A STATEMENT REGARDING THE WORDS OF SHEIKH ABU BAKR AL BAGHDADI:
‘ALTHOUGH THE DISBELIEVERS DISLIKE IT’
(PRESENTED BY SHEIKH HARITH AL NATHARI MAY ALLAH PROTECT HIM)
Asalaamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
Bismillahi Rahmaani Raheem
Praise be to Allah Lord of the Worlds and May Peace and Blessings be
upon the Messenger o f Allah and his family and companions,
furthermore:
This is a statement I read on behalf of my brothers from Tantheem al
Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) concerning what was said in the
last address of the noble Sheikh Abu Bakr al Baghdadi (May Allah
protect him), leader of Dawlatul Islam titled ‘Although the
disbelievers dislike it’, issued on the 20th of Muharram 1436 A.H.
We say firstly: We did not want to speak about the discord and current
Fitnah in Shaam. Especially at this sensitive stage, in which the
enemies of Islam from amongst the crusaders, Safawiyeen (Safavids) and
Murtadeen (apostates) are rushing into a war against the Mujahideen in
Shaam and Iraq, infact against the entire Muslim Ummah. This war was
and continues to be a crusade against all of the truthful Mujahideen.
We took a position that we were obligated to; to assist our brothers
however we are able, and we remain that way out of the belief that it
is wajib (incumbent) upon us to aid our brothers, the Mujahideen, with
all their groups, entities and different movements. We ask Allah to
defeat the Ahzaab (confederates) and turn their plots against them,
Verily He is capable of that.
And we took all efforts internally amongst our soldiers, as well as in
our media, not to discuss the conflict that has occurred in Shaam,
considering what had occurred, a conflict and dispute between a number
of parties, each claiming to be in the right, which made it incumbent
upon us to take one stance towards all (parties). Calling on them to
seize the fighting and spread of the Fitnah (sedition), and
encouraging them to take the matter to an Islamic court to pass
judgement on the matter. We tried and continue to do so despite the
rift and chasm (created), until the hearts are united and the stance
united on the fight against the real enemies, the crusaders, Rawaafidh
(Shi'as) and Murtadeen (apostates). And to stop the fighting and
spilling of blood between the Mujahideen, that has become the greatest
calamity that the Ummah is being trialled with at this stage. How,
when Rasoolullah (S.A.W) has said: ‘The extinction of the whole world
is less significant before Allah than killing a Muslim man.’ And we
have avoided (addressing) in our media the arguments and debates that
have arisen from the conflict and fighting in Shaam, among it, the
accusation that Al Qaeda has deviated and their Manhaj (methodology)
has changed and have turned away from the path. Despite this we
forgave (the person) that brought this up (May Allah Pardon him) and
we left the controversy incited not for the lack of clarification and
proof but, in preference that the Muslims do not become preoccupied
with side issues and marginal bickering, confusing our message to the
Muslims, and sending us into a position in which we are distracted by
fighting each other instead of our enemies. We overlooked this out of
the desire to stop the evil.
But our brothers in Dawlatul Islam after the victories achieved by
their hands in Iraq, that brought happiness and cured the hearts of
the believers, surprised us with a number of steps and independent
judgements, amongst them, the announcement of the Khilafah
(Caliphate). This aided in the exportation of the fighting and Fitnah
(sedition) into other fronts. They declared this to appoint a Khalif
over every Muslim, without this Khilafah having fulfilled all the
conditions and without finding a path to resolve the disputes with the
other Jihadi groups in Shaam.
They then made it incumbent on the Ummah, the entire Ummah, to give
Bay’ah (pledge allegiance) to the Khalif, and regarded those Muslims
who do not (give Bay’ah) in every place as sinful. Then, more than
that, they annulled the legitimacy of any group working for Islam
whether they be Jihadi or those preaching.
Then they strove to split the ranks of the Mujahideen, by gathering
pledges from within the Jihadi groups. Through this they have taken a
step that holds the most danger and is the most destructive to the
entity of the Ummah and the Jihadi groups. They have split the ranks
of the Mujahideen across The Islamic World through erroneous divisions
that they have established since the declaration of the Khilafah.
They have also announced the expansion of their Khilafah to a number
of the lands, in which they have no control over , and have considered
these areas as ‘states’ belonging to them and have appointed leaders
over them, and have nullified any Jihadi groups that have not given
them Bay’ah in that area.
And when we speak about this topic, we do so with bitterness and
sadness, out of compulsion and force. We are alerting the Muslim
Ummah, the U’lama of the Ummah and our bothers the Mujahideen to a
number of matters:
Firstly: Emphasising our stance regarding the fighting between the
Islamic factions in Shaam, that it is a Fitnah, and we do not support
one faction against the other nor do we legitimize the taking of the
blood of any of them. And we call for an end to the fighting and the
for the appointment of a Shari’ah court to examine all the injustices
claimed by these parties, Allah Aza wa Jal says: ‘But no, By your
Lord, they will not (truly) believe until they make you, (O Muhammed),
judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves and
then find within themselves no discomfort from that which you have
judged and submit in (full, willing) submission.’ And we see this to
be the only solution to stop the injustices and return the rights,
which will not be dropped by the passing of time or the changing of
events. As we express our utmost joy and happiness at the news of
signs of stopping of the infighting between the Mujahideen in Shaam.
We call upon all parties to formalize and strengthen it, and to strike
forcefully the hand of all those who wish to break it, to spare the
blood protected by Islamic Law and preserve the strength of the
Mujahideen.
Secondly: We emphasise our stance regarding the Crusader campaign
against our brothers the Mujahideen in Shaam and Iraq. And it is
incumbent on all the Muslims to assist their brothers against this new
crusader campaign. It is not permissible, under any circumstances, to
fight under the banner of the crusaders or to be among their campaign
against Dawlatul Islam or any other Jihadi group.
