|
Co-operation
and organisation
Question:
In Muslim countries, many organisations practice the concept
of co-operation and joint responsibility between the Muslims.
Allaah, the Exalted, says, {The believers, both men and women,
are friends and helpers to one another}, [Soorah
at-Towbah, Aayah
71].
And
the Prophet (sal-Allaahu
`alayhe wa sallam) said: ((Whoever dies and leaves behind
him wealth then it is for his heirs and whoever leaves behind
him the poor and hungry then they are for me and they are
my responsibility)) However, other than in Islaamic countries,
Muslims are often living as individuals. We would like to
know if it is obligatory for the Muslims to establish societies
and centres or if there is nothing wrong in them continuing
to live as individuals. Also, if they do come together, what
is the legal authority, according to Islaam, with respect
to obedience and to what you have indicated previously, of
an elected organisation that manages the affairs of the Muslim
minorities.
Response:
All praise is for Allaah and prayers and peace be upon our
Prophet, Muhammad, and upon all his family and companions.
In my opinion, it is not possible for a group of people who
are fragmented and living as individuals to put up any resistance.
Mankind is by nature social and is in need of help from others,
besides the help of Allaah, which everyone enjoys. Accordingly,
I believe that the Muslim minorities must form groups that
invite to Allaah and that they have an Ameer having the qualities
we mentioned previously and who they can consult with.
However,
I cannot give a general rule as to how this should be structured
exactly. These societies vary in number of their members,
and in their material strength and, capabilities. However,
it they are blessed with wisdom, this will enable them to
form a society or group in a way that can help them to achieve
their aims.
One
person, for example, can give talks in the mosque while another
might invite people to Islaam individually. Another could
collect money donated by people, while someone else could
be treasurer. It is not possible for me to give a general
rule in this matter because of the different kinds of societies
and because of their differing circumstances. However, what
is extremely important is that they appoint an Ameer who they
can turn to and consult.
Shaykh
Ibn 'Uthaymeen
al-Aqalliyaat al-Muslimah - Page 62, Fatwa No.1
|
