Is it permissible for a Muslim to declare the Ba'ath Party disbelievers, and do you, Your Eminence, consider this party to be disbelievers in a disbelief that expels them from the religion?

The Shaykh : Anyone else?

The questioner : The second question I have is: Is it permissible for a Muslim to declare the Ba'ath Party disbelievers, and do you, Your Eminence, consider this party to be disbelievers in a disbelief that expels them from the religion?

The Shaykh : Yes, anyone who adopts a doctrine and a law other than Islam, based on principle and belief, is undoubtedly a disbeliever. But we know from reality, especially in Syria, that many praying Muslims belong to the Ba'ath Party for the sake of interest, not belief. Did you hear me?

The questioner: Yes.

The Shaykh : Therefore, it is not permissible for us to make a general statement saying that every individual in this party is a disbeliever. But we say that whoever adopts it as a drink and a doctrine, especially since this doctrine explicitly states that it is secular, is undoubtedly a disbeliever. So we must distinguish between the general and the specific. Perhaps you understood me?

The questioner : Yes, may Allah reward you with good.

The Shaykh : And beware of that.

The questioner : Now, I will leave you with our brother Waleed, who has some questions from our brothers.

The Shaykh : Bring it.

The questioner : Good, please go ahead.