Methodological Difference Between ISIS and Al Qaida

Who are the ones that deviated?

Study and analysis

By Ahmed Al-Hamdan

May Allah preserve him

1437 H. / 2015 CE

Translated by:

Al Muwahideen Media

Al Muwahideen Media

https://almuwahideenmedia.wordpress.com

Translator's note: All references given in this book are from the Arabic versions of the reference material, with the exception of "Dabiq" magazine which is originally published in the English language.

Foreword

This book is originally a series of articles that I wrote since 22 nd April 2014 till 3 rd May 2015. I have gathered them in a single book after revising and modifying and making some additions. In it I clarify the basis of the difference between the two groups - ISIS and Al Qaida on one hand, and on the other hand, we will put forth in this research a question which is - Are the allegations that ISIS made against Al Qaida those which have been existing since its older days or are they a new deviation that emerged recently? Because ISIS claimed that the Al Qaida of Usama was on the correct path, but Al Qaida of Ayman has deviated from the path of the former Al Qaida!

We will not be discussing the validity of these claims from the religious viewpoint. However we will only be discussing their outcomes and their imports in judging the Salafi Jihadi movement as a whole based on interpretations or perceptions that ISIS has brought forth.

The discussion will be based on the literature and the references that are agreed upon by both the sides.

And while I was halfway through this book, one of them suggested to me that I work on translating this book into the English language. And indeed, I have made attempts for that. And so I was compelled to put some comments in the footnotes of the book so that the reader may know who is it that we are talking about and what does this person represent.

Note : When I refute the writings and the allegations of ISIS, it does not necessarily mean that I support all the writings and the actions of Al Qaida. What is in the book is only a discussion, and not more than that. (1)

By Ahmed Al-Hamdan

@a 7 taker

First Point : The issue of declaring the Shia as disbelievers and fighting them

Adnani claimed that from amongst the deviations of Al Qaida of Ayman from Al Qaida of Usama is their change in their statements regarding the judgment on the Rafidha! So he said in his statement entitled "This was not our methodology nor will it ever be" while speaking on the matters in which Al Qaida has deviated, is that they say, "And that there are different statements regarding the verdict on the impure Rafidha Mushrikeen, (2) and that it is a matter of preaching, and not fighting!"

This is despite this being the stance of Dr. Ayman before Al Qaida united with Jama'athul Jihad. He had said regarding the Shia, "As for the ignorant layman, then he is excused by his ignorance". (3) And he did not change it until this day of ours or come with a matter that contradicts what he had mentioned! Rather, even Sheikh Usama did not make it a condition for him to abandon this statement, if it was a clear deviation, for the two groups to unite. (4) And when the merger took place, he made him his deputy despite him adopting this statement!

And what is strange is that Dr. Ayman Al Zawahiri repeated the same statement during the time of Usama's Al Qaida and he said in his first open interview : "My stance towards the common people of the Shia is the stance of the scholars of Ahlu Sunnah, and that they are excused for their ignorance ..... and their laymen who have not participated in the aggression towards the Muslims, our path towards them is that of preaching and making the truth known". (5)

He also said in a letter to Abu Mus'ab Az-Zarqawi in the year 2005, "And why are the common Shia people being killed while they are excused due to ignorance?" (6)

This is despite this being the statement that has been agreed upon by the leadership in Khurasan. Sheikh Athiyyathullah Al Libbi (7) says in his letter to Az-Zarqawi while speaking about the letter of Dr. Ayman, "And I see them having united on some points and guidelines whose summary you will find in the letter of the doctor, and it represents the views of the brothers amongst the Sheikhs and the leaders of knowledge and literature, they are all here". (8)

And despite all that, Az-Zarqawi did not say that they have deviated!

