About the Author:
Abd al-Rahman al-Kawakibi (1855-1902) was a leading figure in the Arab Renaissance and a prominent thinker of the 19th century. He was a Syrian intellectual and social reformer known for his writings against tyranny and his advocacy for freedom and political reform. His most famous work is “The Nature of Tyranny: and the Devastating Results of Oppression.”
“The Nature of Tyranny: and the Devastating Results of Oppression” book by Abd al-Rahman al-Kawakibi is one of the most important books addressing political tyranny and its impact on society. Al-Kawakibi argues that the root of societal ailment lies in political despotism and that its cure lies in adopting constitutional consultation. The book examines the effects of tyranny on religion, science, education, ethics, glory, and wealth.
Al-Kawakibi treats politics as a broad science branching into various fields, defining politics as the management of public affairs based on wisdom. The most critical issue in this context, according to him, is "tyranny," which he describes as managing public affairs based on whims rather than wisdom, creating a corrupt and unjust political environment. He discusses researchers' views on the causes of tyranny and ways to address it based on their diverse perspectives.
What is Tyranny?
This chapter delves into the definitions and types of tyranny, focusing on governmental tyranny as the most dangerous form. Al-Kawakibi defines tyranny as the control of an individual or a group in other’s rights without fear of accountability, a condition found in most governments that claim to be restrained or republican. He notes that tyranny is not exclusive to dictatorial regimes; it can also be present in governments that claim restraint or representation when they lack effective oversight and genuine accountability, often relying on the ignorance of the populace and the military to maintain control.
Al-Kawakibi argues that the worst form of tyranny is absolute rule by an individual, especially when combined with military and religious authority. While other forms of government may be less despotic, the absence of oversight allows any government to indulge in oppression. He emphasizes the need for people to recognize their responsibility in facing tyranny, noting that tyranny flourishes when people prefer living in humiliation and subservience to facing challenges. He concludes that despots rule only over a naturally subjugated populace, as expressed by the saying, “As you are, so will you be ruled.”
Tyranny and Religion:
This chapter explores the relationship between tyranny and religion. Al-Kawakibi begins by affirming that most scholars agree that political tyranny often stems from religious tyranny, or that both collaborate to serve despotic interests, controlling people's bodies and minds. He notes that political tyrants use religious methods to impose their dominance, intimidating and humiliating people to exploit them for personal gain. This collusion between religious and political despots allows tyrants to claim divinity or at least acquire divine attributes to strengthen their rule, as seen in various historical civilizations.
Al-Kawakibi explains that Islam advocates for justice and consultation, rejecting tyranny, as highlighted in the Quranic verse, “And consult them in the matter.” (Quran 3:159) He stresses that religious reform is fundamental to political reform, pointing out that nations that embraced Islamic principles achieved greater progress than Muslims themselves.
He criticizes scholars for being lenient with oppressive rulers while being strict on trivial matters concerning the general public, weakening the concept of “enjoining good and forbidding evil” and allowing rulers to evade accountability, focusing instead on monitoring individuals only. He expressed regret that the original Islamic principles have been distorted and mixed with innovations and incorrect interpretations, leading to the dominance of despotism and the use of religion as a political tool by the ruling classes. He provided several examples from the Quran of scientific facts discovered by European and American scientists recently, such as the seven layers of the earth mentioned in Allah’s saying: “It is Allah Who has created seven heavens and of the earth like them.” (Quran 65:12)
Tyranny and Science:
In this chapter, al-Kawakibi discusses the antagonistic relationship between tyranny and science, highlighting that tyrants seek to keep their people ignorant and fearful to maintain power. He asserts that science is a divine light with a liberating power that threatens tyranny by revealing truths and raising awareness of individual rights, thus frightening despots.
Al-Kawakibi points out that tyranny welcomes certain sciences that do not challenge its authority, such as linguistic and superficial religious studies, while fearing sciences that enhance awareness of rights, like civil politics, philosophy, and sociology. Tyrants fear genuine scholars who seek to enlighten minds and instead use sycophantic scholars to support the regime. Therefore, tyrants suppress and marginalize true intellectuals. He argues that tyranny controls people through fear and delusions of exalting the tyrant, and that nations embracing science will overcome tyranny. Since Islam was the first religion to call for knowledge and liberation from human subjugation, it is the primary enemy of any tyrant.
Tyranny and Glory:
In this chapter, al-Kawakibi examines how tyranny distorts the concept of “glory” and replaces it with “false glory,” eliminating noble elements in society and substituting genuine glory based on sacrifice and dignity with false glory linked to serving and flattering tyrants. He defines true glory as “earning a place of love and respect in people's hearts,” adding that true glory comes from sacrifice and giving for the community. False glory, on the other hand, involves exploiting proximity to the tyrant to deceive people and falsify reality.
