Is it valid to pledge allegiance to a group, one of whose members is in the Islamic countries that do not rule by the Shari'ah?

The questioner : The groups now, O Shaykh, the Islamic groups in the countries where Allah has not decreed [victory], they ask for the pledge of allegiance, O Shaykh. Do they pledge allegiance?

The Shaykh : No, it is not permissible. This pledge of allegiance means introducing one authority into another.

The questioner : You are making a distinction between the one who rules by other than what is decreed.

The Shaykh : Well, you do not obey them in this? You do not obey them in this.

The questioner : There must be a leader for the Muslims in this country, or...

The Shaykh : Never, except in the lands of disbelief. In the lands of disbelief, yes. In the lands of disbelief, the Muslims should have a group to which their affairs are referred, and that is because the authority of this disbelieving state is not an authority over the Muslims, since it is a disbeliever that openly declares its disbelief.

The questioner : And if he pledges allegiance, O Shaykh, you are only selling him.

The Shaykh : He has no pledge of allegiance. If they pledge allegiance to him, he has no pledge of allegiance, and obedience to him is not obligatory.