They did so even though they had not seen any manifest disbelief on their part, but only lesser matters of injustice, wickedness, and immorality. Today, however—and history repeats itself, as they say—a group has emerged among the Muslim youth who have acquired but little understanding of the religion. Seeing that the rulers govern by what Allah has revealed only to a limited extent, they have considered it proper to rebel against them without consulting people of knowledge, religious understanding, and wisdom. Rather, they have acted headstrong, stirred up blind turmoil, and shed blood in Egypt, Syria, and Algeria—and, before that, in the upheaval at the Sacred Mosque in Mecca. In doing so, they have opposed this authentic hadith, upon which Muslims, both early and later generations, have acted, except for the Khawarij.

Since it is probable that some of those young men are sincere, seeking the Countenance of Allah, but have had the matter confused for them or have been deceived, I wish to offer them counsel and a reminder through which they may recognize their error; perhaps they will be rightly guided.

I therefore say: It is well known that the rulings which a Muslim is commanded to observe are contingent upon his ability, even those that are among the pillars of Islam. Allah, Exalted is He, says: “Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah by all people who are able to undertake it.” [Al Imran: 97] This is so clear that it requires no elaboration.

What does require elaboration is a reminder of two facts:

First: Fighting the enemies of Allah—whatever form it may take—requires training oneself to submit to and follow the rulings of Allah, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“The true striver is the one who strives against his own self in obedience to Allah.” (1)

Second: This requires material preparation and military weaponry that inflicts harm upon the enemies of Allah. For Allah commanded the Commander of the Believers: Prepare against them whatever force you can, and