And Athiyyathullah while he is from the AlQaida of Usama, he has also said "And what is correct is that amongst them (ie. the Rafidha), they are to be divided into different categories, and so not everyone who is affiliated to the Rafidha sect of the Shia is definitely a Kaafir. Rather, we will divide them according what each one of them has in term of beliefs and actions, according to his condition". (9)

Rather what is strange is that this matter is not restricted to these two Al Qaida, but in fact it was present with the one who is their biggest theorist. Turki Bin'ali (their senior judge) said in an audio recording which was spread on the internet:

"The scholars have differed with regards to the matter of the Shia ... . And there also arose differences amongst them over the issue of the individual Shia being upon Kufr or not, or whether they consider the Kufr to be that of a group of disbelievers ... We will summarize these statements by saying that the Salaf when they made Takfeer on the Imami Shia, they differed as to whether they are all Kaafirs individually or as a group upon Kufr? And we see the matter in a nutshell to be that whoever from amongst them turns away using force like the Rafidhi governments and like the Rafidhi militias, then they are all made Takfeer upon individually. As for those other than them, then there should be a look at the one who has committed a clear nullifier of Islam, and then he will be judged accordingly, otherwise no. And Allah knows best".

What is also strange is that this saying is the saying of the majority of the Jihadists. Abu Mus'ab As-Suri says, "The Ja'fari Shia - "Al Imamiyah", they are the majority of the Shia of Iran and from the minorities in Lebanon, Pakistan, Afghanistan and the regions of the Middle East ... And the majority of the Jihadists consider them to be misguided people who practice innovation (Bid'ah). While some of the Jihadists have declared the Shia to be disbelievers, the majority of the Jihadists consider them to be Muslims from amongst the people of the Qibla (who pray facing the direction of Makkah) who are misguided and practice innovation". (10)

Rather in fact even Sheikh Abu Muhammad Al Maqdisi adopts this statement and says "I as a fact, I have an opinion on this matter. I mean, I follow the path of Sheikhul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah in not making Takfeer on the common people of the Shia ... There is amongst their common people, one who does not know anything other than prayer and fasting and does not know the details of the beliefs regarding which our brothers are speaking about regarding the Quran being changed and other such nullifiers (which invalidate one's Islam) based on which some of the scholars of Ahlu Sunnah make Takfeer on the Rafidha Shia." (11)

And despite that, when Sheikh Az-Zarqawi responded to him, he did not say "you have deviated because you do not declare the common people of the Shia to be disbelievers". Rather he said to him "Know oh grand Sheikh that I may doubt about myself but I am not of those who for a moment would doubt about you over your religion ... And before coming to an end, it must be mentioned that Sheikh Al Maqdisi may Allah preserve him, is from those whose status and efforts have a right to be looked upon, and he is from those about whom only good should be thought of. And he is the one who most deserves to be excused and forgiven. And I do not think that there is any Muwahhid (follower of monotheism) in this age except that he is indebted to the Sheikh. So it does not mean that if he missed the truth in any matter, then his status and knowledge is to be put down. And his past and his sacrifices are looked upon". (12)

Despite Maqdisi adopting this statement, ISIS tried to make him join them and they did not say that he has deviated. Turki Bin'ali says while addressing his former teacher Abu Muhammad Al Maqdisi, "In fact Ameerul Mumineen Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi may Allah preserve him, had informed you that he can get you transported to him, but you were not able to for that even though you had several times made attempts to go to Ghaza or Khurasan at that time." (13)

What is strange is that they are trying to make those who are deviant in their Manhaj (path) to join them, and then they criticize the rest of the groups if they have a person amongst them who is a smoker or so!!

And if it is a deviation to not target all of the Rafidha, then Abu Mus'ab Az-Zarqawi would be one of those who deviated! Indeed he had exempted and excluded a section from amongst them. And an official statement was released from Tanzeem Al Qaida Fee Bilad Ar-Raafidayn (Al Qaida in the Land of the Two Rivers, ie in Iraq) with the title (Clarification from Al Qaida in the Land of the Two Rivers regarding the stance of the organization after the statement of the Sheikh Abu Mus'ab) dated Monday 15 th of Sha'ban 1426 H., corresponding to 19/09/2005 CE. It mentioned that "It has become clear to the organization through its specific means, that there were other parties that did not participate in this massacre and other parties which did not give assistance to the occupying force, and that they have denounced its crimes, like those of the Sadri and Khalisi and Hassani and other such movements. So the organization has decided to not inflict the leaders and the common people of these groups with any type of harm, as long as they do not take the initiative in attacking".

