Rebellion Against Al-Ḥajjaaj

A group of Muslims once came to the great scholar among Taabi'ee (those who met the companions - may Allah be pleased with them all) al-Ḥasan al-Baṣree (may Allah have mercy on him) seeking a Fatwa (verdict) to rebel against al-Ḥajjaaj, who was a tyrannical and evil ruler of his time.

They asked al-Ḥasan (may Allah have mercy on him), "What do you say about fighting this oppressor who has unlawfully spilt blood and unlawfully taken wealth and did this and that?"

Al-Ḥasan (may Allah have mercy on him) replied, "I hold that he should not be fought. If this is a punishment from Allah, then you will not be able to remove it with your swords. If this is a trial from Allah, then be patient until Allah's judgment comes, and He is the best of judges."

The group of Muslims then disregarded the Fatwa (verdict) that al-Ḥasan (may Allah have mercy on him) gave them and went out and rebelled against al-Ḥajjaaj - al-Ḥajjaaj killed them all.

Al-Ḥasan (may Allah have mercy on him) used to say, "If the people had patience when they are being tested by their unjust ruler, it will not be long before Allah will give them a way out. However, they always rush for their swords, so they are left with their swords. By Allah! Not even for a single day did they bring about any good."