Is it true that Shaykh Ibn Baz issued a fatwa declaring the Iraqis disbelievers and permitting their killing, even while they are in prayer?

The questioner : We wish to ask our professor and Shaykh about Ibn Baz’s position, because some people insist that Ibn Baz issued an explicit fatwa declaring Iraq disbelievers. Some of them even told me that he was asked: “If you encounter Iraqis in prayer, is it permissible to kill them?” He said: “Yes, kill them.” I do not know if this statement is authentic from him or not.

The Shaykh : By Allah, as it came in the hadith: , regarding this specific statement, in any case, it has unfortunately become a settled fact that he issued a fatwa permitting what occurred in Saudi Arabia regarding seeking the help of the Americans. Such an error is sufficient to be a blemish on his status in knowledge, which was previously attested to him, especially if we recall the phrase that some people think is a Prophetic hadith but has no basis in the Prophetic hadith, which is: “The good deeds of the righteous are the bad deeds of the near ones.” They were angered by the permissibility of the American occupation of the Saudi lands, which no army of disbelievers had ever occupied before, even by shedding blood. Now, these lands were occupied through the fear that was cast into the hearts of the leaders and commanders there. It was possible for Ibn Baz and other heads of the people of knowledge there, at least if there was a legal excuse, to remain silent like the mute stone, and not to issue such fatwas that support this non-military occupation. As for this specific detail, I doubt it came from him, just as I previously doubted the issuance of that fatwa supporting that sinful occupation. It is not permissible for us to speak based on suspicion, especially regarding the status of such a noble scholar. We hope that this phrase will be obscured and not asked about, because broadcasting it is broadcasting its truth, even if the question is about its truth, because most people do not know and most people harbor hatred. As soon as they hear such a statement attributed to this man, it becomes a fact for them, so obscuring it is preferable, even if it is certainly established, unless it is impossible. In that case, it is necessary to first declare its invalidity in itself, and then express regret at its issuance from such a noble scholar.