What is the ruling on those who claim to be Salafis in Jordan while following the path of political parties, and is it permissible to confront these parties?

The questioner : The first question states that the reality of Salafism in Jordan has led some people to call for coalitions and organizations in the name of Salafism. These organizations have differed in their orientations depending on their callers. Some wanted to lead the Salafis in the wave of so-called, illusory democracy and to form political parties on the model of the Muslim Brotherhood. Others wanted to form parties with ties to jihad groups. Still others wanted to convert them into charitable associations or zakah committees. We ask for a word from your eminence regarding this reality?

The Shaykh : All of this diverts those who call for such coalitions from the true da'wah, in which some of them were engaged for a period of time. Now, as I said to some of them, for example, regarding charitable associations, this is something that the ordinary person can do. In fact, unfortunately, the Christians are more skilled at this kind of work. Therefore, it is not permissible for one who has been given some intellect and knowledge to waste his effort and time on a charitable project that the general public can carry out, with guidance from some scholars or students of knowledge regarding what conforms to the Shari'ah in their carrying out of this charitable work. I give you a very simple example that confirms for us the necessity of knowledge of the Book and the Sunnah in all these aspects of affairs, not only political or economic, but also charitable. Many charitable associations collect money from donors, part of which is their zakah and part of which is general charity. They collect this money in one fund and then spend it on things in which it is not permissible to spend the money collected in the name of zakah, because zakah must be distributed to the eight categories mentioned in the Noble Qur'an. Many of these people collect the money of the rich in the name of zakah and then spend it on charitable projects. For example, building a mosque with zakah money is not permissible. Zakah money must be given to its rightful recipients: the poor, the needy, and those who work on it. As for establishing charitable projects in the name of goodness with zakah money, this is contrary to the Shari'ah. This is the simplest example that illustrates that any group or association that is established must have people of knowledge to guide its course toward the good to which Islam called. Therefore, these coalitions and gatherings, as I think from the previous speech, which is a repetition, waste the efforts and knowledge of those working in the Salafi field on things to which they should not devote them. This is what we testify to before Allah.

The questioner : Now, do you see confronting these situations, meaning...

The Shaykh : We do not use the word "confrontation." We remain on our path and in our way, and we advise those who have begun to lean, slightly or greatly, so that they do not distance themselves from the Islamic da'wah over a long period of time. We do not confront, but we advise and preach.

The questioner : We use another word: warning against those who claim Salafism while organizing other organizations?

The Shaykh : There is no objection. Clarification drives away the Shaytan.

The questioner : Yes.

The Shaykh : Yes.