What is the ruling on secret organizations? Is it permissible to join them? Is it permissible to participate in some of their activities?

The questioner: O Shaykh, one of the students of knowledge came to us in Hadramaut, Yemen. He had some dignity and eloquence, so he invited some of the youth to a secret organization that he would establish. In fact, many joined him, and he held several secret sessions. When the Salafi brothers learned of this organization, they warned against it. Consequently, many of the brothers left the organization. Then these partisan people, as well as those who had warned, distributed tapes and books by some of the noble scholars, including some of your tapes. These partisan people then began to attack these scholars, accusing them of heinous and unjust charges. The point is that these partisan people began to justify their secrecy by citing some of the actions of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), such as his assigning certain matters to specific Companions, like Mu'adh and Hudhayfah, and also his keeping things secret during the Meccan period, keeping them secret with the Companions, meaning his gathering with the Companions in the Meccan period at the house of al-Arqam. They also use approximately these pieces of evidence that they have. So, regarding the matter of secrecy, what is the ruling on it?

The Shaykh: There is no secrecy in Islam. Islam is now open and widespread. Those who follow the path of secrecy are only engaging in political activities that the wise Shari'ah does not permit now, until the Ummah returns to being one Ummah as Allah (Mighty and Majestic) created it. Therefore, secret activity is not permissible now, and there is no need for it except to stir up factionalism and partisanship. The evidence is very clear. The matter is clearer than it needs evidence. Is it not sufficient that what you related is that these partisan people who are secretive and work in secret are hostile to their Muslim brothers because they do not agree with them on their secrecy? Is this not sufficient as evidence? Yes, it is.

The questioner: Is it permissible to join them?

The Shaykh : It is not permissible.

The questioner: And participating with them in some activities?

The Shaykh: It is not permissible to participate with them; rather, it is obligatory to advise them.

The questioner: Well, O Shaykh, we have in Yemen associations whose owners claim that they were established for charitable work. Each one invites to his association and is active in it. They also have the selection of the president by voting according to the majority. And also their money is in the banks. The point is that these associations differ according to the methodologies of those who run them. There are the Sufis, the Ikhwan, and those who lean toward the methodology of 'Abd al-Rahman 'Abd al-Khaliq. So what do we do? Is this permissible? Are these associations permissible?

The Shaykh: In any case, the answer has already been given. May Allah reward you. Factionalism is prohibited.

The questioner : O Shaykh.

The Shaykh: Please, everyone, please.

The questioner: Our noble Shaykh.