Q: Can you provide me with a ruling on one who works for the army (of a Muslim country) which is the source of his income, but the military system and laws oblige him to shave his beard and honor others, as non-Muslims do. We must greet others in a manner different from what Allah and His Messenger commanded. We must salute the flag, and we are governed by and must refer differences amongst ourselves to laws other than Allah's, namely, the military law. If I fight to defend my country, but it is not under the banner of "No God but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah", (Part No. 12; Page No. 21) and am killed in battle, what is the ruling according to the Qur’an and Sunnah? Can I fight with an intention different than my army? If I do the things mentioned above so as to avoid any negative consequences, am I sinful for doing this? Can a Muslim work in the army with the intention of learning combat skills which a person can not learn anywhere else in light of the current circumstances?Would you please inform me regarding obeying parents while they do not refer to the Qur’an or the Sunnah in their way of life, but rather to the traditions and common practices of society. They believe that religion is merely performing Salah and fasting, but other practices are extremism. May Allah guide you to what pleases Him, bless your steps, and preserve you.

A: Firstly: Shaving the beard is unlawful and it is obligatory to let it grow. Secondly: It is not permissible to salute the flag. Thirdly: It is compulsory to be governed by the Shari’ah and refer to it for judgment. It is not permissible for a Muslim to greet his superiors or chiefs with the greetings of non-Muslims, for the reports prohibiting imitating them and because of the inherent overestimation of their traditions. Fourthly: Whoever fights to defend the Word of Allah (Islam) and to protect Muslims and their lands is fighting for the sake of Allah. Should he be killed, he will be a martyr because actions are judged according to intentions. You may have another intention different from the intention of your army such as intending to make the word of Allah supreme by your Jihad even if others have different intentions, such as fighting for their country. (Part No. 12; Page No. 22)  Fifthly: It is obligatory to obey your parents so long as this does not entail disobeying Allah, because there should be no obedience to any creature in disobedience to the Creator.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.