Some people asked: Why does not Shaykh Al-Albani and the other shaykhs meet to clarify the facts for the people?

The questioner : Some of the brothers say, why does not Shaykh Nasser meet with the people of knowledge and virtue who are on our methodology in this country and put out a statement or a single fatwa regarding the current situation that the brothers and others can rely on, and which would serve as a proof against all the people, instead of individual opinions and unsigned statements being put out to the people, claiming that they are the ones adopted by the Salafis and that there is no other opinion besides them?

The Shaykh : Yes. As for this question, it is directed to me, so I say: turn it around and direct it to those you claim are scholars. What is your opinion, O scholars, about Al-Albani? Is he a scholar? Is he a student of knowledge? Does he deserve to be met with or not? If they answer in the affirmative, as you and the dervishes around me think, if they say, yes, then ask them the same question: What is your opinion?

The questioner : At least from among the brothers...

The Shaykh : He is the one you referred to, because he is my brother, because independent legal reasoning differs in this matter. A person’s methodology in life does not have a policy that others call a Shari'ah policy. Do you understand how?

The questioner : Ah.
The Shaykh: So he holds while others hold the opposite, that he has aimed correctly and come close, and in the Syrian expression, "precision on the hoof and precision on the rider." Therefore, the approach in da'wah and in politics is different. And so, I personally do not rush to request a meeting with these scholars, especially if every day one of them is against the other. Today he elevates the status of the one who a few days ago he declared a disbeliever, and conversely, the one who a few days ago he hoped would be a supporter of Islam, now he considers him among the disbelievers. These are people with whom I cannot sit and discuss. This is the worst example, and the closest example—I have given you the answer, is it clear?

The questioner : It is clear, but I say that at least some of the few brothers—meaning, it is not necessary that we agree on everything, O teacher—but on this point, we must meet and put out a statement for the people so that at least the people understand that this is the opinion of the Salafis.

The Shaykh : I, my brother, you know in Damascus, let alone here, as I always say, if one invites me, I do not find any joke, do you understand or not?

The questioner : Yes, by Allah, I know.

The Shaykh : But I do not have the inclination to go around to people and scholars, because I am not a specialist in this field. However, I implement the saying of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), which was said even if not on this occasion: So if I am invited to food, I respond immediately, and if I am invited to spiritual food, we also respond immediately. As for me, this Husayn invited us, may Allah reward him with good, but I do not invite him, and I am deficient in this regard. Likewise, you and others invited me, and I did not invite them. Why? I do not find any joke. Whoever invites me, I respond to him, but likewise on the spiritual side, I do not have the inclination to initiate an invitation, but if someone invites me, I quickly respond to him. And finally, I say to you and to those like you who are enthusiastic: be you the link.

The questioner : Is it possible, O teacher, that you agree...

The Shaykh : And I am present, I say I do not find any joke.

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.

The Shaykh : And beware of yourself.