Muslims living in non-Muslim countries can organize peaceful demonstrations. As it is away to protest against wrongs and ensure public interest in Western countries, and it will help get minority’s voice heard. 

Public Demonstrations in Countries of Muslim Minorities

Similar Questions

• Public demonstrations;

• Mass demonstrations;

• Public meetings;

• Public sit-ins.

The Issue

In democratic countries peaceful public demonstrations are considered an acceptable way of making views heard and influencing political decisions. In countries where Muslims are a minority community, this is a way of publicizing views and interests.

Ruling

The right to organize peaceful demonstrations is recognized in Western countries and the law establishes how it should be exercised so it does not degenerate into chaos and damage public property and facilities. Those who seek to stage a demonstration are given permission and protection, therefore some Fiqh councils consider it lawful for Muslims. The Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America endorses this view.

Evidence

Demonstrating, as practised in Western countries, may be a way of protesting against wrongs and ensuring public interest for Muslims in many situations and issues. Indeed, to refrain from doing it may lead to a loss of Muslims’ rights and interests.

The decision adopted by the Permanent Committee for Research and Fatwa applies to Saudi Arabia and similar Muslim countries, as it is a country governed by Islamic law. Assuming the highest post in Saudi Arabia is based on a public pledge of loyalty, not on elections, and the King rules according to Islamic law and not man-made laws. The laws and regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia do not include any provisions allowing demonstrations and sit-ins, as it is the case in countries with Muslim minorities. Therefore, the decision of the Permanent Committee for Research and Fatwa states: ‘The Committee confirms the prohibition of demonstrations in this country because the proper way to ensure benefit and prevent harm is to give advice.’ [1]

Sources

• Decisions by the Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America.
• Muhammad al-Khamees, Al-Muzaharat wal-I'tisamat wal-Idrabat.
• Anas Abu al-Ata, Dawabit al-Muzaharat.