Although there are five ways in which to criticise the government of the day, in an Islamic state, one should do it by "informing and advising with gentle words".

According to the 'Malaysia adalah Sebuah Negara Islam' (Malaysia is an Islamic State) booklet released by the Information Ministry's Special Affairs Department recently, obedience to the government does not mean people cannot contribute ideas or criticise it.

"Nevertheless, it must not be forgotten that each responsibility in Islam must be done in accordance with methods and guidelines provided by Islamic laws," said the booklet, prepared by Wan Zahidi Wan Teh.

The 25-paged booklet said spiritual leader Imam al-Ghazali has divided the responsibility of criticising the government into five stages which are:

1) by informing

2) advising with gentle words

3) using harsh words

4) preventing by using force

5) using threats

Gentle words

However, al-Ghazali said, one must deal with the government only by "informing and advising with gentle words".

This was in line with the Prophet Muhammad's saying, that whosoever who wishes to advise the authorities about a matter should not do it directly, but should instead hold the person's hand and give the advice privately. If the advice is accepted, that is a good thing, but if it is not accepted, the adviser is considered to have carried out his responsibilities.

The booklet also noted that in an Islamic state, citizens are obliged to pledge their obedience to the government as long as there is no order from the authorities to do evil.

Twisting the Hadith

According to the booklet, certain quarters try to twist this Hadith to mean "there should be no obedience to the ruler who has done evil ( maksiat )".

It said this meaning of the Hadith is not only incorrect; it is impossible. This is because the only one who has not sinned is the Prophet, whereas God Almighty and His Prophets have ordered us to obey Islamic rulers who come after the Prophet.

The booklet also outlined the citizens' duties towards the government such as being obedient and assisting the authorities in carrying out their responsibilities. According to the Prophet's saying, those who betray the authorities, betray the Prophet himself.

"It is the responsibility of each Muslim to obey and listen to the government whether he likes it or not, as long as he is not asked to do evil. If he is asked to do evil, he should not listen and obey," the booklet quoted Prophet Muhammad.