Cooperation with the Disbelievers

[Brother_Mujahid]

I have seen there various debates between brothers on the issue of cooperation between the Muslims and various parties of the kuffar (especially the far-right organizations) on those issues of which we have a mutual interest. I wanted to start a thread (since I didn't notice one already) to examine this issue in the light of the Qur'an and Sunnah, as well as the practicality of the issue.

I wanted to start by addressing the commonly argued position of allying or cooperating with the far-right so-called neo-Nazi movements. I will say that I don't really see much point. Most of these groups are little more then fascist nationalist groups (i.e. the BNP) who just wish to "purify" their countries not only of Jews, but all "mud people" (including Arabs and Pakistanis). They also have the problem of being fringe groups that have little or no political or social clout to do much of anything to either help or hurt the Muslims. This is even more so the case in Amerika where the far-right exists only in the form of some insignificant groups like the "Aryan Nation" and the National Alliance founded by the late William Pierce. I assume the situation is similar in the UK.

In summery I do not trust these organizations on the far-right and see them has having nothing to offer to help the agenda of the Muslims.

The various socialist and leftist groups on the other hand are organized and are more mainstream and thus have more political clout and influence. In the Amerika there are several left-oriented antiwar organizations that have taken up the various causes of the Muslims such as the American occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan, the Israeli-Palestine issue, the bombing of Lebanon, the Patriot Act, Guantanamo Bay, and the potential bombing of Iran. Among this is the group called "United for Peace and Justice"

http://www.unitedforpeace.org/

International A.N.S.W.E.R (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism):

http://www.internationalanswer.org/

Neturei Karta (Orthodox Jews United Against Zionism):

http://www.nkusa.org/

Cooperation with these groups is more practical and realistic and more likely to help make people aware of our causes. I have been to several demonstrations where these groups were present or that they had organized.

To be clear I don't whole-heartedly trust these groups. They are socialists and leftists after all and they have their own agenda. But they are more trustworthy then the far-right (in my humble opinion) and the Muslims are more likely to have more success with these sorts of groups. Though ultimately skeptical any results will be produced from cooperation with any groups, but I suppose it is worth a try. Hizb ut-Tahrir has been doing the demonstration thing for a while and has little to show for it, except sore throats.

Of course I could be way off base and I am open to criticism.

[ibnmyatt]

I have seen there various debates between brothers on the issue of cooperation between the Muslims and various parties of the kuffar (especially the far-right organizations) on those issues of which we have a mutual interest. I wanted to start a thread (since I didn't notice one already) to examine this issue in the light of the Qur'an and Sunnah, as well as the practicality of the issue.



All Praise and All Thanks are for Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) to whom we shall all return to be judged on The Last Day.


There is a brief discussion of this matter of co-operation with non-believers by Sheikh Abdullah Azzam (Shaheed) in his "The Defence of Muslim Lands" and a more detailed discussion in "Ad-Dalaail Fee Hukm Muwalaat Ahl Al Ishraak". There is also a statement a few years ago by Sheikh Usama Bin Muhammad Bin Ladin (hafidhahullah) in which he says:


"This [Jihad] is a prescribed duty. Allah says: "Take precautions and bear arms: for the unbelievers want you to neglect of your arms and your belongings so that they can attack you swiftly."

It is known that fighting in support of non-Islamic causes is forbidden. It our Muslim way to fight only for the sake of Allah. But as the Prophet (salla Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said, "Whoever fought to raise the word of Allah, is fighting for the sake of Allah.".

Thus, and given current circumstances, there is no harm if the interests of Muslims converge with the interests of the socialists [in Iraq] in the fight against the Crusaders, despite our belief in the apostasy of socialists. For the power of these socialists and their rulers vanished a long time ago. Socialists are apostates wherever they are, be they in Baghdad or Aden.

The fighting, which is being waged and which will be waged in the days to come, is similar to the fighting of Muslims against the Byzantine [Empire] in the past. And our convergence of interests, now, is not detrimental. Then, the interests of the Muslims fighting against the Byzantine [Empire] converged with the interests of the Persians, and this was not detrimental to the companions of the Prophet (salla Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam)."

It does seem that there is some divergence of opinion on this matter of co-operation with non-believers. But even those scholars who agree that such co-operation is permissible, stipulate that it is condition that those among the kuffar who are agreeable to such co-operation must have a good opinion of the Muslims and of Deen Al-Islam. In addition, there should be no admiration, by the Muslims involved, of the ways of the kuffar or of their beliefs, and the kuffar themselves must be honourable, and the relationship cannot be one of friendship or "comradeship" or involve the Muslim in obeying in any way the kuffar, with whom there is co-operation. That is, they must be an acceptable distance maintained in the relationship between the two sides, with this relationship firmly based on honour.