Thirdly: Pertaining to the announcement of the Khilafah we say: to
live under the protection of the rightly guided Khilafah, established
on the Prophetic methodology is the highest of our wishes. Striving to
establish it has been our path since the first day, which has prompted
us to take up arms against the Murtadeen (apostate) rulers and the
crusaders behind them. To this day we have not rested nor seek
exemption (from the task).
We see that the appointment of a leader is Fardh (compulsory) but when
the times change. We do not oppose the establishment of the Khilafah
or the appointment of a leader for the Muslims, but we strive to
fulfil the conditions of this establishment and to remove all
obstacles, and prepare the means, so it may be a Khilafah established
on the Prophetic Methodology.
As we wait for the appropriate time in which all the elements required
are completed such as: fighting off those attacking us from among the
crusaders and their helpers, the removal of the constraints over the
people, unifying them, until the announcement finds it share of
acceptance and the proof (for establishing it) holds true.
We are in a time where there is an absence of those who are
knowledgeable in the religion and the Fitnah (sedition) is great and
there is an abundance of doubt and greed, and the people fail to
distinguish between truth and falsehood which have been mixed. They
are in a storming, oppressive sea and to Allah we complain.
The declaration of the Khilafah upon all the Muslims by our brothers
in Dawlatul Islam has not fulfilled all the necessary conditions. They
have not gone through with the consultation of all the Ahlul Hal wal
A’qd (people of influence) in the Muslim Ummah, or at the very least
some of them from the truthful U’lama and leaders of the Jihadi groups
across the Islamic world. Let alone others that are worthy of
consultation in the Islamic Ummah. Among that which was narrated
showing that consultation and the consent of the Jamhoor (majority) of
the Ahlul Hal wal A’qd (people of influence) in the Ummah is
necessary, what has been narrated in Bukhari; ‘ Umar( R.A) delivered a
speech to a gathering of the Sahabah present in the Masjid of Nabi
SAW, in which he said, “ If any person gives the pledge of allegiance
to somebody (to become a Caliph) without consulting the other Muslims,
then the one he has selected should not be granted allegiance, lest
both of them should be killed.’
And Sheikhul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah in (his book) Minhaajis Sunnah has
said, emphasising the condition of the consent of the Jamhoor
(majority) of the Ahlul Hal wal A'qd : ‘Supposing if Umar (R.A) and a
group along with him, gave him Bay’ah, meaning Abu Bakr (R.A.), and
the rest of the Sahabah did not he would not have become the leader
through that, but only become the leader by the Bay’ah of the Jamhoor
(majority) of the Sahabah that were the people of power and influence,
this is why the absence (of the Bay’ah) of Sa’d bin U’badah did not
diminish the objective of governance , because the objective is to
achieve power and authority, through which the benefits of leadership
is achieved, which was established by the agreement of the Jamhoor
(majority) on that.’
In addition to the announcement of the Khilafah lacking the condition
of consultation and the approval of the Jamhoor of the Ahlul Hal wal
A’qd of the Ummah, the actual authority of Dawlatul Islam, in which
the Muslims are able to give and receive the rights and Waajibaat
(incumbent actions) of the Imam, does not exceed the geographical
areas that they control in Iraq and Shaam. As for the rest of the
regions, they do not have the true structure of a state, but rather
groups and individuals fighting, working to repel the assailing enemy.
This form that they are in, does not agree with the meaning of the
Greater Khilafah, that which gathers the Muslimeen, where the Imam is
a shield for those behind him, and does not permit except for a Muslim
to give Bay’ah to.
Based on all of the above, we do not see the validity of this Khilafah
nor the consequences that results of it. We do not regard sinful those
who do not give Bay’ah. And we do not consider that this announcement
nullifies the legitimacy of other Islamic Groups active in the fields.
Fourthly: The matter of the announcement of the Khilafah, with their
acceptance that it is a matter of Ijtihaad (independent judgement),
but the policy of our brothers in Dawlatul Islam has caused the
splitting of the ranks of the Mujahideen and the division of their
unity during this sensitive stage in the history of the Mujahid Ummah.
And this is from the absolutely forbidden matters in the Religion of
Allah, as is shown by the general proofs in the Book of Allah and the
Sunnah of His Messenger (S.A.W),( which is) the call to expel all
differences and anything that leads to it. Ijtihaad Thanee
(speculative judgments) that are only probabilities (such as) the
announcement of the Khilafah does not supersede a matter that is
absolute and established, which the incumbency thereof is stipulated,
(such as) stopping all division and separation that leads to the
spilling of blood and Fitnah (sedition). Allah Aza wa Jal says: ‘And
obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and (thus) loose
courage and (then) your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed,
Allah is with the patient.’
And from that which is known as a necessity of Deen (religion) is that
the fulfilment of promises, and the completion of pledges, is from the
most emphasized Islamic obligations upon the Muslims, and breaking
them is from the major and most destructive sins. Allah Ta’ala says:
‘And fulfil every commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever (that
about which one will be) questioned.’ And Allah Ta’ala says:‘And
fulfil the covenant of Allah when you have taken it, (O believers),
and do not break oaths and their confirmation while you have made
Allah, over you, a witness. Indeed, Allah knows what you do. * ‘ And
do not be like she who untwisted her spun thread after it was strong
(by) taking your oaths as (means of) deceit between you because one
community is more plentiful (in number or wealth) than another
community. Allah only tries you thereby. And He will surely make clear
to you on the Day of Resurrection that over which you used to differ.’