The “false glorifiers” play a crucial role in reinforcing tyranny by deceiving the public in the name of nationalism and religion, passing unjust decisions and actions as being in the public interest. They abandon human values and disguise oppression with a false veneer of goodness.
Tyranny and Wealth:
In this chapter, Abd al-Rahman al-Kawakibi discusses the close relationship between tyranny and wealth, explaining how tyrants use wealth as a tool to reinforce their control and sustain their rule. Tyrants monopolize national resources for personal gain, thereby enhancing their influence and securing the loyalty of the ruling elite while marginalizing and impoverishing the rest of the population through outrageous taxes and exploitation, leaving them in a perpetual state of need and dependency, which prevents them from contemplating rebellion or revolution.
He also describes how tyrannical policies contribute to the deterioration of the national economy and increase the gap between social classes, deepening resentment and tension among individuals. Furthermore, public institutions lose credibility, becoming mere tools to serve the interests of tyrants. Al-Kawakibi concludes that eradicating tyranny requires reforming the financial system and distributing wealth fairly, emphasizing that economic justice is fundamental to achieving freedom and democracy and eradicating tyranny. Islam offers a unique model of economic justice through zakat and charity, promoting social solidarity and reducing class disparities.
Tyranny and Ethics:
In this chapter, al-Kawakibi illustrates how tyranny corrupts human ethics and destroys innate purity, leading to the degradation of moral values and faith in justice. He argues that tyranny drives people to resent society and lose trust in friends and family, creating a state of insecurity and instability. Tyranny distorts the naming of things, so the the one who abandons righteousness becomes obedient and the complainant becomes a troublemaker, manipulating the weak minds of the public and depriving them of the ability to distinguish between good and evil, fostering blind obedience.
Al-Kawakibi points out that tyranny encourages hypocrisy and sycophancy among people, promoting the spread of moral vices due to fear of criticism or opposition, leading to the degradation of individual and communal ethics. He emphasizes the need for free advice and criticism, which enhance moral values and regulate the ethics of the higher classes. Al-Kawakibi asserts that ethics thrive only with free will and that tyranny hinders the development of independent will, resulting in moral corruption and disorder.
Tyranny and Upbringing:
In this chapter, al-Kawakibi discusses the impact of tyranny on upbringing. Allah created humans with the ability to reform or corrupt, depending on the education they receive. Proper education relies on learning, role models, and practical training, while tyranny corrupts bodies, minds, and souls, making people more inclined towards evil. Tyranny corrupts religion in its most essential aspect—morality—while maintaining worship rituals that align with its goals. Religion must be coupled with practical training to be effective.
Al-Kawakibi explains that under justice and freedom, people live with vigor and security, while under tyranny, they live in a state of lethargy and confusion, unable to work or think effectively. They suffer from the pains of tyranny without understanding the real causes, leading them to blame fate or luck.
Tyranny and Progress:
In this chapter, al-Kawakibi discusses the relationship between tyranny and civilizational progress, explaining that progress represents growth and life, while decline represents death and decay. Progress depends on individuals' efforts to improve themselves in areas such as health, science, ethics, and social relations. Tyranny hinders this progress by stifling individuals' will and movement. He also discusses another type of progress related to the spirit and perfection, where individuals seek justice, mercy, and good deeds through their belief in the afterlife.
Al-Kawakibi asserts that religions based on reason, like Islam, encourage people to think and free themselves from illusions and superstitions, leading to progress and advancement. He calls for liberation from tyranny, stating that nations cannot progress unless their minds are free. He criticizes Western exploitation of the East and urges Arabs and Muslims to unite nationally and abandon subjugation and humiliation. He encourages the youth to hope and work, noting that life is work and happiness is hope, and the only way to salvation is to break the chains of tyranny.
Tyranny and Its Elimination:
In the final chapter of this book, al-Kawakibi addresses the concept of tyranny and ways to eliminate it. He begins by explaining the historical evolution of humans from predatory life to settled life, noting that this evolution led to misery and humiliation due to human transgression against Allah's laws, making them deserving of tyranny and enslavement.
He discusses various forms of governments and notes that nations are still politically fluctuating between experimentation and overcoming diligence or tyranny. He reviews some fundamental principles that have become obvious in the West, like rulers being people's servants, acknowledging the most capable individuals, and recognizing the people's right to elect and hold their rulers accountable.
Al-Kawakibi concludes the chapter by discussing how to strive for the elimination of despotism. He emphasizes that a nation where the majority do not feel the pains of tyranny does not deserve freedom. He insists that ridding oneself of despotism must be gradual and gentle, with a preparatory system in place before resisting despotism. He also underscores the importance of knowledge in motivating the nation to overcome despotism. Al-Kawakibi warns that a reckless revolution often merely cuts down the tree of despotism without uprooting its roots, leading to its return in a stronger form.