Thus, even if in principle such co-operation is accepted as permissible, then there are many practical obstacles (as I know from some five years of personal experience). The first is the general lack of honour among many of the kuffar - especially among the so-called extreme "Right-Wing" many of whom tend to be prejudiced, bigoted and arrogant and believe they belong to some "superior race". Second, is the lack of understanding of Deen Al-Islam.

However, some progress does seem to have been made, as witness, for example, Aryan Nations under the leadership of August Kries, and the acceptance, among some modern adherents of National Socialism, that that belief system involves personal honour and a respect for other ways of life. That is, some of these adherents have at last come to understand what honour means - it means racism and racial prejudice, and the assumption of racial superiority, are dishonourable - as they have come to accept that the Mujahideen are honourable warriors who are actually fighting their main enemy, the Zionists, and the so-called New World Order which the Zionists and their lackey, Amerika, desire to create. This honour, and an understanding of Deen Al-Islam, is slowly, it seems, gaining ground, and I have heard it said by more than one of these National Socialists that Sheikh Usama Bin Muhammad Bin Ladin (hafidhahullah) is a modern outlaw, a kind of Muslim "Robin Hood".

In contrast, many individuals, and some groups and those associated with them, have taken an overt and prejudiced stand against Deen Al-Islam, and remain committed to dishonourable prejudice and racism. These groups include the BNP and Vlaams Belang. Indeed, some in the BNP has recently gone so far as to praise the Zionist entity, as the BNP itself continues to repeat the rhetoric and the mantras of the Zionist-Crusader alliance that the West is fighting for "civilization" and is at war with "fanatical Muslims who would take us back to the Dark Ages..." This prejudice, dishonour and ignorance is particularly evident in the current leader of the BNP, one Nick Griffin. I pointed out his errors, and invited him to Islam, but he declined, and remains, in his kaffir arrogance, committed to ignorance.


May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala forgive us for our mistakes and may He guide us to and keep us on the Right Path.


Abdul-Aziz ibn Myatt

[Suhaib Jobst]

As Salaam Alaykum,

I was one of the brothers who was talking on the subject of cooperation between Muslims and some far-right groups. You raised some interesting points and I would have no problem cooperating with the groups you mentioned, so long as there are common interests and there are benefits for the Muslims.

There is a great debate going on within National Socialist and/or nationalist organizations, over a host of issues. These include primarily Islam, Muslims, and the Jews. Such movements have split different ways....

Some of those which have more of a connection with the traditional, reactionary conservative movements have begun adopting an anti-Islamic, pro-Jewish stance. Largely for opportunism (to get voted in) and partly due to ignorance (that the Jews aren't to blame for the situation in the West). These groups include the BNP (UK), Front National (France), Vlaams Belang (Flanders/Belgium), Lega Nord (Italy), DPP (Denmark), and American Renaissance (USA).

Most of the preceeding groups have no connection with the ideology of National Socialism. They are nationalist groups but due to many of their policies (foremost that towards the Jews), there are many other nationalists who despise them. I have spoken to many of the latter, and have always been trying to put forward the best view of Islam I can in their eyes. The opponents I have talked to are very sympathetic towards Islam and the Muslims, viewed us as allies, and some are even converts to Islam.

There are a number of right-wing writers and activists who admire Islam and the Muslims. These individuals admire not only the achievements, but also the Jihad of the Mujahideen and are ashamed they don't have fighters like ours. These individuals despise the Jews and Zionism with every fiber of their being, and support every group - including Muslims - which are fighting the Jews. Some have begun to have a more complex view of immigrants, and believe it is dishonorable and would serve only the Zionist/Globalist elite to go attack them.

As a Muslim convert of European (Flemish, German, Spanish) heritage who remains deeply committed to solving problems of Europe (I see Islam as the perfect remedy to help the continent I love dearly and eagerly desire for "my people" to recognize this blessed Deen), I have connections with certain groups. My intentions are to put forward a most favorable view of Islam and the Muslims, get them to see things are more complicated and to abandon materialist race-theories, and focus their attention on the true enemy, which are the Zionists and Globalists.