And the greatest and most binding of the covenants is the Bay’ah
(pledge of allegiance) and the covenant of obedience, which is
presently practiced through the covenants of the Jihadi groups,
Rasoolullah (S.A.W) said: ‘ There will be for every betrayer on the
Day of Judgement a flag by which he will be recognised’ (Agreed upon)
and in the narration of Muslim: ‘ When Allah will gather together, on
the Day of judgement, all the earlier and later generations of
mankind, a flag will be raised (to mark off) every person guilty of
betrayal, and it will be announced that this is the betrayer of so and
so (to attract the attention of people to his guilt).’
And from that which we obey Allah in, is that it is not permissible,
under any circumstances, to violate these binding pledges, nor break
these irrevocable covenants except that which is in accordance with
Islamic rulings. Likewise it is not permissible, under any
circumstances, to change and transfer from the Bay’ah of one person to
that of another, unless it becomes an Islamic obligation to do so. As
the outcome of that is the belittlement of the matter of Bay’ah
(pledge of allegiance), and its degradation and negligence (therein),
whereas, the wise Shari’ah has glorified it and has commanded that it
be respected and fulfilled, as mentioned previously.
Needless to mention, we are bound by a Shar’ee Bay’ah (Islamic pledge
of allegiance) that we have taken to the leader of Al Qaeda , the
first being to Sheikh Usamah bin Laden (May Allah have Mercy on him),
then we renewed it to Sheikh Ayman (May Allah Protect him) . And it is
known that Al Qaeda has a Bay’ah (pledge of allegiance) bound to
Mullah Muhammed Umar (May Allah Protect him), since the moment of both
pledges. And we have not found any reason that necessitates the
breaking of the covenant nor the Bay’ah (pledge of allegiance). Based
on this we refuse to heed the calls to split the ranks of the Jihadi
groups. And we emphasise to our brothers, the fulfilment of the
covenants, and we renew our Bay’ah to our Leader Sheikh Ayman al
Zawahiri (May Allah Protect him), included in this is the Bay’ah to
Mullah Muhammed Umar Mujahid (May Allah Protect him). What would our
position be when this declaration and its consequences came at a time
where the campaigns of the enemies from the Murtadeen (apostates) and
crusaders has intensified on all fronts, starting from Waziristan,
Somalia, Egypt, Yemen and in Maghreb al Islam.
We have requested from our brothers in Dawlatul Islam their support
and help, but they surprised us with these Ijtihadaat (independent
judgements) that causes destruction in one body and divides the unity.
And we call upon our brothers in Dawlatul Islam to retract their Fatwa
(legal ruling) regarding the nullification of the groups and the split
of its ranks, for it is from transgression, oppression and (leads to)
the breaking of ties, that Allah does not approve of for His servants.
Is it logical, oh you who are just, to split the ranks of all of these
Jihadi Groups from the east to the west of the earth, in Afghanistan,
Somalia, Pakistan, Sham, Palestine, Egypt, the Caucuses, the Islamic
Maghreb such as Libya, Algeria and Mali and in the Arabian Peninsula
and other areas? Is it logical that their structures be destroyed, and
their efforts be demolished, while they have been fighting for decades
against the enemy attacking their religion and property, or should the
thousands of Shuhadah (Martyrs), wounded, prisoners, widows and
orphans be denied? Should all of these (people) have the legitimacy of
their groups nullified, their ranks split and Fitnah incited among
them, so that they can spill each other’s blood? This is surely from
oppression and injustice.
Likewise we call upon all our Muslim brothers, and specifically our
brothers in the army of Dawlatul Islam to reject this great evil, Imam
Ahmed has reported from Huthayfa (R.A) who said: You either enjoin
good and forbid evil and encourage goodness or Allah will put over all
of you a punishment, and will place the worst of you as leaders over
you, the best of you will then invoke to Allah and will not be
responded to’
And in Sahih Muslim, Abdullah bin Amr Bin Al A’as reported that
Allah’s Messenger SAW said: ‘How would you be, O people. When Persia
and Rome would be conquered for you? ‘Abdur Rahmaan bin Auf said: We
would say as Allah has commanded us and we would express our gratitude
to Allah. Thereupon Allah’s Messenger SAW said: Nothing else besides
it? You would (in fact) vie with one another, then you would feel
jealous then your relations would be estranged and then you will bear
enmity against one another. Or something to the same effect. Then you
would go to the poor emigrants and would make some the masters of the
others.’
Fifthly: We hold responsible our brothers in Dawlatul Islam with all
the consequences of these Ijtihadaat (independent judgements) and
dangerous steps of weakening the strength of the Mujahideen which is
an inevitable outcome of dispute. We hold them responsible for the
A’sabiyah (loyalty to a certain groups) opinions that has risen, the
spread of Ijtihaad (independent judgements) being made in the spilling
of inviolable (Muslim) blood with the excuse of expanding and
spreading the power of Dawlah. And we emphasise that we do not begin
(dealing with) a Muslim with aggression, fighting, and making their
property and wealth permissible (to take). And in the case of the
occurrence of dispute, we adhere to seeking judgement from the
Shari’ah (Islamic Law) through an independent court, to judge between
the matters and resolve the dispute between any parties of the
Muslims.
And we are at all times occupied with defending against the
Crusader-Shia’h alliance, and we have, for this purpose, gathered our
strength, mobilised the capacities of the Ummah , and incited the
Muslims (to fight) obeying the word of Allah Aza Wa Jal: ‘So fight, (O
Muhammed), in the Cause of Allah; you are not held responsible except
for yourself. And encourage the believers (to join you) that perhaps
Allah will restrain the (military) might of those who disbelieve. And
Allah is greater in might and stronger in (exemplary) punishment.’
And Allah is our Helper, and the Protector of the Mu’mineen.
