Details of the Kuwaiti student’s discussion with Shaykh al-Albani regarding the passages in Shaykh Abu Malik Shuqara’s book where he believes the Shaykh erred and deviated from the truth

The student : We have been, and continue to be, seeking as much as we can. Whenever a matter becomes difficult for us, we turn to the scholars of knowledge and take from them what they clarify for us with evidence. There is no doubt that we have the capacity to understand, and we strive to be followers of the truth rather than blind followers, as much as we are able.

The Shaykh : This is the duty of everyone.
The student : When we first looked into this matter, we read an article by Shaykh 'Abd al-Rahman 'Abd al-Khalq. I am speaking for myself and for my brothers whom I represent. As soon as we looked into this, we said, “We must buy the book and read it; we should not judge based solely on the words of our esteemed Shaykh (may Allah preserve him).”

The Shaykh : You have done well.
The student : The truth is that we have read the book repeatedly. As for the chapter on jihad, I say this with certainty, and if Allah wills, I will meet with Shaykh Abu Malik, as much as I am able.

The Shaykh: Yes.
The student : Yes, he mentioned that jihad is an obligatory duty that continues until the Day of Resurrection... but he also mentioned, saying, “There is no jihad except with the presence of a general imam,” and he also said:

The Shaykh: All right.
The student : “Those who are pleased are pleased, and those who are displeased are displeased.”

The Shaykh: All right.
The student : And he divided jihad into three categories.

The Shaykh: All right.
The student : He said, “As for jihad, it is divided into three categories: jihad by the word. He said, jihad by the word, jihad by the sword, and jihad by wealth.”

The Shaykh : With the money.
The student : By wealth. As for jihad by the word, it is jihad of knowledge and da'wah. He said, “As for the first two categories, they do not require a general imam,” and this is clear. He said, “As for jihad by the sword, it requires only a general imam.” After finishing this paragraph, he mentioned the final paragraph and said, “And I say finally, there is no jihad.” This paragraph is confirmed in the book, and you will read it, if Allah wills. I hope you will read this chapter. He said, “There is no jihad except behind a general imam, those who are pleased are pleased, and those who are displeased are displeased.” So when I say that he dropped the obligation of jihad, he dropped the obligation of jihad by the sword in our time, in any part of the earth, whether it is defense of honor, or a defensive war by the Muslims, or a conquest, meaning an attack on the disbelievers.

The Shaykh : Do you allow a question? Do you allow a question?
The student : O Shaykh, I am the one saying this. Heh heh.

The Shaykh : Is this understanding that you expanded upon the text of his words, or is it your understanding of his words?
The student : As for the phrases you mentioned regarding the division of jihad.

The Shaykh : Excuse me, I ask you to be concise in the answer so that...
The student: Yes.

The Shaykh : You say whether this is the text of his words or not, or whether this is my understanding of his words.
The student : Shaykh, I mentioned the phrases I quoted from the book. I said these are his words: “There is no jihad.” This is the text of his words. As for the explanation, his words: “There is no jihad except behind a general imam, those who are pleased are pleased, and those who are displeased are displeased”...

The Shaykh : O Shaykh, may Allah guide you. Say, “Ameen.”
The student: Amen.

The Shaykh : Heh heh heh. There is no benefit in repeating your words, just as there is no benefit in repeating my question. So do not force me to repeat my question.
The student: Yes.

The Shaykh : You are now telling me, I told you what he said. I will tell you what I told you. I told you, is this detail you provided the text of his words, or is it your understanding of his words? Is there any ambiguity in this question?
The student: No.

The Shaykh : So say it is the text of his words, or say it is your understanding of his words.
The student : There is no doubt that the detail is my understanding of his words. And if Shaykh Abu Malik answers—excuse me—if Shaykh Abu Malik answers, I say the dispute is settled. That is, if Shaykh Abu Malik answers that jihad by the sword now does not require a general imam.

The Shaykh: All right.
The student : And that it is prescribed for the Muslims to fight, the dispute is settled.

The Shaykh : Very good.
The student : And I hope he will say this, O Shaykh.

The Shaykh : Heh.
The student : And I hope you will answer now that this means what I am saying, that is, we strive to follow the truth with this concept.