Sharp Criticism from Classical Scholar to Rulers Who Neglect Farmers and the Poor

The critical stance of earlier ulama towards the tyranny of rulers was very sharp, as was their defence of the weak.

One such figure was Imam Tajuddin as-Subki. In his work Mui’d al-Ni’am wa Mubid as-Saqam, this scholar who lived in the 8th century Hijriyah strongly defended the weak.

The figure whose full name was Tajuddin Abdul Wahhab bin Ali as-Subki did not forget the rights of farmers.

He also urged the Mamluks and soldiers not to oppress them and not to force them to do anything without a justified reason.

In explaining the obligations of soldiers, he said:

“Among the rights of Allah that they must fulfil as a form of gratitude for His blessings is to treat farmers well. If Allah willed, He could make a farmer a soldier and a soldier a farmer. If a person is unable to be grateful for Allah’s blessing that He has raised his status above that of a farmer, at the very least he must prevent himself from harming and oppressing that farmer.”

Implicitly, As-Subki was alluding to the arbitrary behaviour of Mamluk soldiers in their treatment of farmers. Therefore, he advised them to be gentle and to treat farmers well.