Sixthly: We remind our brothers that are aiding the Mujahideen, to
abstain from debate and arguments that are of no use. And to adhere to
equity, truth and justice and to strive to unite the word and bring
unity, not to split the ranks through disapproved alliances and
Ta’asub (loyalty to one group) which is detestable. And to protect the
rights of those entitled or to those who have priority in rights, and
Allah says : ‘ And (there is a share for) those who came after them,
saying, ‘Our lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in
faith and put not in our hearts (any) resentment toward those who have
believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.’ The dispute
should be put in its appropriate place and given the appropriate
concern, and should be debated with proof and evidence, far from
insults and curses upon each other, for this is not the behaviour of a
Mu’min. Rasoolullah (S.A.W) said: ‘The believer is not a slanderer,
nor does he curse others, and nor is he immoral or shameless.’ And
each speaker should understand that he will be asked about each word
he utters regarding this Fitnah (sedition). In the hadeeth reported
from Mua’th ibn Jabal (R.A), Rasoolullah (S.A.W) said to him: ‘Shall I
tell you of the root of the matter, its pillar and its highest point?’
I replied: ‘Yes! Certainly, oh Prophet of Allah.’ He said, ‘The root
of this matter (foundation) is Islam, its pillar (mainstay) is As
Salaah (the prayer) and its highest point is Jihad (fighting in the
cause of Allah).’ Then he asked, ‘Shall I tell you of that which holds
all these things?’ I said: ‘Yes, Oh Messenger of Allah.’ So he took
hold of his tongue and said, ‘Keep this in control.’ I asked: ‘Oh
Messenger of Allah! Shall we really be accounted for what we talk
about?’ He replied, ‘May your mother loose you oh Mu’ath! People will
be thrown on their faces into the Hell on account of their tongues.’
Seventhly: To our brothers the Mujahideen on the frontlines of the
Arabian Peninsula: Oh Murabitoon (those guarding the frontiers) in the
faces of your enemies, oh those sacrificing for the sake of your
religion, oh those that have sacrificed their souls in the Path of
Allah, do not let the building blocks of the path distract you and do
not let the afflictions of the journey hinder you. And remember that
Shaytaan is unable to have the Musaloon (worshippers) worship him in
the Arabian Peninsula, but (is able) to instigate between them, as
narrated in the Hadeeth.
Do you wish to occupy yourself with argument and debate, at a time
when the nations of Kufr are attacking you? Or (wish to) afflict the
Ummah with distress through your conflict and become estranged from
each other at a time when the Ummah waits on you to assist and aid it?
Is this the time for argument and debate and frequency of irrelevant
talk? It is narrated in the Hadeeth from Rasoolullah (S.A.W): ‘Verily
Allah disapproves for you: irrelevant talk, persistent questioning and
wasting of wealth.’
The enemy has descended on our own ground through their viscous
Crusader- Shia’h campaign. Do you leave them to violate the
sanctities, desecrate the honours and wreak havoc and corruption in
the land? No By Allah, we did not entrust you to this. And far be it,
that you ruin the hopes of the Ummah in your Jihad. And far be it that
you slip into Fitnah (sedition) and degenerate therein.
***May my soul and what my right hand possesses be sacrificed ***
***Knights that have made my beliefs in them come true***
***Knights that do not tire of meeting the fate of death ***
***Even if fierce battle breaks out***
(Poetry)
So occupy yourselves with fighting your enemies, and protect your
tongues and fear Allah that the Ummah be slaughtered by yourselves.
Lastly: The statement of Sheikh Abu Bakr al Baghdadi has hurt us and
has hurt the Muslimeen on the frontlines of Yemen when he said: the
Houthis found no Muwahideen (monotheists) to fight them. With the fact
that these words are fantastical in this context, it negates Tawheed
(monotheism) from a large group of Muslims that have fought the
Houthis. We never thought that such (words) would emanate from the
likes of the Sheikh.
***And the oppression of those that are close is more intense in agony***
***Upon a man than the striking of a sharp sword ***
(Poetry)
And we say to you oh noble Sheikh: Bukhari and Muslim have reported
from Abu Hurayrah (R.A): Rasoolullah (S.A.W) has said: ‘There have
come the people of Yemen; they are tender of hearts, the belief
(Imaan) is that of the Yemenites, the understanding (of the faith) is
that of the Yemenites, and wisdom (Hikmah) is that of the Yemenites.’
And the Muwahidoon (monotheists) of the people of Yemen assisted Islam
in the conquering of Shaam and Iraq, Egypt, the Islamic Maghreb and
Spain. And the Shuhadah (martyrs) of the people of Yemen are in Sind,
India and Afghanistan. And there still remains Muwahideen
(Monotheists) from the people of Yemen in every frontline of the
frontlines Islam, defending the Religion and fighting in the Path of
Allah.
And this noble people of Yemen have fought with whatever they possess,
and have sent forth thousands of Shuhadah in the fight against the
Rawaafidh (Shi’ah) Houthis and they continue to do so. Just as many of
the tribes and Islamic groups have fought, and have sent forth great
heroic acts and immense sacrifices. Their houses have been bombed and
they have left their homes, they have been put under distress and
suffering, and this continues.
But the conspiracy was bigger than all their efforts and the plot was
greater than their capabilities. The American crusaders have gathered
against them, killing them with planes, and have placed over them
their agents from the Rawaafidh (Shi’ah) and their armies on the
ground. The Government of agents handed over the country to the
Houthis on a golden platter. And this noble generous people, who have
and continue to support Islam, are capable with the help of Allah to
face the aggression and fight the tyranny, despite their poverty,
destitution and the immensity of the conspiracy against them. ‘If
Allah should aid you, no one can overcome you; but if He should
forsake you, who is there that can aid you after Him? And upon Allah
let the believers rely.’
And we the Mujahideen are but a portion of the sacrifice of this noble
people, we will not hold back anything valuable or precious to us (in
their support).
