Question :
What is meant by "scholars of the ruler," and is this term used in a derogatory sense?
The Answer :
Allah The Almighty has honored scholars and elevated their status in His Noble Book with many verses, including His Saying (What means): "Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Are those who know equal with those who know not? " [Az-Zumar/9]. A person of intellect cannot equate a scholar with an ignorant person. Scholars serve as a reference for people in clarifying and applying religious rulings. Therefore, Allah has commanded us to refer to them and seek their guidance, as He Says (What means): "Ask the followers of the Remembrance if ye know not!" [An-Nahl/43]. He, The Most Exalted has also made obedience to them part of obedience to Him, as long as it does not lead to disobedience, stating (What means): "O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the messenger and those of you who are in authority." [An-Nisa’/59]. Furthermore, He praised the scholars, describing them as those who truly fear Him, by Saying (What means): "only those of His servants fear God who have knowledge." [Fatir/28] The Sunna is also filled with numerous indications of the virtue of scholars. The Prophet (PBUH) said: "When Allah wishes good for anyone, He bestows upon him the Fiqh (comprehension) of the religion." [Agreed upon]. He also said: "Whoever treads a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make a path to Paradise easy for him. The angels lower their wings in approval of the seeker of knowledge. The inhabitants of the heavens and the earth—even the fish in the depths of the water—seek forgiveness for the scholar. The superiority of a scholar over a worshipper is like the superiority of the moon over all the stars. Indeed, scholars are the heirs of the prophets. The prophets (PBUH) do not leave behind gold or silver coins; they leave behind knowledge, and whoever takes it has taken an abundant share." [Narrated by Ahmad, Abu Dawood, and At-Tirmidhi]. The Prophet (PBUH) thus mentioned that scholars are the heirs of the prophets. Therefore, they are the ones most deserving of being close to rulers and decision-makers to provide them with advice and assistance. If the ruler remembers, they help him; if he forgets, they remind him. They are the good counsel that leaders are in dire need of. Undoubtedly, distancing scholars from rulers or severing ties with them leads to great harm, as their absence leaves a void in providing sincere guidance and directing rulers toward Allah and His sacred law. There is nothing wrong with scholars being close to rulers if their purpose is to advise and support them in upholding the truth. A historical example of this is when Abdul Malik Ibn Marwan wrote to Al-Hajjaj, instructing him not to oppose Abdullah Ibn Omar in matters of Hajj. When Ibn Omar arrived at Arafah after the sun had passed its zenith, he called out at the tent of Al-Hajjaj. Al-Hajjaj came out and asked: "What is it, O Abu Abdur-Rahman?" Ibn Omar replied: "Proceed to Arafah if you seek to follow the Sunna." Al-Hajjaj asked: "At this hour?" Ibn Omar said: "Yes." Al-Hajjaj then said: "Let me pour water over my head, and I will come out." He then came out and walked between Ibn Umar and his companion. Ibn Umar then advised him again: "If you want to follow the Sunna, shorten the sermon and hasten the standing at Arafah." Al-Hajjaj then looked toward Abdullah Ibn Omar and, seeing his seriousness, said: "He is correct." [Al-Bukhari]. The scholar Ibn Abdul Barr commented that associating with rulers is not limited to scholars alone but extends to all virtuous people. He stated: "A righteous person is not at fault for walking with an unjust ruler when necessary." [Al-Istidhkar/4/324]. If scholars could associate with Al-Hajjaj despite his tyranny to offer advice, then associating with rulers who are less oppressive is even more justifiable. Thus, being labeled as a "scholar of the ruler" is not an insult or a defect. Our scholars used to say: "Such-and-such scholar is from the scholars of such-and-such ruler" as a form of recognition and honor. Some today attempt to use this term as an insult to create division between scholars and rulers, fostering a relationship of hostility. However, this is not part of the religion and is promoted only by those who fail to recognize the importance of scholars being close to rulers. On the other hand, if a person seeks knowledge merely for worldly gain-to obtain wealth and status-he may align himself with rulers for personal interests, distorting religious truths and misleading people. Such individuals are among the corrupt scholars condemned in the Qur’an, Sunna, and statements of the pious predecessors. They are among the worst of creation. The Prophet (PBUH) warned: "A person who acquires (religious) knowledge, which is (normally) acquired to gain the Pleasure of Allah, (for the sole reason) to secure worldly comforts will not even smell the fragrance of Jannah on the Day of Resurrection (will not enter Jannah)." [Abu Dawood]. Therefore, Scholars are the heirs of the prophets, and respecting them is obligatory. It is not permissible to belittle or mock them. However, those among them who seek worldly gains should be advised and prayed for, without resorting to public shaming or generalization. The term "scholars of the ruler" was historically used for recognition and honor, and it should not be employed in a derogatory manner. And Allah Knows Best.
