The Groups That Harm Islam

Question:
The questioner: Shaykh, there are some groups that speak in the name of Islam, while Islam is innocent of them. They raise the banner of jihad in the path of Allah and the slogan of defending it, yet they harm Islam in the most severe way. This is through the shedding of blood, the violation of sacred rights, and the terrorizing of the safe, which they have displayed. They also divide the unity of the Muslim community’s ranks. What is your statement regarding this?

Answer:
Answer: Praise be to Allah. Jihad is the pinnacle of Islam, and jihad and migration are among the best deeds in Islam. However, jihad is within the authority of the one in authority. The one in authority over the Muslims is the one who orders it, the one who executes it, and the one who supervises it himself or appoints someone to take his place in that. This is mentioned in the books of creed, the creed of the people of the Sunnah and the community. They said that jihad continues with every imam, whether he is righteous or a wrongdoer, until the Hour occurs. This is the prescribed jihad. As for shedding blood and disobeying the one in authority, this is the methodology of the Khawarij. This is corruption on earth; it is corruption, not jihad. We ask Allah for well-being and that He guide the misguided among the Muslims to know the truth and act upon it.