Is it dangerous for a man who does not know the correct creed to go to Afghanistan?

The questioner : Yes. Many young Algerians went to Afghanistan for jihad, but when they returned, they came back with the idea of declaring people disbelievers. They began to consider Muslims, both rulers and the ruled, as disbelievers, and they do not pray in the mosques. What do you say about this?

The Shaykh : What does this demonstrative pronoun refer to?

The questioner : I mean the issue of these brothers going and returning with this idea. Should we not say that it is dangerous for a person who does not know the correct creed to go to Afghanistan?

The Shaykh : I do not think so, may Allah reward you. As for those who are fighting there, the locals, meaning the Afghans, are far removed from this creed. And the foreigners there, Arabs from all countries, I do not think there are any non-Arabs among them except for a very rare few. Most of them do not hold the creed of declaring people disbelievers. Therefore, presenting the issue as dangerous would only be possible if the majority there were calling to this false call. But since it is limited to a few individuals from Egypt who have gone astray from the right path since long ago, I do not see the danger you are talking about.

The questioner : Because when I asked where this declaring of these brothers as disbelievers comes from, I was told that it is from the Egyptian Dr. Umar Abd al-Rahman. Do you remember him?

The Shaykh : No, I do not remember him, but I have heard of him. And I told you just now that the Egyptians are the ones who have been afflicted with this calamity!

The questioner : So we do not restrict going to Afghanistan, or warn the youth from this idea?

The Shaykh : It is necessary to warn against the idea of declaring people disbelievers and to encourage jihad there instead of Iraq, as individuals.

The questioner : Yes. May Allah reward you and may Allah reward you with good.

The Shaykh : And may Allah protect you, if Allah wills.