What is the legal status of combatants who engage in sedition (Baghy)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Fighting Rebellious Groups
Primary text
The seditious group (Baghi) does not leave the fold of faith, as they are still designated as believers. Their fighting is obligatory to suppress. However, if they return to obedience to Allah, fighting against them ceases. Furthermore, they are absolved of liability for damages incurred during the conflict. The ruling also implies the permissibility of fighting anyone who withholds a due right from the authority. Obedience is due to the established Imam based on the command to obey Allah, the Messenger, and 'those in authority' (Uli al-Amr) (Quran 4:59). The Companions unanimously agreed upon fighting the Būghāt, exemplified by Abu Bakr fighting those who withheld Zakat and Ali fighting the factions at the Camel, Siffin, and Nahrawan.
Supporting text
The obligation to obey the Imam is established by consensus or by designation through covenant from the Prophet (peace be upon him) or a predecessor. If a claimant forcefully prevails over the established Imam and gains allegiance, even under duress, he becomes the Imam, and fighting him becomes forbidden to prevent disunity and bloodshed.