Oh Allah establish a guided matter for this Ummah, Oh Allah unite the
hearts of the Muslims, and unify their words, and protect their blood
and eliminate any evil from their hearts. Ameen
Tantheem Al Qaedatul Jihad in the Arabian Peninsula
‘ALTHOUGH THE DISBELIEVERS DISLIKE IT’
(PRESENTED BY SHEIKH HARITH AL NATHARI MAY ALLAH PROTECT HIM)
Asalaamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
Bismillahi Rahmaani Raheem
Praise be to Allah Lord of the Worlds and May Peace and Blessings be
upon the Messenger o f Allah and his family and companions,
furthermore:
This is a statement I read on behalf of my brothers from Tantheem al
Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) concerning what was said in the
last address of the noble Sheikh Abu Bakr al Baghdadi (May Allah
protect him), leader of Dawlatul Islam titled ‘Although the
disbelievers dislike it’, issued on the 20th of Muharram 1436 A.H.
We say firstly: We did not want to speak about the discord and current
Fitnah in Shaam. Especially at this sensitive stage, in which the
enemies of Islam from amongst the crusaders, Safawiyeen (Safavids) and
Murtadeen (apostates) are rushing into a war against the Mujahideen in
Shaam and Iraq, infact against the entire Muslim Ummah. This war was
and continues to be a crusade against all of the truthful Mujahideen.
We took a position that we were obligated to; to assist our brothers
however we are able, and we remain that way out of the belief that it
is wajib (incumbent) upon us to aid our brothers, the Mujahideen, with
all their groups, entities and different movements. We ask Allah to
defeat the Ahzaab (confederates) and turn their plots against them,
Verily He is capable of that.
And we took all efforts internally amongst our soldiers, as well as in
our media, not to discuss the conflict that has occurred in Shaam,
considering what had occurred, a conflict and dispute between a number
of parties, each claiming to be in the right, which made it incumbent
upon us to take one stance towards all (parties). Calling on them to
seize the fighting and spread of the Fitnah (sedition), and
encouraging them to take the matter to an Islamic court to pass
judgement on the matter. We tried and continue to do so despite the
rift and chasm (created), until the hearts are united and the stance
united on the fight against the real enemies, the crusaders, Rawaafidh
(Shi'as) and Murtadeen (apostates). And to stop the fighting and
spilling of blood between the Mujahideen, that has become the greatest
calamity that the Ummah is being trialled with at this stage. How,
when Rasoolullah (S.A.W) has said: ‘The extinction of the whole world
is less significant before Allah than killing a Muslim man.’ And we
have avoided (addressing) in our media the arguments and debates that
have arisen from the conflict and fighting in Shaam, among it, the
accusation that Al Qaeda has deviated and their Manhaj (methodology)
has changed and have turned away from the path. Despite this we
forgave (the person) that brought this up (May Allah Pardon him) and
we left the controversy incited not for the lack of clarification and
proof but, in preference that the Muslims do not become preoccupied
with side issues and marginal bickering, confusing our message to the
Muslims, and sending us into a position in which we are distracted by
fighting each other instead of our enemies. We overlooked this out of
the desire to stop the evil.
But our brothers in Dawlatul Islam after the victories achieved by
their hands in Iraq, that brought happiness and cured the hearts of
the believers, surprised us with a number of steps and independent
judgements, amongst them, the announcement of the Khilafah
(Caliphate). This aided in the exportation of the fighting and Fitnah
(sedition) into other fronts. They declared this to appoint a Khalif
over every Muslim, without this Khilafah having fulfilled all the
conditions and without finding a path to resolve the disputes with the
other Jihadi groups in Shaam.
They then made it incumbent on the Ummah, the entire Ummah, to give
Bay’ah (pledge allegiance) to the Khalif, and regarded those Muslims
who do not (give Bay’ah) in every place as sinful. Then, more than
that, they annulled the legitimacy of any group working for Islam
whether they be Jihadi or those preaching.
Then they strove to split the ranks of the Mujahideen, by gathering
pledges from within the Jihadi groups. Through this they have taken a
step that holds the most danger and is the most destructive to the
entity of the Ummah and the Jihadi groups. They have split the ranks
of the Mujahideen across The Islamic World through erroneous divisions
that they have established since the declaration of the Khilafah.
They have also announced the expansion of their Khilafah to a number
of the lands, in which they have no control over , and have considered
these areas as ‘states’ belonging to them and have appointed leaders
over them, and have nullified any Jihadi groups that have not given
them Bay’ah in that area.
And when we speak about this topic, we do so with bitterness and
sadness, out of compulsion and force. We are alerting the Muslim
Ummah, the U’lama of the Ummah and our bothers the Mujahideen to a
number of matters:
Firstly: Emphasising our stance regarding the fighting between the
Islamic factions in Shaam, that it is a Fitnah, and we do not support
one faction against the other nor do we legitimize the taking of the
blood of any of them. And we call for an end to the fighting and the
for the appointment of a Shari’ah court to examine all the injustices
claimed by these parties, Allah Aza wa Jal says: ‘But no, By your
Lord, they will not (truly) believe until they make you, (O Muhammed),
judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves and
then find within themselves no discomfort from that which you have
judged and submit in (full, willing) submission.’ And we see this to
be the only solution to stop the injustices and return the rights,
which will not be dropped by the passing of time or the changing of
events. As we express our utmost joy and happiness at the news of
signs of stopping of the infighting between the Mujahideen in Shaam.
We call upon all parties to formalize and strengthen it, and to strike
forcefully the hand of all those who wish to break it, to spare the
blood protected by Islamic Law and preserve the strength of the
Mujahideen.
Secondly: We emphasise our stance regarding the Crusader campaign
against our brothers the Mujahideen in Shaam and Iraq. And it is
incumbent on all the Muslims to assist their brothers against this new
crusader campaign. It is not permissible, under any circumstances, to
fight under the banner of the crusaders or to be among their campaign
against Dawlatul Islam or any other Jihadi group.