Abu Mus'ab Az-Zarqawi said while commenting on this exemption, "The exemption is made due to there being from amongst the Rafidha those who fear the consequences of entering into a war with the Ahlu Sunnah. And so, it is necessary to make an exemption so that we may say to the Rafidha "If you wish for safety then stay away from our people and abandon assisting the Americans and leave the path unobstructed between us and the crusaders". (14)

Sheikh Ayman Al Zawahiri says (during the days of Usama's Al Qaida) while refuting Sayyid Imam and clarifying what was meant by Sheikh Abu Mus'ab Az-Zarqawi, "Then the book has spoken about the Shi'a and about killing the Shi'a. And I would like to clarify a matter, and that is, the martyred brother Abu Mus'ab Az-Zarqawi, may Allah have mercy on him, after the incidents of Tal'Afar in which the Shi'a militias transgressed upon the honour of the Muslims, he issued a statement for fighting against the Shi'a in their entirety in Iraq over which the media showed a great interest. Then after two days, the Shariah Council of Tanzeem ul Qaida Fee Bilad Ar-Rafidayn issued a statement which clarified and explained the unclarified part of the first statement which was issued as a reaction to the horrific tragedies which were inflicted in Tal'Afar, and it specified in it that Tanzeem ul Qaida Fee Bilad Ar-Rafidayn will not target the common people of the Shi'a but they will target the militia hirelings like the forces of Badr organization. And that is the statement that the media has ignored". (15)

On the other hand, if the issue of the Shi'a is absolutely that of fighting and not preaching, then it would mean that Abu Umar Al Baghdadi, the leader of Islamic State of Iraq, has also deviated. In fact he said to the Rafidha, "However the door of repentance is still open for you, and do not think that we will exterminate you or kill all of you if we gain control over you, because indiscriminate killing without following the rules of the Shareeah is forbidden in the religion of Allah. And our dealings with you will be based on the Shareeah in situations like those of yours which is, invitation towards the truth, and guiding towards the correct path and removing the doubts and being gentle in all of that. And whoever refuses then the judgement will be for Allah first and last". (16)

So these statements would mean,

- Usama's Al-Qaida is deviated because this statement regarding excusing the Shi'a had been repeatedly mentioned during his time.

- The majority of the Jihadists are deviated.

- Abu Umar Al Baghdadi is also similarly deviated.

- Baghdadi's state is trying to make the deviants join them but it will not accept the rest of the groups if they do the same thing!

- The difference in the standards and the description of "deviation" between Sheikh Az-Zarqawi and the one who claims to walk in his path!

Second Point : A Manhaj (Methodology) That Believes in Peaceful Means

Adnani claimed that one of the deviations of Al Qaida of Ayman from Al Qaida of Usama is that they believe in peaceful methodology. And in his statement "This was never our methodology nor will it ever be" while talking about the matters in which Al Qaida has deviated, he said "but the matter is that of a twisted religion and a deviated path, a path that has replaced propagating the religion of Ibrahim and rejecting the Taghout and disassociating from its followers and waging Jihad against them, with a path that believes in pacifism".

And as for his statement "Pacifism is the religion of who?", he has admitted to a number of things amongst which are:

1 - That pacifism should be sent to the garbage! And calling towards it is falsehood!

2 - That being peaceful does not establish any truth nor remove any falsehood! And the one who claims otherwise is declaring that he is more knowledgeable and more merciful than the Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and that his guidance is better than the Prophet's guidance.

3 - And the one who claims that the religion of Allah will be established by pacifist calls, he has thrown the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, behind the wall and has followed his desires.

4 - The Fiqh of pacifism is the Fiqh of subservience, submissiveness and of bowing down.

