Table of Contents
Introduction
Assalamu Alaykum.
In his recent address, Abu Ubaidah directed his message to the elites, scholars, and preachers of the Ummah, urging them with the following message:
“What is needed now is a scholarly mobilization across the nation to clarify the true nature of this struggle. You must provide a clear, explicit, and continuous statement about the grave dangers facing our people and our holy sites, the legitimacy and sanctity of our battle, and the obligation upon the entire Ummah to engage in Jihad with all its resources to protect Al-Aqsa and our sacred land”
Is This Truly an Obligation for Muslim Scholars and Elites?
We ask ourselves: Is it truly an obligation for the elites and scholars to take up this responsibility? While there may be differing opinions on some of the points mentioned in Abu Ubaidah’s speech, as we have previously discussed, is it indeed required of Muslim scholars to call for supporting the defenders and making sacrifices for this cause?
ALLAH Almighty says:
“And [mention, O Muḥammad], when ALLAH took a covenant from those who were given the Scripture, [saying], “You must make it clear [i.e., explain it] to the people and not conceal it.” But they threw it away behind their backs and exchanged it for a small price. And wretched is that which they purchased“1
(Suurat ‘Ali-‘Imraan 3:187)
We pray that ALLAH Almighty does not make us like those who abandoned their duties, but instead, allows us to be among those HE has praised:
“[ALLAH praises] those who convey the messages of ALLAH and fear HIM and do not fear anyone but ALLAH. And sufficient is ALLAH as Accountant“2
(Suurat ‘Al-‘‘Ahzaab 33:39)
Our Responsibility to Respond
The answer to these questions is undoubtedly yes. It is indeed obligatory for Muslim scholars and preachers to respond to Abu Ubaidah and his fellow advocates on these matters. In fact, this responsibility was upon us even before they made the call, and even before the events of Tufan Al-Aqsa unfolded.
Abu Ubaidah called for clarity on the true nature of the conflict, and we affirm that the core of this struggle is between Islam and disbelief. the disbelievers kill the people of Islam and the memorizers of the Qur’an, destroy mosques, desecrate the holy Qur’an, and unite in their criminal acts against the Muslims.
The conflict is not merely between Hamas and Israel, nor is it only between the people of Gaza, Palestine, Lebanon, and Israel; it is a broader struggle where the combined forces of disbelief target Muslim lands one after another. ALLAH Almighty, after commanding us to support our brothers in faith, said:
“And those who disbelieved are allies of one another. If you do not do so [i.e., ally yourselves with other believers], there will be fitnah [i.e., disbelief and oppression] on earth and great corruption“3
(Suurat ‘Al-‘Anfaal 8:73)
Abu Ubaida and his fellow advocates have requested clear, explicit, and continuous guidance on the dangers faced by the people of Palestine and their sacred sites. This is what we have endeavored to clarify over the past year, particularly following the major recent events. We are committed to continuing on this path for as long as we live, by ALLAH’s permission. The situation demands from all of us increased efforts to provide clarity and mobilize in support of this cause.
Affirming the Legitimacy and Sanctity of the Struggle
Abu Ubaidah called for the affirmation of the legitimacy and sanctity of their struggle. As we have explained before, we reiterate in response to our brothers’ request: the legitimacy of this struggle is unquestionable and beyond any dispute, and it is impermissible to cast doubt upon it.
Some may ask, “Was the decision to initiate Tufan Al-Aqsa the right one?” The answer is that now is not the time for such a question. We have previously addressed objections concerning the initiation of Tufan Al-Aqsa, and to briefly emphasize again: Regardless of your personal stance on it, there is no benefit in diverting attention to this topic at present. The obligation upon you now is to stand by your brothers, and not to be like those whom ALLAH described:
“Those who said about their brothers while sitting [at home]“4
(Suurat ‘Ali-‘Imraan 3:168)
If someone asks, “But what about Abu Ubaidah’s praise for the Rafidite groups that have fought and continue to fight against Ahl al-Sunnah (the people of Sunnah) in other arenas?” We respond that this does not excuse you in any way from the obligation to support your brothers in Gaza and their Mujahideen. This is not a reason to justify any shortcomings in fulfilling their rights, nor does it relieve you of the duty to support the people of Lebanon as the conflict expands, with the Zionists’ rampage across the land, where the war is no longer against just one particular group.