My work has met with approval in many circles and I have become well-respected among many. Therefore, there are benefits to cooperation with some far-right groups. But, as I stated in another post, the Islamic criteria should be met:

i - The said Kuffar possess a good opinion of Islam and the Muslims;

ii - This cooperation is aimed against another group of Kuffar....it can't be against other Muslims, since this would constitute apostasy;

iii - Such cooperation should not entail one having to compromise any of our Islamic beliefs or principles;

iv - We don't have to fear any treachery or betrayal on the part of the said non-Muslim; and

v - We Muslims should always be in the majority and have the upper hand in terms of numbers and resources. Such that we are not at the mercy of the non-Muslims, but that we cooperate with them for the benefit of Islam and Muslims, against the hostile Harbee Kuffar.

http://forums.islamicawakening.com/showthread.php?p=5119#post5119

In my own cooperation, I make sure that these criteria are met - and they are. And with such cooperation, we should continue unabated with the obligation of Da'wah. These are some observations I have made about my own activities. You can either accept them or reject them, but you can't deny I have always worked in the interests of Islam and the Muslims in doing so, even if you may disagree with it.

Was-Salaam,
Suhaib

[hussain]

I have seen there various debates between brothers on the issue of cooperation between the Muslims and various parties of the kuffar (especially the far-right organizations) on those issues of which we have a mutual interest.


You might like to know that this issue was the subject of a *Homeland Security* Conference at Radford University last month where there was - so I'm told - a slick display containing photographs of some of those involved in this cooperation between *radical Islam* and the extreme right. Under the section *Fourth Phase of cooperation* there was a photo of brother Abdul-Aziz Ibn Myatt.

[gag order]

the purpose of this co-operation has very little to do with 'mutual interest' or seeking their help but more to do with disseminating a pro-muslim/anti israel trend amongst the kuffar especially amongst nationalist type groups that already respect us on account of our vehement oppostion and rejection of israel which they seek to emulate from us.

in the long run what we hope to achieve from this co-operation is to seek their shahada, i like to commend both ibn myatt and shuhaib jobst whom i believe are playing an important role in this matter.

[Brother_Mujahid]

May Allaah reward you Abdul Aziz ibn Myatt and Suhaib Jobst for your insights and contributions. As far as the far-right is concerned though, my question relates to what can cooperating with them actually accomplish? They have neither political clout or social acceptablity. I honestly fail to see what they can contribute to our cause.

[hussain]

As far as the far-right is concerned though, my question relates to what can cooperating with them actually accomplish? They have neither political clout or social acceptablity. I honestly fail to see what they can contribute to our cause.

Good question, Akhi!

So far as I understand it cooperation might result in some of those people converting to Islam. Or putting forward an alternative view that helps correct the lies about Islam. Or - and I think this is what's bothering some people - cooperating in more practical stuff without converting, if you get my drift.

The last two chapters of George Michael's book (The Enemy of My Enemy: The Alarming Convergence of Militant Islam and the Extreme Right) goes into some reasons and possibilities.

There's also the fact political clout and social acceptability don't matter much in some things - it's getting the message across, so to speak, that matters and slowly getting others to distance themselves from what they've been taught and what they've read in newspapers or seen on TV. From the lies of the neo-cons, zionists, etcetera.

[gag order]

my question relates to what can cooperating with them actually accomplish?

i touched on this earlier in another thread, this co-operation will help them to return to their original methodology that is to tackle international jewry instead of bieng misled into thinking that muslims are the problem.

when more of their ideologists awaken to this, we can expect animosity and violence towards muslims to decline in western cities.

this co-operation if successful would serve as a slap in the face to zionism which delights in the misery caused by fascists against muslim minorities.

seems far fetched? well take a look at this http://www.aryan-nations.org/

[hussain]

my question relates to what can cooperating with them actually accomplish?

i touched on this earlier in another thread, this co-operation will help them to return to their original methodology that is to tackle international jewry instead of bieng misled into thinking that muslims are the problem.

when more of their ideologists awaken to this, we can expect animosity and violence towards muslims to decline in western cities.

this co-operation if successful would serve as a slap in the face to zionism which delights in the misery caused by fascists against muslim minorities.




That does seem to have been the aim of ibn Myatt - to get them to fight the zionists. Here's a quote from an article he wrote in the early days of his work for such cooperation.

Many, many Muslims, and some National-Socialists, have seen through the lies, the propaganda of the Zionists - for we know what is going on, in this world, and why. Muslims have and are gathering together to try and do something practical about it by taking up arms. Surely, now it is the turn of National-Socialists, who can and who should join with or aid those warriors of Islam who are fighting, in a practical way, the Zionists, who are fighting the lackeys of the Zionists, and who are fighting those governments who are doing the dirty work for their Zionist masters.

