Published on Friday 27 October 2000
Committing suicide
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Question: What is the ruling regarding suicide in Islaam? 

Response: Suicide is when a person kills himself intentionally by whatever means. This is haraam and regarded as amongst the major sins, and likewise included in the general statement of Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala): {And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell to abide therein, and the Wrath and the Curse of Allaah are upon him, and a great punishment is prepared for him}, 
[Soorah an-Nisaa, Aayah 93].

And it is established from the Sunnah on the authority of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) who said:
(Indeed, whoever (intentionally) kills himself, then certainly he will be punished in the Fire of Hell, wherein he shall dwell forever), 
[Bukhaaree (5778) and Muslim (109 and 110)].

In reality, the one who commits suicide, generally does so because of his desperate situation, either as a direct 
result of an act of Allaah or a human being. So you find him unable to cope with that which has afflicted him, 
and in actual fact he is like one who is calling for help from the scorching heat of the fire. So he has progressed 
from that which was tough (bad) to that which is worse. And if he was patient, then Allaah would have assisted him 
in dealing with the difficulty.

Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen
Kayfa Nu'aalij Waaqi'unaa al-Aleem - Page 120

Published on Sunday 15 October 2000
Hijacking planes and kidnapping

From that which is known to everyone who has the slightest bit of common sense is that hijacking airplanes and 
kidnapping children and the like are extremely great crimes, the world over. Their evil effects are far and wide, as is the great harm and inconvenience caused to the innocent; the total effect of which none can comprehend except Allaah.

Likewise, from that which is known is that these crimes are not specific to any particular country over and above another country, nor any specific group over and above another group, rather it encompasses the whole world. 
There is no doubt about the effect of these crimes; so it is obligatory upon the governments and those responsible from amongst the scholars and other than them to afford these issues great concern, and to exert themselves as much as possible in ending this evil.

Shaykh Ibn Baaz
K ayfa Nu'aalij Waaqi'unaa al-Aleem - Page 108-109

Published on Saturday 15 September 2001
Concerning suicide bombings

In his explanation of Riyaadhus-Saaliheen (Volume 1, Pages 165-166), whilst giving some points of benefit from the 
hadeeth of Suhayb, Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen said: "That Allaah¹s Messenger, (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam), said: 
(There used to be a king amongst those who came before you, and he had a sorcerer. So when he grew old he said to the king: "I have become old so send a boy to me so that I can teach him sorcery?") ...the hadeeth. (refer to Riyaadhus-Saaliheen - hadeeth no.30 for full text).

That it is permissible for a person to expose himself to danger for a matter of general benefit to the Muslims, 
because the boy indicated to the king the way in which he would be able to kill him, and which would lead to his demise, which was that he should take an arrow from his quiver ? etc.

Shaykh al-Islaam (Ibn Taymiyyah) said:

(Because this was a Jihaad in Allaah¹s cause, which caused a whole nation to truly believe, and he did not really lose anything, since although he died he would have to die anyway, sooner or later).
But as for what some people do regarding activities of suicide, tying explosives to themselves and then approaching disbelievers and detonating them amongst them, then this is a case of suicide ­ and Allaah¹s refuge is sought. So whoever commits suicide then he will be considered eternally to Hell-Fire, remaining there forever, as occurs in the hadeeth of the Prophet, (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam). (i.e., his, (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam), saying: (and whoever kills himself with an iron weapon, then the iron weapon will remain in his hand, and he will continuously stab himself in his belly with it in the Fire of Hell eternally, forever and ever)). Reported by al-Bukhaaree, no. 5778 and Muslim, no. 109, in the Book of Eemaan.)

Because this person has killed himself and has not benefited Islaam. So if he kills himself along with ten, or a hundred, or two hundred other people, then Islaam will not benefit by that, since the people will not accept Islaam, contrary to the story of the boy. Rather it will probably just make the enemy more determined, and this action will provoke malice and bitterness in his heart to such an extent that he may seek to wreak havoc upon the Muslims.

This is what is found from the practice of the Jews with the people of Palestine ­ so when one of the Palestinian blows himself up and kills six or seven people, then in retaliation they take sixty or more. So this does not produce any benefit for the Muslims, and does not benefit those amongst whose ranks explosives are detonated.

