A Concise Word on Extremism, Terrorism & Those Who Can Remedy Them – Shaikh Zaid Al-Madkhali

 

Shaikh Zaid bin Haadi Al-Madkhali (rahimahullaah) said:

 

“What are the actions of the armed groups in some of the regions which are assaulted and peddled in the name of Jihaad and the call to the return of the Islamic Sharee’ah (as they claim) – and consequently this one is killed and the wealth of that one is taken? Likewise clans and societies become fearful and (public) services and installations such as airports and schools and the likes are blown up – except that it is an illustration from the illustrations of terrorism that are dreadful and enveloped and are hated crimes of grave intensity.

This category (of people) who declare themselves to be: ‘Jamaa’ah such and such’; and claim knowledge and issue fatawaa and rulings which permit the shedding of the blood of the rulers – rather along with the blood of those that are silent in regards to the shortcomings of the rulers and those that restrain their hands from assaulting them within their own countries.

I say: if only these people exerted their efforts instead in propagating the Islamic teachings amongst those who are in need of it in the matters of ‘Aqeedah (correct beliefs) and worship and in mutual conduct and in mannerism and behaviour as well as in etiquette in accordance to that which they are able to carry out. Whilst taking their methodology from the Qur’aan Al-Kareem and the authentic Sunnah as an entry point – as well as an exit. This being before they draw their weapons upon the people and cause fear upon their highways and shatter and convulse their peace and stability out of transgression and oppression and aggression – except that it is carried out in the name of honoured veneration for the Islamic legislation and for the goodness/benefit of the Islamic Ummah (nation).

Instead; by way of this act they incur the discredit of the actual Islamic Ummah; and so open the windows of blameworthiness – rather their very doors are opened wide for the enemies of Islaam and the Muslims from those that are in the West and the East to then enter by way of them. Rather they make the accusation over our praiseworthy Islaam with the label of severe cruelty and tyranny and extremist radicalism and terrorism. Just as they term its people with a general term; that they are terrorists and radical extremists and do not respect a right from the human rights.

All of that is due to bad conduct and disposition in calling the creation – which should essentially be carried out in a legislated and correct manner and conducted along the methodologies of the Messengers and the Prophets – in clear transparency…”

The Shaikh stated later:

“How many a proficient Salafi Scholar as well as clear sighted intelligent ones from the intellectuals of the Muslims has called them with that which is encompassed in the statement of call by way of significance; as well as warning them against bad conduct and disposition in the name of giving da’wah to Allaah. That being by means of murder and plunder and looting and transgressions upon that which is inviolable; even if it be that they are from the Christians who are granted safe residency.

And so the unwitting beguilement of the naïve youth is in inciting them to rebellion – and in consequence they are afflicted with the darkness of prisons; having been incapable of actualising neither a fuse, nor anything else in support of the call to the truth. This being due to their entry; coming from other than its correctly legislated opening.”

 

Who Can Remedy Extremism and Terrorism?

 

The Shaikh (rahimahullaah) stated:

“Indeed the remedy for this sickness – rather the precaution against it lies in the rightly guided Islamic education and enlightenment – which is not perfected except by the ‘Ulamaa As-Salafiyyoon Ar-Rabbaaniyyoon.[1] They are those who in their education and enlightenment of the creation and in their admonitions and their guidance; release forth that which was released by the noble Messengers and great Prophets who were sent by Allaah as callers and teachers to the creation.

That which was released itself was divine revelation – by way of which the hearts are revived and given life after their sickness and so the souls are put at ease from their confusion and their agitation. Except those upon whom wretchedness becomes predominant and so are recorded in the Preserved Tablet as being from amongst the misguided – then applicable upon such is:

 

{إِنَّكَ لَا تَهْدِي مَنْ أَحْبَبْتَ وَلَكِنَّ اللَّهَ يَهْدِي مَنْ يَشَاءُ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِالْمُهْتَدِينَ}

((Indeed, you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He knows best those who are the guided)) (Al-Qasas: 56)

 

And so whenever admonitions and books are of no benefit; then Allaah will cause the sword of truth which He has placed into the hand of the Muslim Ruler of the land to benefit.”

 

(Taken from: Al-Irhaab wa Aathaaruhu  ‘alal Afraad wal Umam p.11-13 & p.24)