Is it true that you told the Algerians: It is not permissible to fight alongside Iraq against America, and that they should preserve their money and their lives?

The questioner : We heard from our Algerian brothers that Your Eminence issued a fatwa to them stating that it is not permissible to wage war alongside Iraq against America, and that you told them, word for word, "Save your money and your life." Is this true?

The Shaykh : No, in any case, the matter, unfortunately, has passed its time. We had two positions. Initially, when the Muslim countries divided into two groups—one against Iraq and with the disbelieving Americans and British—we told the Muslims that it is not permissible for them to fight with either side. We cited the authentic hadith . We said this at the beginning of the fitnah (trial/discord). Why? Because one who fights Iraq on the basis of its Ba'athist, non-Islamic ruling, alongside the Saudis, is fighting the Muslim Iraqi people. We distinguish between the ruler who rules Muslims other than by Islam and the people who are ruled by that ruling. Therefore, it is not permissible for Muslims to join either army to fight each other. This is what we used to say. However, when the war actually began and Saudi Arabia, the Egyptian government, and others, including the Syrians, joined the Americans, the British, and other disbelieving countries at that time, we said that it is obligatory for Muslims to support the Iraqi army, but through their governments, not through individuals. This is what we said. There are many tapes with our brother Abu Ahmad, and perhaps you can obtain them. Therefore, I said that this is the summary of what I mentioned previously. And unfortunately, the issue ended in a way that does not please any Muslim, whether they were against Iraq or with Iraq. The outcome, as you will see, is very, very bad, because this war enabled the disbelievers to enter the heart of the Muslims' home, which is Saudi Arabia. Yes.

The questioner : Those who want to hear this fatwa, it is available to us on the tapes!

The Shaykh : May Allah reward you with good.