In the Procession of Da'wah [5 of 9] A Word to Those Who Claim Islam and Call Themselves Armed Islamic Groups

Question:
Your Eminence the Shaykh! Recently, some people who claim to belong to Islam and call themselves armed Islamic groups have emerged. They aim to reform the Islamic reality in some countries, even if it is by means of weapons or what is known as violence. This has caused a backlash against Islam and Muslims and their true, bright, and good image. What is Your Eminence’s opinion of such people? And is there a word you would direct to the youth of Islam, their young people, and those in charge of Islamic groups?

Answer:
This action is wrong. It is not permissible for the people of knowledge or the people of faith to forbid evil by means of weapons, but rather by calling to Allah, guiding to Him, encouraging and warning, and explaining the evidence. As for treating the problem with weapons, this is rebellion against the rulers and causes much fitnah (trial, discord or temptation) and much evil. However, the obligatory thing is to forbid evil with the tongue and through teaching, just as the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said: So, changing it with the tongue is for the rulers who are able to do so, and for the specific bodies designated for that according to their jurisdictions, and for a man with his family according to his ability. As for forbidding evil with weapons against the rulers or against the people of sins, this is not permissible; because it causes much fitnah (trial, discord or temptation) and much evil. But rather through advice, guidance, calling to Allah the Glorious and Exalted, reporting to the rulers, and advising the general public in the mosques and elsewhere, without weapons. Yes. May Allah reward you.