What is the ruling regarding the killing of rebellious individuals (ahl al-baghy) when defense requires it?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Fighting Rebellious Groups

Book 49 · Issue 4 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If it is impossible to repel the rebellious group except by killing them, their killing is permissible. No liability, financial guarantee (daman), or expiation (kaffarah) falls upon the killer because they acted as commanded, killing those whom Allah permitted to be fought. Similarly, any property of the rebels destroyed by the just authority during the conflict is not subject to guarantee, as the lives are not guaranteed, making property lesser in concern.

Supporting text

If a just ruler is killed while repelling the rebels, he is considered a martyr because he died fighting in a conflict commanded by Allah in the verse: 'Then fight the one that rebels' (Quran 49:9).