So what we hold is that those people who perform these suicide (bombings) have wrongfully committed suicide, and that this necessitates entry into Hell-Fire, and Allaah¹s refuge is sought and that this person is not a martyr (shaheed). However if a person has done this based upon misinterpretation, thinking that it is permissible, then we hope that he will be saved from sin, but as for martyrdom being written for him, then no, since he has not taken the path of martyrdom. But whoever performs ijtihaad and errs will receive a single reward (if he is a person 
qualified to make ijtihaad)."

Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen
Riyaadhus-Saaliheen - Volume 1, Pages 165-166

Published on Saturday 15 September 2001
Concerning Jamaa'atul-Jihaad and co-operation with them

Question: Concerning Jamaa'atul-Jihaad (the group which partakes in bombings, hijackings, terrorism and other evils) and co-operation with them? 

Response: ...they are not to be co-operated with, nor are they to be given salaams to. Rather, they are to be cut off from, and the people are to be warned against their evil. Since they are a fitnah (tribulation/trial) and are harmful to the Muslims, and they are the brothers of Shaytaan (Satan, Devil)! 

Shaykh Ibn Baaz
From the taped cassette (no.11), recorded in the month of Dhul-Hijjah 1408 A.H. (1987C.E.) at 'at-Tawiyyatul-Islaamiyyah

Published on Friday 27 October 2000
Attacking the enemy by blowing oneself up
Question: There are those who tie a magazine of explosives around their waist, then they enter a government or residential building or a gathering of people either kuffaar or other than them, then they blow themselves up, so what is the ruling regarding this? And is something like this act considered an aspect of jihaad, and is the one doing so considered a shaheed (martyr) or one who has committed suicide (muntahir)? 

Response: No doubt on the face of it he is one who has committed suicide, whereby he has made certain he will be killing himself before anyone else. However, this can be permissible if he is in warring kuffaar territory, and knows he will sooner or later be killed at the hands of the enemy, or will face severe torture and has not found any ploy except to blow himself up and kill others from the enemy (who subject the Muslims to torture) along with himself. In doing so, killing a number of them thereby weakening their strength/force and reducing their harm and scaring them. So this can be permissible even if it involves killing the person himself, if he knows he will certainly be killed, or persecuted and wishes to rid himself of their harm and attain ease for himself, and his matter is with Allaah the 
Almighty.

Shaykh Ibn Jibreen
Kayfa Nu'aalij Waaqi'unaa al-Aleem - Page 117

Published on Sunday 15 October 2000
Hijacking planes and ships
Question: There are some people who hijack a plane or a ship, and do so to apply pressure upon the country to which this plane or ship is headed. It is possible they threaten to kill the passengers, and in some cases actually kill some of them, until their demands are met. So what is the ruling about such actions, especially since such actions terrify the passengers?

Response: It is upon (every) country to provide sufficient security to prevent the likes of these rebels from taking over (planes or ships). It is upon the (respective) country to provide every airline with security (whilst on their land) which is sufficient to resist any hijack attempts by the aggressors; just as they should also co-ordinate a full (passenger) inspection prior to (their) boarding. Thus, they should not permit anyone to proceed (to board) until after they have ascertained that no-one is in possession of weapons even if it be (a piece of) metal (bar or the like). In addition to this, some gangs force the aircraft to divert to another destination, so if there are (amongst the crew or passengers) anyone with sufficient physical training to overpower them, then the rebels' plans will be destroyed.

So there is no doubt that hijacking is a mistake, ignorance and falsehood. Further, it is a transgression beyond the limits causing terror to the passengers, and threatening them with that which they have no power to carry out, and Allaah knows best.

Shaykh Ibn Jibreen
Kayfa Nu'aalij Waaqi'unaa al-Aleem - Page 113

Monday 17 September 2001 - Shaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez Aal ash-Shaykh says attacks are an "oppression, injustice and tyranny"...
Earlier today, Fatwa-Online was informed that:

His excellency Shaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez Aal ash-Shaykh, the muftee (one qualified to pass fatwa) of the Saudi Arabia and the head of the Council Senior Scholars and The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa has said that: "The explosions which have taken place in the United States of America are but a strike of oppression, injustice and tyranny - (all) which are not in agreement with the Sharee'ah of Islaam."

And his excellency said: "Indeed, these dangerous incidents have done away with thousands of lives, that which is not in agreement with the Sharee'ah of Islaam, and it is not from this religion which strongly opposes hostility and hatred which are not legally justified as a form of hostility and hatred."

