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Fatwa Concerning the Taliban
By the Shaykh, 'Abdullâh bin Muhammad al-Ghunaymân, may Allâh the
Exalted, preserve him
Question: As-salâmu 'alaykum
wa rahmatullâhi wa barakâtuhu, to proceed:
You, may Allâh preserve you, are no doubt
aware of what is happening in the land of Afghanistan and the gathering of
groups from all regions of the earth to fight them. To further aggravate
matters the neighbouring countries have closed off the routes to aiding
them; at the same time some of those who adhere to Islâm, and some of the
scholars have raised their voices to take a stance against the Tâlibân
government and the people of Afghanistan, siding with America and her
allies.
What is your view, may Allâh preserve you,
concerning aiding the Tâlibân government and its subjects? What is the
ruling of one who sides with America, Britain and their allies against the
Tâlibân? Does this calamity which has occurred amongst the Muslims allow
them to make Qunűt for them and supplicate against their enemy?
May Allâh preserve and protect you.
Answer: Before answering these
questions I would extend some advice to the generality of the Muslim
Nation, saying:
Firstly, upon investigating what has
happened and is happening of the war of America and her allies, it becomes
clear that they have not defined this objective which they have termed
‘terrorism’. They have not established that the attack which happened in
America was indeed done by Afghanistan or through their support and help –
this is a fact known to the whole world.
Therefore it is obvious that their
understanding of ‘terrorism’ is none other than Islâm itself, hence making
this war a Crusade – a truth that has been clearly stated by a number of
their leaders such as the President of the United States.
This is nothing new, rather this is
something that runs through their blood as our Lord, the Blessed and
Exalted, has informed us,
"the Jews and Christians will never be satisfied
with you until you follow their religion."
[al-Baqarah (2): 120]; "they will not
cease fighting you until they make you renegade from your religion if they
are able" [al-Baqarah (2):217]
This is why what the Jews do in Palestine –
killing babies, women, the young and old, the destruction of their very
infrastructure and society – is not regarded as terrorism in the eyes of
America. Indeed it happens under their auspices and protection simply
because it involves the killing of Muslims. Then when one of them picks up
a stone with which to defend himself, he becomes a terrorist!
Secondly, it is clear that their goal in
this war is to humiliate the Muslim nations, to force them into
subservience to America and to protect the Jewish land from any danger
that may threaten it.
Thirdly, it is also clear that they will not
suffice with merely standing against the Tâlibân government, rather they
will continue on to other Islamic lands and organisations, especially
those that are effective in da'wah or are firm in educating people
about Islâm. Their president has made this clear and they are making
active effort and in-roads towards achieving this.
Fourthly, it is obligatory upon the Muslim
leaders, the kings and presidents, to take heed of what is happening so
that it may lead them to take a united stance and work towards defending
their lands and peoples. It is obligatory upon them to hold firmly to
their religion and to suffice with the natural resources and wealth that
Allâh has blessed their lands with, to protect them and to prevent their
enemy from acquiring them - who use their own natural resources to fight
them! It is obligatory upon them to do all that they can to remove their
dependency upon their enemy and to use their resources, wealth and men
towards attaining strength and nobility, thereby implementing what their
Lord, the Exalted, has commanded them, "against
them make ready your strength to the utmost of your ability" [al-Anfâl (8): 60]; "O you who believe!
Take not into your intimacy those outside your ranks; they will do
anything to harm you. They love what causes you distress: rank hatred has
already appeared from their mouths but what their hearts conceal is far
worse. We have made the Signs clear to you if you use your intelligence."
[Âli 'Imrân (3): 118]
Fifthly, it is obligatory upon all the
Muslims to stand as one united rank against their enemy and to beware of
his plot which aims to disunite them and cause them to fight each other so
that they may be weakened and ultimately fall under their control. It is
obligatory upon them to actively strive towards being strictly
disciplined, uniting their words and ranks, and bringing their hearts
closer together for all of this is from the means that lead to the help of
Allâh, the Exalted, by His leave.
As regards the answer to the questions, I
say:
It is obligatory to help the Muslims of
Afghanistan and others in their efforts to defend their religion, lands
and honour from the attacks of the disbelievers. Allâh, the Exalted says,
"if they ask you for help, it is your duty to
help them." [al-Anfâl (8): 72].
The Messenger of Allâh (SAW) said, ‘the Muslim is
the brother of the Muslim, he does not oppress him or surrender him.’
Therefore it is obligatory to aid them as
much as is possible.
As for siding with the disbelieving nations
and aiding them against them [the Muslims], the one who does is one of
them [the disbelievers]. Allâh, the Exalted says,
"O you who believe! Take not the Jews and Christians
for your friends and protectors; they are but friends and protectors of
each other. Whoever amongst you turns to them [for friendship and
protection] is indeed one of them." [al-Mâ'idah (5): 51]. There
are many verses concerning this.
As for the supplication of
Qunűt,
this is the least that a Muslim can do in such a calamity. The Messenger
of Allâh (SAW) has set the precedent for performing Qunűt at the
occurrence of calamity, he performed it when the group of reciters he sent
to Ra'l and Dhakwân were murdered, after the battle of Uhud and on other
occasions. Hence it is obligatory upon the Muslim to turn to his Lord in
supplication persistently in Witr and other prayers, indeed all of the
time.
I ask Allâh that He show kindness to the
Muslims and that He secure them from trials – both the outer and inner.
Peace and blessings be upon our Prophet, Muhammad, upon his family, and
all his Companions.
Written by the previous head of the faculty
of higher studies in Madînah University
'Abdullâh bin Muhammad al-Ghunaymân
Tuesday 29th Rajab, 1422H |
