Ownership of a Tyrant and Unjust Government

One of the jurisprudential discussions, sometimes raised up in juridical circles, is the legitimacy or illegitimacy of a tyrant and oppressive ruler and his ownership of public property. In this regard, scholars have offered different opinions with some saying that he is illegitimate and that the government headed by him is not entitled to ownership of anything; however, others are of the view that he is legitimate and entitled to ownership. Muslim jurisprudents have presented their respective rational and scriptural arguments to substantiate their claims. This article seeks to critically assess and evaluate relevant arguments while opposing those scholars who subscribe to ownership of an unjust and oppressive State.