Ruling on Jihad

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Q 2: Is Jihad (fighting in the Cause of Allah) an individual obligation upon every Muslim nowadays, especially after Muslims' rights have been violated by foreign invaders? What is the ruling on the helpless people who are constrained to remain behind even though they are ready to fight in the cause of Allah if they are asked to? It should be noted that they remain behind because of the conditions of many Muslim countries that do not apply the Shari`ah. Please issue a Fatwa substantiated with evidences in this regard.

A: Declaring Jihad to make Allah's Word the superior one, to protect Islam, to facilitate the spread of Islam and to protect its sanctity is obligatory upon all those who can strive in the cause of Allah. However, Jihad has to be practiced through regular armies to avoid disorder and undesirable consequences. Therefore, declaration of Jihad is up to the Muslim ruler. It is the duty of religious scholars to invite him to Jihad. If he accepts the invitation and calls Muslims to Jihad, every Muslim who is able to fight has to go with him. The person has to be sincere to Allah and to intend through Jihad to defend the Truth and to protect Islam. Whoever remains behind without excuse, he will be sinful.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.