The leaders of Taghut are those who actively lead people away from the worship and obedience of Allāh. In Islamic teachings, there are five main types of Taghut leaders:
- Satan (Shayṭān): The primary instigator of misguidance, who invites people to disobey Allāh and engage in sinful acts.
- Anyone who is worshiped besides Allāh and consents to it: This includes individuals who allow or encourage others to worship them or seek divine qualities in them.
- People who call others to be worshiped or followed instead of Allāh: Those who actively invite others to obey them in place of Allāh’s guidance or elevate themselves above His laws.
- Those who claim to have knowledge of the unseen (Ghaib): Individuals who falsely claim knowledge of the unseen or future, misleading people into placing trust in them over Allāh.
- Rulers who legislate contrary to Allāh’s laws: Leaders who enforce laws or systems that contradict Islamic teachings, placing themselves as lawmakers in opposition to Allāh’s sovereignty.
Rejecting these forms of Taghut is essential in maintaining pure monotheism (Tawḥīd) and ensuring that worship, trust, and obedience are directed only to Allāh.