A trend of blame in the Muslims Ummah

There is something I have noticed, which I believe Muslims have given too much preference to, especially over self correction and affirmation of proper belief and worship.

Regarding this trend among the Muslims to boycott Israel by not doing business with them and buying their products, there is good in this. People who do this are telling the world that they are not satisfied with the situation of the Israeli occupation of Palestine and are declaring manifest disapproval.They should, however, note, that not all of what they boycott is obligatory to avoid; thus, they must be cautions of another trend among Muslims today, which is to blame the one who does not join in boycotting, and accuse them of being sinful and supporting the murder of Muslims. To make the right decision in this matter, one must understand how the Prophet, peace be upon him, dealt with Jews and/or the Children of Israel, during like situations.

The conclusion, supported by the facts below, is that it is only obligatory to boycott that which directly funds the provisions of military force, i.e. weapons, explosives, and anything else that is used to wage war on the Muslims. If it is not confirmed as such, as for instance, if the revenue is only being sent as humanitarian aid to help civilians, or to fund other things, the patron is not a sinner if one chooses to continue consuming these products, until confirmation that these transactions paid revenue to the enemy's armed forces, at which point (only), this transaction is HARAAM. Shaykh Saalh al-Fawzaan was asked:

Question: "Oh noble Shaykh, in the newspapers these days it is written that there is a call to boycott the American products, and to stop the buying and selling of these products. Also, from this is the claim that appeared in one the newspapers that the 'Ulamaa. (scholars of Islaam) have called for the boycotting of these products and that this is something that is obligatory upon every individual Muslim, and that buying even a single one of these products (produced in America) is forbidden, forbidden (haraam, haraam), and that the person who does this has done a major sin (Kabeerah), and that he is helping these people (the Americans) and helping the Jews in their fighting against the Muslims. So I hope from your eminence that you can give some clarity regarding this matter due to there being a need for that. And is a person rewarded (by Allaah) for this action (of boycotting American goods)?" 

Response:" Firstly, I request a photocopy of this statement in specific from the newspaper that is mentioned here by the questioner. Secondly, this is not correct. The scholars have not given a fatwa (religious verdict) declaring the goods produced by America to be forbidden (haraam), and the goods from America are still being imported and sold in the market places of the Muslims (i.e. in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), and these products that you buy from America are still available. There has been no religious verdict issued against this. Cutting off relations and boycotting is not to be done unless there is a decree issued by the Muslim authorities. If the authorities issue a decree calling for the prohibition (of particular goods) or boycotting a country from among the many countries, then it is obligatory to boycott that country. However, in reference to individuals who want to do this or they give religious verdicts that this is something forbidden, then this is a declaration of forbiddance that Allaah has not allowed. It is not permissible to do this. Yes. "

From the early scholars, Imam al-Bukhaari (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: 

Chapter: Buying and selling with the mushrikeen and people who are at war with Islam. 

Then he narrated (2216) that ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn Abi Bakr (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: We were with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) then a mushrik man came with some sheep that he was driving. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Are they for sale or a gift?” He said: “For sale.” So he bought a sheep from him. 

Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Sharh Saheeh Muslim (11/14): 

The Muslims are unanimously agreed that it is permissible to interact with ahl al-dhimmah (non-Muslims living under Muslim rule) and other kuffaar, so long as the object of the transaction is not haraam, but it is not permissible for a Muslim to sell weapons or tools of war to those who are waging war against the Muslims, or anything that helps them to support their religion. 

Ibn Battaal said: dealing with the kuffaar is permissible, except for selling things to those who are at war with the Muslims that may help them against the Muslims. 

It was narrated in al-Majmoo’ (9/432) that there is scholarly consensus that it is forbidden to sell weapons to people who are waging war against Muslims. 

The reason for that is obvious, which is that these weapons will be used to fight the Muslims.

Later scholars have said other things, but what is available in English of their statements does not compare to the above referenced daleel, and ALLAH knows best, and may he have mercy on ALL the scholars of the Muslims ummah.”

Indeed ALLAH alone knows best.

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