Also in the article ibn Myatt presented quotes from others which are of great interest, such as -


"Today the Jews rule this world by proxy. They get others to fight and die for them." ( Mahathir ibn Muhammad, Prime Minister of Malaysia, 19 Shaban 1424 / 16 October 2003 CE)

"We tell the Americans as a people, and we tell the mothers of soldiers - and American mothers in general - if they value their lives and those of their children, find a nationalistic government that will look after their interests, and not the interests of the Jews." Usama bin Laden, taken from an interview bin Laden gave on May 28 1998 CE

[Suhaib Jobst]

Bismillah ar-Rahmaan ar-Raheem

Clarifying Misconceptions Regarding Cooperation with the Kuffar

All praise be to Allah (Subhanahu wa-Ta'ala), and may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam), and upon his family and companions. To proceed:

Questions have arisen in the last few months as to the proper stance towards cooperation with Kuffar, according to Shari'ah. Some of our noble Muslim brothers and sisters have doubts as to the Islamic legitimacy of such cooperation. In this brief statement I intend to show these misconceptions as unfounded, insha'Allah.

Our cooperation with some groups from the Kuffar does not necessitate that we have love towards them, or believe them to be upon the correct path. Nor does it mean we assume a tacit acceptance of their ideology. Rather we stand firm upon Ahlus-Sunnah, the Islam of the people of Tawheed, the Sunnah, and Jihad.

And we hate them for the sake of Allah (Subhanahu wa-Ta'ala), due to their kufr and their following vain desires and the baatil ways of Jahiliyyah. But this doesn't prevent us from cooperating with them, when there are clear benefits to the cause of Islam and the Muslims. Neither does it mean we abandon the obligations of Da'wah, which continue unabated.

Rather I will be clear with my objectives, that they are to defeat our common enemies, who are the Zionists and their Globalist-Crusader alliance. That anything we can do to clear up misconceptions concerning Islam, and to put in a good word for the Muslims.

And I also intend to put forward a perspective of ethnic-cultural identity, which is free from the harmful effects of 'Asabiyyah and the dishonorable, materialist race theories, but which is compatible with the fundamentals of Islamic belief and precepts of the Qur'an and the Sunnah.

I stand by the statements I made last year in my article, Is An Alliance with the National Socialists Permissible According to Shari'ah?. Rather my stance has become more clear with the passage of time, as Allah (Subhanahu wa-Ta'ala) has granted me better understanding of this blessed Deen....

The esteemed Shaykh Abu Qatadah al-Filistini (may Allah preserve him and free him from the jails of the Taghut), spoke on this very topic in a recent fatwa:

"The question that is in front of us, as you see, it is discussing the topic of assistance; the permissibility of supporting a kafir against a kafir.

"The default (ruling) is that the kafir is not supported. Then if some of the People of Knowledge see the permissibility supporting a kafir against another kafir, to achieve a benefit from, from, for the Muslims, then this is an issue that remains in the realm of Fiqh, because it does not nullify the default (ruling). Contrary to those who see the permissibility of supporting the kafir against a Muslim, as some of the astray ones saw. Rather, I call him one of the Fuqaha' who disbelieved in Allah with this Fatwa, those who permitted supporting America against Taliban, for example.

"And this is not allowed, because support is included, primordially, within allegiance (Al-Wala'), and the default is Al-Wala' for Allah, for His Messenger and for the Believers. And disavowal from the disbelievers is obligatory.

"So that which, now we are in an issue which was mentioned in some of the books of Fiqh, as Al-Haythami mentioned. Al-Haythami mentioned, from Ash-Shafi'i, he mentioned in 'Al-Fatawa Al-Hadithiyyah', the issue of the permissibility of supporting a kafir against a kafir to achieve a benefit, and he mentioned some of the words of the People of Knowledge, so this is an issue which is an issue of Fiqh.

"Someone might say 'I made allegiance with him.' No, in reality, he has not made allegiance with him, rather he only made allegiance with himself, the Muslim, in order to achieve a benefit for himself and for the Muslims....

"When we make Dua for disbelievers with guidance, are we, we have made allegiance with Islam in this, and when he made Dua for this kafir with victory upon his enemies from the disbelievers, they only supported that which they believed to be an achievement of benefits for the Muslims.

"And the issue, as you see, it is a secondary (Far'i) issue related to actions, in front of an Aqidah issue, so we hope to remain upon it." (Condemnation of the Democratic Process, Voting, and the Islamic Stances on these Issues, At-Tibyan Publications, pp. 15-17). [END QUOTE]

So with this cooperation we have made clear our allegiance to Islam and disavowal of Kufr. We only cooperate with one group of Kuffar, which is favorable to the Islamic cause and sympathetic to our Jihad, against the enemies of Islam. We most certainly don't cooperate with them against other Muslims nor do we compromise our Islamic principles, as both would constitute apostasy. Rather our cooperation is in keeping with the Shari'ah, as mentioned by our 'ulama.

And Allah (Subhanahu wa-Ta'ala) knows best.

Suhaib
2 Shawwal 1427 AH / 24 October 2006