Do Salafis Believe in Absolute Obedience to the Leader? Clearing a Major Misconception

In this video, the virtuous Shaykh Sulaymān al-Ruḥaylī—may Allah preserve him—clears a major misconception that has been widely circulated in our time: the claim that Salafis obligate absolute and unconditional obedience to the Muslim ruler. Speaking from al-Masjid al-Ḥarām, the Shaykh addresses this allegation with clarity, knowledge, and balance, firmly grounding his response in the Qur’an, the authentic Sunnah, and the consensus of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamāʿah. The Shaykh explains that obedience to the ruler is an obligation in what is right and lawful, but that there is no obedience to any created being in disobedience to Allah. This foundational principle applies to every authority—whether a ruler, a husband, or anyone else—while maintaining obedience in lawful matters and rejecting rebellion, extremism, and blind following. This reminder exposes how false labels and accusations are used to distort the Salafi methodology, and it restores the correct understanding of hearing and obedience as taught by the Sunnah and practiced by the Salaf of this Ummah.