And he said: "Indeed, Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) has commanded (us with justice, and upon this the heavens (and the earth) were created, and He has prohibited oppression fro himself, and has made it prohibited between His servants (mankind)".

The Shaykh went on to clarify that: "These incidents which have occurred in the United States and that which are similar to these incidents are as a result of hijacking airplanes and terrorising the peace, unjustly killing people - (and all of this) is nothing but oppression and tyranny".

And he added that: "The Muslim scholars should explain the truth in such situations and clarify for the world the Islaamic position, and that the religion of Islaam does not endorse such acts". 

Friday 14 September 2001 - Shaykh Saalih al-Lehaydaan says deadly attacks in USA are a "terrible crime"...



Earlier today, Fatwa-Online was informed that:
The deadly attacks in the United States are a "terrible crime" which Islaam does not accept and no one should applaud them, the head of Saudi Arabia's Islaamic judiciary said in comments published Friday. 

"Killing a person who has not committed a crime is one of the major sins and terrible crimes... What happened in America is... undoubtedly a grave criminal act which Islaam does not approve of and no one should applaud," Shaykh Saalih al-Lehaydaan mentioned. 

al-Lahaydaan, who is also a member of the Council of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia, said Islaam strictly forbids bloodletting and does not condone the killing of innocent people, especially in a collective manner. 

Several Islaamic groups and organisations have condemned Tuesday's attacks in New York and Washington, describing them as a "horrible and hideous act." 
Saudi Arabia, home to Islaam's holiest sites, has condemned the jetliner suicide bombings and offered to help in the hunt for the perpetrators. 

Question: What do you see as the effects of these explosions upon the Muslim in the U.S.?

Response: As far as the Muslims, the U.S. is cited as a land that acts according to the rule of law and if such is the case then that law is what should prevail over the desires of the American people. 

If then a person obeys the law reasonably and it is the character of that reason based law not to punish anyone for other than the crime they commit, then it is not correct nor should it occur that those who are reasonable will to do any harm towards him - neither the Muslim in America or the non-Muslim Arab or any other nationality or any other religion. 

It is deeply rooted in those who use intellect and reason that the perpetrator of a crime bears that crime himself. If one perpetrates a crime let not his crime be cause to make others into criminals who have not done so. I do not expect that that the US nor the Americans will not commit a wrong against who has done no wrong or to attack whom has not attacked them because that is against reason. America and the American people must necessarily be among the most advanced of nations in what it does and what laws it makes for people.
Muslims Rejection of What Occurred

Question: Your eminence, the enemies and detractors of Islaam have pointed the harshest allegations towards Arabs and Muslims. 
How would you comment?

Response: In any case the type of people and the masses who do not judge according to reason point to those who have perpetrated no crime and to those who reject the crime. This is not at all reasonable.
This Is No Argument

Question: There are those who commit crimes and attribute themselves to Islaam. What is the effect of this?

Response: As I stated, the perpetrator of a crime is alone responsible for his crime. If a person commits some thoughtlessness or stupidity 
and then does a criminal act, even if they are Muslim and even if he prays and fasts, his deed is not an argument for those who wish to wrong Islaam.

Question: What would you like to comment on additionally dear Shaykh with regards to the matter of these explosions?

Response: That those upon whom this disaster has fallen would reflect and think about the favors that they enjoy such as security, comfort, wealth and power that was considered unequalled. If they would think about this they would find that it was only due to the favors granted by Allaah upon them. These favors cannot be compared to this great disaster that has befallen them. Hardships as great as they may be are little in comparison to the favors that Allaah has granted to people.

The following is a summarized account of a personal meeting our brother 'Abdul-Qaadir from Riyaadh had with the honorable Shaykh, Dr. Saalih ibn Ghaanim as-Sadlaan after Fajr on Saturday 27 Jumaada Al-Aakhirah/Sept. 15, 2001. The meeting was with regards to questions pertaining to the recent events in the United States and is transmitted with his personal approval.

Question: How are we to give da'wah (take the message of Islaam) to our families in the United States or Americans in general now considering events and the implication of Muslim involvement?

Response: The method da'wah to be given after the incident should be the same as the da'wah given previous to it. Nothing changes. You always employ reason and understanding and strategy when calling people to Allaah and this does not change.

Question: How are we to approach in light of this event however and deal with the images of the Muslims in some areas rejoicing at the carnage and destruction which only inflame and incite the sentiments?

