The Ruling on Refraining from Intervention in Fitnah (Trial, Discord or Temptation) Between Disbelievers and Muslims

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, some of our brothers say that refraining from intervention in fitnah (trial, discord or temptation) refers to fitnah among Muslims, whereas what occurs between disbelievers and Muslims is not something in which one should refrain, especially for the people of knowledge. Is this correct?

Answer:
Yes, one does not engage in combat if the fitnah (trial, discord or temptation) is between disbelievers and Muslims. If the Muslims have strength and a banner, they may fight the disbelievers. However, for people to go out and fight the disbelievers without a banner and without the leadership of an imam, merely as individuals who go out and skirmish with the disbelievers, this is not permissible because it results in harm greater than the benefit. It brings about harm greater than the benefit. But the scholars explain the ruling, they explain the ruling, and they clarify the Islamic legal ruling to people in such matters. It is not permissible for everyone to intervene in these matters, speak about them, make errors and corrections, or take sides. Some people take sides. It is not permissible for the common people, or the general public, or those who do not have authority, or those who do not have the right to intervene in these matters. Rather, those in authority intervene in these matters: the rulers and the scholars who have the right to issue fatwas and the right to judge in disputes. These are the ones who take charge of these matters and explain them to the people.