Does Islamic law permit setting a term limit for the office of Prime Minister?

Summary

Setting a term limit is generally not wrong, as it falls under siyasah shar'iyyah, which permits whatever brings benefit (maslahah) and averts harm. This accords with the legal maxim that a ruler's actions toward the people must be based on public interest. Yusuf al-Qaradawi held that fixing a term of office is permissible if the community sees benefit in it, and that lifelong tenure under the Rightly Guided Caliphs was not a binding religious requirement. One stated benefit is preventing absolute power and abuse of authority.

Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.