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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

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