A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.
Fighting the leaders of disbelief and those situated near the lands of Islam.
The leaders of disbelief who attack and malign the religion are not the same as the general populace of disbelievers.
They are the most deserving of being fought, and it is necessary to eliminate them and confront them by every possible means.
“And if they break their pledges after their treaty (hath been made with you) and assail your religion, then fight the heads of disbelief - Lo! they have no binding oaths - in order that they may desist.” (9:12)
“And if they break their pledges after their treaty (hath been made with you) and assail your religion, then fight the heads of disbelief - Lo! they have no binding oaths - in order that they may desist.” (9:12)
Likewise, the disbelievers who reside adjacent to the borders of the lands of Islam are among the first who should be prioritized for jihad.
As Allah the Almighty has said:
Fighting the leaders of disbelief and those near the lands of Islam falls under the category of offensive jihad (jihad al-talab).
As clarified in the sixteenth concept of this chapter.
It requires the fulfillment of its conditions and is governed by its regulations, primarily the existence of an Islamic state and the capability to undertake it.
And verifying that the benefit outweighs the harm in carrying it out.
Therefore, it is not appropriate for some inexperienced youth to undertake this jihad independently.
Relying merely on general and broad texts related to it.
Rather, those who determine whether the benefit outweighs the harm in undertaking jihad,
And who issue fatwas regarding its permissibility or obligation at a certain time or place,
Are the firmly grounded scholars among the jurists of the mujahideen,
After consultation with the mujahideen who possess military expertise.