The Ruling on Conscription and Preparation for Battle, and the Ruling on Standing to Salute the Flag

The questioner : This questioner says: What is your opinion on the training and conscription taking place here, knowing that we are asked to salute the flag and other such things?

The Shaykh : Yes, there is no doubt that taking up arms and preparing for the enemy is what Allah has commanded. Allah the Exalted said: If the door of conscription is opened, then the one who is able to do so, and who is not occupied with something more important, should join its ranks. As for what the questioner mentioned regarding

The questioner : saluting Allah.

The Shaykh : the flag and the like, these are matters in which one might speak with the authorities until a ruling is issued, because if the benefit of a thing is clear and outweighs its harm, then the Shari'ah does not prohibit it. This is indicated to you by the saying of Allah the Exalted: In them is great sin, but also benefits for people; the benefits are considerable, but their sin is greater than their benefit. Because the sin was greater, it became forbidden. But if the benefits were greater, it would not be forbidden. So a person looks at the benefits resulting from joining the conscription ranks and at the harms, while it is possible that he speaks with the authorities about these harms and they are removed, if Allah wills.