Thirdly: Pertaining to the announcement of the Khilafah we say: to
live under the protection of the rightly guided Khilafah, established
on the Prophetic methodology is the highest of our wishes. Striving to
establish it has been our path since the first day, which has prompted
us to take up arms against the Murtadeen (apostate) rulers and the
crusaders behind them. To this day we have not rested nor seek
exemption (from the task).
We see that the appointment of a leader is Fardh (compulsory) but when
the times change. We do not oppose the establishment of the Khilafah
or the appointment of a leader for the Muslims, but we strive to
fulfil the conditions of this establishment and to remove all
obstacles, and prepare the means, so it may be a Khilafah established
on the Prophetic Methodology.
As we wait for the appropriate time in which all the elements required
are completed such as: fighting off those attacking us from among the
crusaders and their helpers, the removal of the constraints over the
people, unifying them, until the announcement finds it share of
acceptance and the proof (for establishing it) holds true.
We are in a time where there is an absence of those who are
knowledgeable in the religion and the Fitnah (sedition) is great and
there is an abundance of doubt and greed, and the people fail to
distinguish between truth and falsehood which have been mixed. They
are in a storming, oppressive sea and to Allah we complain.
The declaration of the Khilafah upon all the Muslims by our brothers
in Dawlatul Islam has not fulfilled all the necessary conditions. They
have not gone through with the consultation of all the Ahlul Hal wal
A’qd (people of influence) in the Muslim Ummah, or at the very least
some of them from the truthful U’lama and leaders of the Jihadi groups
across the Islamic world. Let alone others that are worthy of
consultation in the Islamic Ummah. Among that which was narrated
showing that consultation and the consent of the Jamhoor (majority) of
the Ahlul Hal wal A’qd (people of influence) in the Ummah is
necessary, what has been narrated in Bukhari; ‘ Umar( R.A) delivered a
speech to a gathering of the Sahabah present in the Masjid of Nabi
SAW, in which he said, “ If any person gives the pledge of allegiance
to somebody (to become a Caliph) without consulting the other Muslims,
then the one he has selected should not be granted allegiance, lest
both of them should be killed.’
And Sheikhul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah in (his book) Minhaajis Sunnah has
said, emphasising the condition of the consent of the Jamhoor
(majority) of the Ahlul Hal wal A'qd : ‘Supposing if Umar (R.A) and a
group along with him, gave him Bay’ah, meaning Abu Bakr (R.A.), and
the rest of the Sahabah did not he would not have become the leader
through that, but only become the leader by the Bay’ah of the Jamhoor
(majority) of the Sahabah that were the people of power and influence,
this is why the absence (of the Bay’ah) of Sa’d bin U’badah did not
diminish the objective of governance , because the objective is to
achieve power and authority, through which the benefits of leadership
is achieved, which was established by the agreement of the Jamhoor
(majority) on that.’
In addition to the announcement of the Khilafah lacking the condition
of consultation and the approval of the Jamhoor of the Ahlul Hal wal
A’qd of the Ummah, the actual authority of Dawlatul Islam, in which
the Muslims are able to give and receive the rights and Waajibaat
(incumbent actions) of the Imam, does not exceed the geographical
areas that they control in Iraq and Shaam. As for the rest of the
regions, they do not have the true structure of a state, but rather
groups and individuals fighting, working to repel the assailing enemy.
This form that they are in, does not agree with the meaning of the
Greater Khilafah, that which gathers the Muslimeen, where the Imam is
a shield for those behind him, and does not permit except for a Muslim
to give Bay’ah to.
Based on all of the above, we do not see the validity of this Khilafah
nor the consequences that results of it. We do not regard sinful those
who do not give Bay’ah. And we do not consider that this announcement
nullifies the legitimacy of other Islamic Groups active in the fields.
Fourthly: The matter of the announcement of the Khilafah, with their
acceptance that it is a matter of Ijtihaad (independent judgement),
but the policy of our brothers in Dawlatul Islam has caused the
splitting of the ranks of the Mujahideen and the division of their
unity during this sensitive stage in the history of the Mujahid Ummah.
And this is from the absolutely forbidden matters in the Religion of
Allah, as is shown by the general proofs in the Book of Allah and the
Sunnah of His Messenger (S.A.W),( which is) the call to expel all
differences and anything that leads to it. Ijtihaad Thanee
(speculative judgments) that are only probabilities (such as) the
announcement of the Khilafah does not supersede a matter that is
absolute and established, which the incumbency thereof is stipulated,
(such as) stopping all division and separation that leads to the
spilling of blood and Fitnah (sedition). Allah Aza wa Jal says: ‘And
obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and (thus) loose
courage and (then) your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed,
Allah is with the patient.’
And from that which is known as a necessity of Deen (religion) is that
the fulfilment of promises, and the completion of pledges, is from the
most emphasized Islamic obligations upon the Muslims, and breaking
them is from the major and most destructive sins. Allah Ta’ala says:
‘And fulfil every commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever (that
about which one will be) questioned.’ And Allah Ta’ala says:‘And
fulfil the covenant of Allah when you have taken it, (O believers),
and do not break oaths and their confirmation while you have made
Allah, over you, a witness. Indeed, Allah knows what you do. * ‘ And
do not be like she who untwisted her spun thread after it was strong
(by) taking your oaths as (means of) deceit between you because one
community is more plentiful (in number or wealth) than another
community. Allah only tries you thereby. And He will surely make clear
to you on the Day of Resurrection that over which you used to differ.’
And the greatest and most binding of the covenants is the Bay’ah
(pledge of allegiance) and the covenant of obedience, which is
presently practiced through the covenants of the Jihadi groups,
Rasoolullah (S.A.W) said: ‘ There will be for every betrayer on the
Day of Judgement a flag by which he will be recognised’ (Agreed upon)
and in the narration of Muslim: ‘ When Allah will gather together, on
the Day of judgement, all the earlier and later generations of
mankind, a flag will be raised (to mark off) every person guilty of
betrayal, and it will be announced that this is the betrayer of so and
so (to attract the attention of people to his guilt).’
