, unblemished), khullaṣ (pure), wuḍūh, wāḍihīn (clarity, clear ones) signifying this meaning in relation to affairs of methodology and positions, just as we say the words pious and righteous in relation to worship and obedience.

However, there are some people who make mockery of this language and belittle it and belittle those who give it importance because the scholars gave it importance. So when you see these signs of mockery from a people, and then you see their hands dirty in rebellion, alongside belittlement of those who venerate, call to, and defend this foundation, then the distinction has already been established for you.

Footnotes