Question:
Does the hadith, “The best Jihad is a word of truth spoken in the presence of a tyrannical ruler,” apply to someone who publicly criticizes the ruler through the media?
Answer:
No. The hadith specifies “in the presence of” (‘inda) a tyrannical ruler. This means speaking to him directly (face-to-face). It does not say that one should criticize him from the pulpits (minbars) or in the streets. It says “in his presence.”
Allah (Almighty and Majestic) said to Moses and Aaron regarding Pharaoh: “So go you both to him,” 1 “And speak to him mildly” 2.