What is your opinion of the author of the statement published by the Islamic Heritage Society, who used to warn of American-Jewish plots but then began issuing fatwas permitting the invitation of Americans and Britons?

The Shaykh: Go ahead.

The questioner : This statement contained only one word regarding Saddam, which was that he was the mighty hero. As for most of the statement, it amounted to a quarter of a page warning the Muslim community of American-Jewish plots to destroy Iraq. This was published a few months before Saddam entered Kuwait. I wanted to say that some of those who wrote this with their own hands are now among those who issue fatwas permitting the invitation of disbelievers, Americans, and Britons.

The Shaykh: Yes.

The questioner : To destroy Saddam.

The Shaykh : This is attributed to him, and our brothers who attend with us have heard from me more than once that there is a report from Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman, the keeper of the secret of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), which contains such clarity and wisdom that it seems to be drawn from the wellspring of Prophethood and the Message. This is because we have felt the reality of his words in our present day. He said, "When fitnah (trial, discord or temptation) occurs, and one of you wishes to know whether he has been afflicted by it or not, let him look at what he used to consider forbidden but now considers permissible, or what he used to consider permissible but now considers forbidden. Let him know that he has been afflicted by fitnah." This is as if it were revelation from the sky, and we have felt this in many people, unfortunately. Our brother Abdul Rahman, we read in some magazines published in America that a discussion took place between the editor of that newspaper or one of its representatives and some Islamic figures, including our brother Abdul Rahman himself. They presented the evidence against him with such a publication, asking how he is now supporting the fight against Iraq, at a time when he previously praised it, and now he says it is because it is the Ba'ath Party. This is the Syrian Ba'ath Party, which exists in Saudi Arabia. I was surprised, Abu al-Harith, by this statement, because we used to say from the beginning of the fitnah, and now it has been recorded in some magazines.

The questioner : Glory be to Allah.

The Shaykh : Yes, and here were some famous figures who aligned with Khomeini and the Shi'ah in speech, appearance, and dress, wearing the black turban, and who used to declare Saddam Hussein a disbeliever. Now they have made him the reformer of his time. I say that this fitnah has entered the home of every Muslim, and only a very few individuals have been saved from it. Many people's ideas have changed, as happened when Khomeini called for his so-called Islamic state. Many prominent figures from here, belonging to some parties, including the Tahrir Party, went to pledge allegiance to him due to their ignorance of Islam. So we ask Allah (Mighty and Majestic) to keep us and you firm with the steadfast word in this worldly life and in the Hereafter.