5 - The hen that defends its chickens has more courage than those who call to adopt peaceful means!

So what Adnani meant in the first speech is that Al Qaida has "changed" ie. they have abandoned Jihad and are seeking peaceful means!

Even though the soldiers of Al Qaida are until today killing and carrying weapons!

And distinction must be made between restricting the achievement of the goals through peaceful means alone and between taking peaceful means as one way out of several ways in achieving the goals.

Sheikh Athiyyathullah Al Libbi who is from Al Qaida of Usama says while clarifying this point, "The truth is that Al Qaida and the Mujahideen do not prohibit working in a peaceful manner completely, and no one will ever find this in any of their speeches or their preachings. Rather they call to resist Kufr and tyranny and oppression and the regimes that have these characteristics in every religiously permissible manner according to capability. And on top of it and its foundation is Jihad. The only thing that the Mujahideen condemn is making the peaceful means to be a complete substitute for Jihad whose path includes making preparations for the equipment and fighting in the path of Allah by weapons and striking and killing and explosions. As for where peaceful movement is possible and can achieve the objectives or some of it gradually by not going outside the boundaries of the Shareeah in its method of action, then the Mujahideen have not prevented that. Rather they support it and call for it. And how much have the leaders of Al Qaida called the people for popular movements and protests and sit-ins during their occasions!" (17)

Sheikh Ayman Al Zawahiri says while replying to a question during the time of Al Qaida of Usama, "In your previous speeches, you have criticised those who call for peaceful movements, but I hear you today calling for political movements and rallies and strikes". So he said, "No. I criticised the one who restricted the opposition towards the ruling regimes in our countries and against the crusader invaders to be only peaceful movements alone, and worse than that is of course the one who criticises those who call for fighting them and waging Jihad against them. But the mass rallies in fact complete and support the Jihadi fighting activities". (18)

So the reply to this point can be made in two parts:

1 - Has Al Qaida replaced Jihad with peaceful means? (Note: All the quotes in the following passages are after the martyrdom of Sheikh Usama, may Allah have mercy on him).

2 - Is merely believing in peaceful means a proof of deviation?!

As for the first point, "Has Al Qaida replaced Jihad with peaceful means", we will present a number of statements which will show how Adnani lied in his claims!

Sheikh Husam Abdul Raoof who is from the leaders of the group in Khurasan says, "To those who claim that reforming the world and changing the political scenario that is humiliating the Muslims is possible through peaceful means that are popular, we say "You have taken a portion of the religion, and we only wish that you understood this portion and the manner of applying it. And you have suspended another portion, and they are, the rules of Jihad and applying the Hudood (penal codes) and Hisbah (monitoring) and other means of force and deterrence which will guarantee safety and the smooth application of the first part. So one portion of Islam is "A guiding Quran" and its other portion is "a supporting sword". And indeed Allah prevents by power what is not prevented by the Quran". (19)

And Sheikh Abu Dujana Al Basha Al Bahthithi says, "These criminals have proved with their actions and their statements the failure of what is known as peaceful means, because in their dictionary it means submitting to their wishes and surrendering to them. As for the truth which nobody disputes, it is that falsehood will not be removed and destroyed except by the power of the truth. And without power, those who call for resisting falsehood through peaceful means alone will be swimming in a sea of delusions, and likely in a sea of blood with no benefit. And this notion has been clearly evident in all of the revolutionary projects which took place in our lands. And this is something that does not need deep thinking for the one who has a bit of mind and some goodness remaining". (20)

Azzam Al Amriki (21) says, "Regarding the response to the one who claims that peaceful demonstrations alone can achieve changes without there being any need for Jihad and martyrdom and by sacrificing with all that is precious, - these incidents have proved the truth of what the leaders of Jihad have always been emphasizing upon, that change and reform will not come through voting polls nor by adhering to the rules of political games, nor by begging at the doorsteps of the tyrants and their masters in the capitals of the west, nor through flattery or compromises or retreats". (22)

