The first response from a Salafi academic figure on the subject of the "Law of one fifth" endorsed by the Houthi militia
English - Thursday 11 June 2020 الساعة 07:21 pm
Sana'a, Newsyemen, private:
Widespread controversy and reactions that have occupied Yemeni public opinion during the past three days about the "one-fifth" rule endorsed by the Houthi revolutionary militia.
One of these responses was to the professor of Arabic at the University of Sana'a, who is known for his Salafi views and is Dr. Rusayn bin Saleh al-Rusayn.
Rusayn wrote on his Facebook page, that you cannot talk about legal rulings at this time, they are are no longer relevant for this time, even if it was mentioned in the Qur’an.
He added, even slavery, flogging, hand-cutting, have changed according to new humanitarian laws, stating that these are provisions that ended with the end of that time, and that this time is called a time of (human rights) and will only accept the principles of a civilian state.
He also clarified that one-fifth is among the extinct legal rulings, and it is not acceptable to collect money other than (taxes) approved by the House of Representatives.
His discussion focused on the Brotherhood and the Houthis, saying that they lived in ancient times, and they wanted to rule modern peoples and political systems with an extinct political doctrine.
This opinion was praised by many writers and interested, considering that it is at least a bold step that reduces the snappiness of this group, which takes some texts from the Qur’an and heritage as an excuse to plunder people's money.
The approval of the fifth sparked sarcastic comments, in the media and social media, as it came in exceptional circumstances and conditions that may not have occurred for decades.
It should be noted that the Houthis had legalized the five through a detailed law that was widely circulated, whereby the one fifth would be taken from everything.