And from that which we obey Allah in, is that it is not permissible,
under any circumstances, to violate these binding pledges, nor break
these irrevocable covenants except that which is in accordance with
Islamic rulings. Likewise it is not permissible, under any
circumstances, to change and transfer from the Bay’ah of one person to
that of another, unless it becomes an Islamic obligation to do so. As
the outcome of that is the belittlement of the matter of Bay’ah
(pledge of allegiance), and its degradation and negligence (therein),
whereas, the wise Shari’ah has glorified it and has commanded that it
be respected and fulfilled, as mentioned previously.
Needless to mention, we are bound by a Shar’ee Bay’ah (Islamic pledge
of allegiance) that we have taken to the leader of Al Qaeda , the
first being to Sheikh Usamah bin Laden (May Allah have Mercy on him),
then we renewed it to Sheikh Ayman (May Allah Protect him) . And it is
known that Al Qaeda has a Bay’ah (pledge of allegiance) bound to
Mullah Muhammed Umar (May Allah Protect him), since the moment of both
pledges. And we have not found any reason that necessitates the
breaking of the covenant nor the Bay’ah (pledge of allegiance). Based
on this we refuse to heed the calls to split the ranks of the Jihadi
groups. And we emphasise to our brothers, the fulfilment of the
covenants, and we renew our Bay’ah to our Leader Sheikh Ayman al
Zawahiri (May Allah Protect him), included in this is the Bay’ah to
Mullah Muhammed Umar Mujahid (May Allah Protect him). What would our
position be when this declaration and its consequences came at a time
where the campaigns of the enemies from the Murtadeen (apostates) and
crusaders has intensified on all fronts, starting from Waziristan,
Somalia, Egypt, Yemen and in Maghreb al Islam.
We have requested from our brothers in Dawlatul Islam their support
and help, but they surprised us with these Ijtihadaat (independent
judgements) that causes destruction in one body and divides the unity.
And we call upon our brothers in Dawlatul Islam to retract their Fatwa
(legal ruling) regarding the nullification of the groups and the split
of its ranks, for it is from transgression, oppression and (leads to)
the breaking of ties, that Allah does not approve of for His servants.
Is it logical, oh you who are just, to split the ranks of all of these
Jihadi Groups from the east to the west of the earth, in Afghanistan,
Somalia, Pakistan, Sham, Palestine, Egypt, the Caucuses, the Islamic
Maghreb such as Libya, Algeria and Mali and in the Arabian Peninsula
and other areas? Is it logical that their structures be destroyed, and
their efforts be demolished, while they have been fighting for decades
against the enemy attacking their religion and property, or should the
thousands of Shuhadah (Martyrs), wounded, prisoners, widows and
orphans be denied? Should all of these (people) have the legitimacy of
their groups nullified, their ranks split and Fitnah incited among
them, so that they can spill each other’s blood? This is surely from
oppression and injustice.
Likewise we call upon all our Muslim brothers, and specifically our
brothers in the army of Dawlatul Islam to reject this great evil, Imam
Ahmed has reported from Huthayfa (R.A) who said: You either enjoin
good and forbid evil and encourage goodness or Allah will put over all
of you a punishment, and will place the worst of you as leaders over
you, the best of you will then invoke to Allah and will not be
responded to’
And in Sahih Muslim, Abdullah bin Amr Bin Al A’as reported that
Allah’s Messenger SAW said: ‘How would you be, O people. When Persia
and Rome would be conquered for you? ‘Abdur Rahmaan bin Auf said: We
would say as Allah has commanded us and we would express our gratitude
to Allah. Thereupon Allah’s Messenger SAW said: Nothing else besides
it? You would (in fact) vie with one another, then you would feel
jealous then your relations would be estranged and then you will bear
enmity against one another. Or something to the same effect. Then you
would go to the poor emigrants and would make some the masters of the
others.’
Fifthly: We hold responsible our brothers in Dawlatul Islam with all
the consequences of these Ijtihadaat (independent judgements) and
dangerous steps of weakening the strength of the Mujahideen which is
an inevitable outcome of dispute. We hold them responsible for the
A’sabiyah (loyalty to a certain groups) opinions that has risen, the
spread of Ijtihaad (independent judgements) being made in the spilling
of inviolable (Muslim) blood with the excuse of expanding and
spreading the power of Dawlah. And we emphasise that we do not begin
(dealing with) a Muslim with aggression, fighting, and making their
property and wealth permissible (to take). And in the case of the
occurrence of dispute, we adhere to seeking judgement from the
Shari’ah (Islamic Law) through an independent court, to judge between
the matters and resolve the dispute between any parties of the
Muslims.
And we are at all times occupied with defending against the
Crusader-Shia’h alliance, and we have, for this purpose, gathered our
strength, mobilised the capacities of the Ummah , and incited the
Muslims (to fight) obeying the word of Allah Aza Wa Jal: ‘So fight, (O
Muhammed), in the Cause of Allah; you are not held responsible except
for yourself. And encourage the believers (to join you) that perhaps
Allah will restrain the (military) might of those who disbelieve. And
Allah is greater in might and stronger in (exemplary) punishment.’
And Allah is our Helper, and the Protector of the Mu’mineen.