He also said in the same series, "The one who insists for his revolution to be a purely peaceful revolution or a bloodless revolution as they say, in which not a drop of blood is spilled even if it be for the sake of justice, then he has not read the history of revolutions". (23)

He also said in the same series, "However if we incline to this earth and confine ourselves to peaceful means of protest in response they will remain killing us for eternity". (24)

He also said "So oh Muslim heroes who have risen up in Libya, Syria, Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen and in the entire region, you have seen and known that change and obtainment of the stolen rights do not come through voting polls, nor by adhering to the rules of the political games, nor by begging and imploring, nor through compromises and deals. But it comes by holding on to the principles and goals and by patience and increasing in patience and by sacrifices, martyrdom, fighting and Jihad". (25)

And he said in the statement "The nation of sacrifice and martyrdom" that "What is needed today in Egypt is to continue preaching and doing Jihad and fighting".

So if the new methodology of Al Qaida has really replaced doing Jihad against the Tawagheet (tyrant un-Islamic governments) with that of a belief in pacifism, then why does he mention "Jihad" amongst the solutions that are available in Egypt?!

And he said in the speech entitled "Glory of the Muslims and humiliation of the criminals" these words: "Oh Muslim brothers in Libya, they say to you that the revolution has ended with the removal of the tyrant. I say to you, "No! Your revolution has not ended, and it will never end until there arises an independent Islamic state in Libya which rules by the Shareeah. So hold fast oh brothers, to your religion in which your affairs are protected, and to your weapons in which lies your safety, and your strength and your honour".

So if they had believed in pacifism and have replaced Jihad with peaceful means, they why would they advise them to cling to their weapons?! Do peaceful demonstrations require weapons?!

Ustadh Abdullah Al Adam (26) says, "The Libyan revolution has struck a wonderful example in gaining victory over their oppressors who have been murdering them, and in plucking them off their roots out of the ground. And every society which wishes for that which has been achieved in Libya must necessarily pay that which the Libyans have paid and have a taste of that which they have tasted, and that is unavoidable". (27)

The one who has replaced Jihad and fighting with peaceful methodology says about the only armed uprising at that time that it is a "wonderful example"!! So ponder ...

Dr. Ayman Al Zawahiri says in his speech "Liberation from the circle of futility and failure" the following: "A questioner may ask, "What is the alternative for this circle of futility and failure?" The alternative is: The way of the messengers, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon them, and of their followers, which is Da'wah (preaching) and Jihad".

So if he was having belief in peaceful methodology, then it would have been more appropriate for him to say that the alternative is Da'wah and going out in peaceful demonstrations!

He also says while inciting the people belonging to the land of the two holy mosques, in his speech "To our people in the abode of revelation and the cradle of Islam" in which he states "Follow the footsteps your righteous heroes, follow Usamah Bin Laden, Anwar Al Awlaki, Abdullah Ar-Rashood, Yusuf Al Uyairi (28) and Khattab, may Allah have mercy on them".

And were Yusuf Al Uyairi and Abdullah Ar-Rashood amongst those who went out in peaceful demonstrations in the land of the two holy mosques, or did they go out with weapons?!

In the seventh interview with As-Sahab Foundation, Dr. Ayman was asked this question- "I want a reply from you on how do they make the changes as you have said? I want a reply from you for what I have asked you about the popular uprisings which rise up against the army and their secularist allies, do you think that this path will lead to any kind of result?"

So Dr. Ayman replied saying "I will mention a general rule for you. It is the right of the one who is oppressed to repel the one who is transgressing against him in the matter of his religion, his honour, his life and his wealth, to repel him by what will stop his transgression, whether it is by speech or protests or by fighting .... This is the general rule. And it is not the right of the criminal oppressor to specify for the oppressed one who is attacked on how to confront him. Rather every legitimate means is open and permissible for the one who is oppressed. And it is not the right of anyone else to prevent any legitimate means for opposing the injustice and to repel the transgressor. America and the West