Ibn ‘Abbas reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If anyone sees in his commander what he dislikes he should show patience, for no one separates a span's distance from the community and dies without dying like those of pre-Islamic times.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
The Offices of Commander and Qadi - Mishkat al-Masabih 3668
A commentary by Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani from Fath al-Bari
Textual Analysis
This hadith establishes the obligation of remaining with the Muslim community and its legitimate leadership, even when one observes shortcomings in the ruler. The phrase "separates a span's distance" refers to physical or ideological separation from the jama'ah (community).
The "span's distance" (shibr) symbolizes any act of rebellion or withdrawal from the collective body of Muslims. This includes both physical rebellion and intellectual separation through declaring the ruler's disobedience as grounds for revolt.
Legal Rulings
Scholars derive from this that patience with an unjust ruler is obligatory unless he commands disobedience to Allah. The prohibition applies even when the ruler commits major sins, provided he maintains the fundamentals of Islam.
The death "like those of pre-Islamic times" refers to dying in a state of ignorance (jahiliyyah), outside the fold of Islamic brotherhood and communal unity. This emphasizes that political unity is an essential aspect of Islamic identity.
Practical Application
The proper course is to advise rulers privately while maintaining public obedience. This preserves social order while fulfilling the duty of enjoining good and forbidding evil.
Separation from the community is prohibited even if the ruler's injustice is manifest, as long as he does not openly reject Islamic principles. The greater evil of fitnah (civil strife) outweighs the evil of enduring an unjust ruler.