Response: It is a mistake that anyone should rejoice at the suffering and loss of innocent lives. There is no doubt that the act of those who committed this deed is a criminal act and that those who planned and coordinated it should be caught and punished. If we were to apprehend them they would be punished (i.e. according to Islaamic Sharee'ah). In addition, they face further punishment on the Day of Resurrection because their deed is a crime and against Islaam. Even the wanton destruction of buildings is not correct. Their deed is a major sin in Islaam and like other sins it deserves punishment and Islaam has nothing to do with their sin any more than it has to do with other sins and therefore Islaam should not be judged based on the acts of sinners.

It is criminal to take the lives of innocent people and terrorize them and destroy their property when they are not at war with you. The manner in which this act was done is not acceptable nor is it condoned in Islaam. (Assuming they are Muslims…) This is the behavior of the Khawaarij whom the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) would come from the loins of the man Dhu Khuwaisirah who said to the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) "Be just, Oh Muhammad!" He further stated that their recitation of the Qur.aan and their prayers would seem greater than that of his companions yet their recitation would go no further than their throats and that they would go out of Islaam as does the arrow through its prey.

Question: Even the killing and destruction at the Pentagon, the headquarters of the US military forces who are mostly military personnel?

Response: Even so, they come under the same category. Those people were not combatants against Muslims and they were mostly employees doing their routine jobs.

Question: Now perhaps even those who may have had some sympathy towards the position of the Muslims of Palestine or elsewhere or 
who were hesitant as well as those who kept any enmity towards Muslims contained, have now been made into open enemies and perhaps 
staunch ones. This will likely be a major blow against Islaamic da'wah there. Do you have any comment?

Response: True. In addition to the killing, those who perpetrated this crime bear the responsibility for all of its consequences such as attacks upon Muslims and losses of their property, any harm that comes upon them, and for the blocking of da'wah if such is a result of this event.

Question: So is it right to be happy over the events as we see among some Muslims?

Response: No, this is the attitude of the khawaarij. Happiness with regards to the loss of prestige of the disbelievers or to learn that they are not all-powerful and that they understand the sufferings of others may be one thing, but not in this manner nor for the loss of innocent lives. The act is unjustifiable and wrongdoing that is cannot be condoned.
The Americans should however be conscious that this is the result of wrong and unfair foreign policies. The imbalanced support of oppressive regimes and the like such as the Israelis. This is the case in many instances such as their arming of the Israelis such that they even possess nuclear capabilities which threaten all around them, while other countries such as Saudi Arabia, Syria and others have no such weapons. 
The same unfairness or imbalance applies to its policies and actions that have affected the lives of people in many other parts of the world. For example their pulling out of the recent conference on racism just because of objections regarding Israel. Of course there are other examples.

Finally I would like to say that this deed perpetrated by (possibly) some Muslims against the kuffaar, their properties and symbols should not be attributed to Islaam any more than the deeds of any American that are against the law can be attributed to the law since the law does not condone it. 
These are personal behaviors that cannot be attributed to Islaam any more than infringements of the law and other crimes can be attributed to the law.

Question: In the current atmosphere of hysteria or anti-Muslim sentiment where Muslims are exposed to possible harassment or violence is it permissible for a woman who wears hijaab, covering the face or not, to uncover her face or to take it off her khimar (headscarf) if she must go out for some real necessity and perhaps after she arrives safely at her destination she puts it back on or is she sinful to do so?

Response: It is permissible and she is not sinful due the actual fitnah (trial) or harm that may befall her at this time. However in normal circumstances such as before this incident we witnessed ourselves there, women who wore hijaab, covered their faces who go to schools, universities, work etc. and there was no real opposition or obstacle to that. In other countries there was real opposition to hijaab such as Turkey, Tunis, Libya… As far as America there exists freedom of religion and religious practices. However in light of this incident there may be some problems perhaps temporarily. I have already heard of some lessening of (anti-Muslim) incidents. It is a large country and its president has already warned against this behavior in strong terms. 

In truth it would create a major problem for America to have its multi-religious population at odds with each other. There is nothing more dangerous than sectarian clashes. There are too many religions there and they would be much harmed to allow this type of behavior to go on.For the door to be opened to sectarian clashes would be worse than war with Christian against Muslim and Muslims against Christian and spilling over into racial clashes with white against black and so on which would be hard on America.

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