Sixthly: We remind our brothers that are aiding the Mujahideen, to
abstain from debate and arguments that are of no use. And to adhere to
equity, truth and justice and to strive to unite the word and bring
unity, not to split the ranks through disapproved alliances and
Ta’asub (loyalty to one group) which is detestable. And to protect the
rights of those entitled or to those who have priority in rights, and
Allah says : ‘ And (there is a share for) those who came after them,
saying, ‘Our lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in
faith and put not in our hearts (any) resentment toward those who have
believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.’ The dispute
should be put in its appropriate place and given the appropriate
concern, and should be debated with proof and evidence, far from
insults and curses upon each other, for this is not the behaviour of a
Mu’min. Rasoolullah (S.A.W) said: ‘The believer is not a slanderer,
nor does he curse others, and nor is he immoral or shameless.’ And
each speaker should understand that he will be asked about each word
he utters regarding this Fitnah (sedition). In the hadeeth reported
from Mua’th ibn Jabal (R.A), Rasoolullah (S.A.W) said to him: ‘Shall I
tell you of the root of the matter, its pillar and its highest point?’
I replied: ‘Yes! Certainly, oh Prophet of Allah.’ He said, ‘The root
of this matter (foundation) is Islam, its pillar (mainstay) is As
Salaah (the prayer) and its highest point is Jihad (fighting in the
cause of Allah).’ Then he asked, ‘Shall I tell you of that which holds
all these things?’ I said: ‘Yes, Oh Messenger of Allah.’ So he took
hold of his tongue and said, ‘Keep this in control.’ I asked: ‘Oh
Messenger of Allah! Shall we really be accounted for what we talk
about?’ He replied, ‘May your mother loose you oh Mu’ath! People will
be thrown on their faces into the Hell on account of their tongues.’
Seventhly: To our brothers the Mujahideen on the frontlines of the
Arabian Peninsula: Oh Murabitoon (those guarding the frontiers) in the
faces of your enemies, oh those sacrificing for the sake of your
religion, oh those that have sacrificed their souls in the Path of
Allah, do not let the building blocks of the path distract you and do
not let the afflictions of the journey hinder you. And remember that
Shaytaan is unable to have the Musaloon (worshippers) worship him in
the Arabian Peninsula, but (is able) to instigate between them, as
narrated in the Hadeeth.
Do you wish to occupy yourself with argument and debate, at a time
when the nations of Kufr are attacking you? Or (wish to) afflict the
Ummah with distress through your conflict and become estranged from
each other at a time when the Ummah waits on you to assist and aid it?
Is this the time for argument and debate and frequency of irrelevant
talk? It is narrated in the Hadeeth from Rasoolullah (S.A.W): ‘Verily
Allah disapproves for you: irrelevant talk, persistent questioning and
wasting of wealth.’
The enemy has descended on our own ground through their viscous
Crusader- Shia’h campaign. Do you leave them to violate the
sanctities, desecrate the honours and wreak havoc and corruption in
the land? No By Allah, we did not entrust you to this. And far be it,
that you ruin the hopes of the Ummah in your Jihad. And far be it that
you slip into Fitnah (sedition) and degenerate therein.
***May my soul and what my right hand possesses be sacrificed ***
***Knights that have made my beliefs in them come true***
***Knights that do not tire of meeting the fate of death ***
***Even if fierce battle breaks out***
(Poetry)
So occupy yourselves with fighting your enemies, and protect your
tongues and fear Allah that the Ummah be slaughtered by yourselves.
Lastly: The statement of Sheikh Abu Bakr al Baghdadi has hurt us and
has hurt the Muslimeen on the frontlines of Yemen when he said: the
Houthis found no Muwahideen (monotheists) to fight them. With the fact
that these words are fantastical in this context, it negates Tawheed
(monotheism) from a large group of Muslims that have fought the
Houthis. We never thought that such (words) would emanate from the
likes of the Sheikh.
***And the oppression of those that are close is more intense in agony***
***Upon a man than the striking of a sharp sword ***
(Poetry)
And we say to you oh noble Sheikh: Bukhari and Muslim have reported
from Abu Hurayrah (R.A): Rasoolullah (S.A.W) has said: ‘There have
come the people of Yemen; they are tender of hearts, the belief
(Imaan) is that of the Yemenites, the understanding (of the faith) is
that of the Yemenites, and wisdom (Hikmah) is that of the Yemenites.’
And the Muwahidoon (monotheists) of the people of Yemen assisted Islam
in the conquering of Shaam and Iraq, Egypt, the Islamic Maghreb and
Spain. And the Shuhadah (martyrs) of the people of Yemen are in Sind,
India and Afghanistan. And there still remains Muwahideen
(Monotheists) from the people of Yemen in every frontline of the
frontlines Islam, defending the Religion and fighting in the Path of
Allah.
And this noble people of Yemen have fought with whatever they possess,
and have sent forth thousands of Shuhadah in the fight against the
Rawaafidh (Shi’ah) Houthis and they continue to do so. Just as many of
the tribes and Islamic groups have fought, and have sent forth great
heroic acts and immense sacrifices. Their houses have been bombed and
they have left their homes, they have been put under distress and
suffering, and this continues.
But the conspiracy was bigger than all their efforts and the plot was
greater than their capabilities. The American crusaders have gathered
against them, killing them with planes, and have placed over them
their agents from the Rawaafidh (Shi’ah) and their armies on the
ground. The Government of agents handed over the country to the
Houthis on a golden platter. And this noble generous people, who have
and continue to support Islam, are capable with the help of Allah to
face the aggression and fight the tyranny, despite their poverty,
destitution and the immensity of the conspiracy against them. ‘If
Allah should aid you, no one can overcome you; but if He should
forsake you, who is there that can aid you after Him? And upon Allah
let the believers rely.’
And we the Mujahideen are but a portion of the sacrifice of this noble
people, we will not hold back anything valuable or precious to us (in
their support).
Oh Allah establish a guided matter for this Ummah, Oh Allah unite the
hearts of the Muslims, and unify their words, and protect their blood
and eliminate any evil from their hearts. Ameen
Tantheem Al Qaedatul Jihad in the Arabian Peninsula