We will not focus on whether our Mujahideen brothers are excused or not for their statements that included praise for Rafidite projects. What matters is that we are not excused if we abandon them to the dogs of the earth who fight them, whether they are Zionists or others. A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim; he neither oppresses him nor abandons him.
Fixating on some statements of the Mujahideen to justify forsaking them and leaving them to their enemies is nothing but fear-mongering and discouragement, a satanic method used by some slaves of the rulers who participate in the siege, oppression, and conspiracy, only to send out their minions to cover for their masters and to turn people away from supporting their Muslim brothers. Be cautious—extremely cautious—that Satan leads you into this misguidance, causing you to say things that weaken the resolve of your Mujahideen brothers or shake the public’s conviction of their duty to support them. In doing so, you would be aiding the devils of both mankind and jinn against them.
Our Obligation to Support and Clarify
The Mujahideen have a right upon us for obligatory support, even if we disagree with some of their statements, regardless of whether they are excused or not. When we clarify our position on Rafidite expansionist projects, it is also a religious duty to preserve the beliefs of Muslims and to affirm that the lives of Muslims are equally valuable, whether they are Palestinians, Syrians, Yemenis, Iraqis, or from any other nation. We should not create division among Muslims or cause discord if one feels that another minimizes the aggression faced or praises the aggressor.
The two duties—support and clarification—do not conflict with one another. Both are rooted in the commands of ALLAH and HIS Messenger, and in fact, providing clarification is a form of support in itself.
Abu Ubaidah and his fellow Mujahideen have called upon the Muslim scholars and preachers of the Ummah to emphasize the obligation of Jihad, urging the Ummah to utilize all available resources to support Al-Aqsa and its sacred land. We affirm that, indeed, this is a duty upon the Ummah: to defend our holy sites and to strive for the establishment of ALLAH’s Sharia on earth. Anyone who is capable of fulfilling this duty and chooses not to act is betraying ALLAH, HIS Messenger, and the Muslim community.
There is no obedience to any created being if it leads to disobedience to the Creator. If you submit to those who command disobedience to ALLAH, you become their servant, and you will regret it on the Day of Judgment, when your obedience to such leaders will bring you nothing but regret:
“[And they should consider that] when those who have been followed disassociate themselves from those who followed [them], and they [all] see the punishment, and cut off from them are the ties [of relationship]“5
(Suurat ‘Ali-Baqarah 2:166)
May ALLAH not bless wealth earned by oppressing the vulnerable, nor the food you eat, nor the clothes you wear:
“The Day when it1 will be heated in the fire of Hell and seared therewith will be their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs…“6
(Suurat ‘At-Tawbah 9:35)
Every form of support we can offer to our brothers is an obligation upon us. Conversely, any support extended to the Zionists is an act of allegiance that aligns the supporter with them and places them among their ranks.
As an additional clarification, we remind you of ALLAH Almighty’s words:
“If you do not go forth, HE will punish you with a painful punishment and will replace you with another people, and you will not harm HIM at all…“7
(Suurat ‘At-Tawbah 9:39)
If Muslims are unable to fulfill this duty, then what is necessary to meet the obligation itself becomes obligatory.
Conclusion
This is our response to Abu Ubaidah’s message: reaffirming the obligation to support him and his fellow Mujahideen, upholding the legitimacy and sanctity of their struggle, and emphasizing that striving (Jihad) is a duty upon the entire Ummah, utilizing all available resources in obedience to the Almighty. Supporting them is, in fact, supporting ourselves; otherwise,
“…then wait until ALLAH executes HIS command. And ALLAH does not guide the defiantly disobedient people“8
(Suurat ‘At-Tawbah 9:24)
We ask ALLAH to relieve the suffering of our brothers in Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and everywhere, to grant victory to HIS striving servants, to strengthen and guide them, and to help us support them in a way that pleases HIM and absolves us of the sin of abandoning them.
Peace be upon you, and the mercy of ALLAH.
Source:
- Dr. Eyad Qunaibi. هل علينا الاستجابة لخطاب أبي عبيدة. Telegram Post.
