Q: Muslims maintain tolerance is carrying out Islamic Da`wah (calling to Islam) and they exert multiple and sincere efforts in this regard; however, they suffer differences and even dispute among themselves. How can we reconcile these potentials and noble efforts? How can we make it flow into the channel of serving Islamic Da`wah?
A: There is no doubt that dissension is one of the most serious scourges and causes of waste of efforts, which lead to loss of the right. For, dissension among Islamic societies and centers affects Islamic Da`wah. Hence, the only way to redress such an issue would be to strive in coming to an agreement among themselves as regards their objectives. This means that they should work towards that which maintains the dignity of Islam and the safety of the Muslims. It is Wajib (obligatory) upon every society, every center and every group that seeks salvation in the Hereafter to help one another in righteousness and piety, and to be sincere to Allah in their work, and to have as their focus prevalence of the Religion of Allah; in order for all to come together in truth, implementing Allah's (Exalted be He) saying: Help you one another in AlBirr and AtTaqwâ (virtue, righteousness and piety).
Q: The Islamic countries are still witnessing suspicious calls for the development of Arab nationalism in place of Islam, and substitute national association for Islamic fellow feeling. What is the proper and sound relationship between Arab Nationalism and Islam?
A: These are null and void calls, such as nationalism, Arabism, socialism, communism or any call other than Islam. They all constitute false claims of ignorance and prejudices, which must be
eliminated, as they should in no way persist. It is thus the duty of rulers, presidents and scholars in Islamic countries to fight such groups. Arab Nationalism is there to serve the Shari`ah (Islamic law) of Allah, and not to be the basis around which people should gather. Since the Qur'an was revealed in Arabic, those people are required to implement the Rules of Allah and serve His Shari`ah through what Allah has given them of language and power. Without Islam, they are nothing, and before the application of Islamic rulings they were living in extreme ignorance, rivalry and dissension. Thus, Allah united them through Islam and guidance, making them follow the Messenger (peace be upon him), and not through their Arab nationalism. This being wasted, they will be go astray and perish.
Q: The Messenger (peace be upon him) said: No two religions should exist together in the Arabian Peninsula However, in most countries of the Arabian Peninsula there is a huge presence of nonMuslim workers, to the extent that places of worship were built for them, be it for Christians, or Hindus or Sikh. What is the stance that governments in these countries should take towards such a painful phenomenon of imminent danger?
A: It was authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: No two religions should exist together in the (Arabian) Peninsula. It was also authentically reported that he ordered the expulsion of the Jews and the Christians from the Peninsula, and that Muslims alone remain therein. Besides, he (peace be upon him)recommended at the time of his death that all Mushriks (pl. those who associate others with Allah in worship) be evacuated from the Peninsula. This was authentically reported from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), and it is beyond any doubt. Hence, it is obligatory on the rulers to carry out this commandment, as it was carried out by the Caliphate of the Muslims, `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) who expelled all the Jews from Khaybar and evacuated them. So, the rulers in Saudi Arabia, in Gulf countries and in all areas of the Peninsula, are required to strive in driving out all Christians, Buddhists, idolaters,
Hindus, and other Kafirs (disbelievers), and to bring in Muslims only. This is the respective obligation, which is a prominent statement in the Islamic Law. What is meant here, which is obligatory, is that the kafirs be evacuated from the Peninsula and that none other than the Muslim laborers should be brought in. They are also required to select upright Muslims, for among the Muslims are those who claim to be Muslims while in fact they are so wicked, harboring mischievous intentions. It is an obligation on those who seek to hire employees to ask knowledgeable persons about them, so as to bring in only known good Muslims, who observe prayers and assume the right path. As for the Kafirs, they should never be employed except in time of necessity, according to Islamic law. Such legal necessity is to be
measured only by the rulers, in accordance with the Islamic Law only.