Reasons for Disbelievers Gaining Power over Muslims

Question

Honourable Shaykh, may Allah reward you, is Muslims' failure to raise the banner of Islamic jihad not one of the reasons disbelievers gain power over them? Is raising the banner of Allah's oneness an important factor or not? What about sending young people abroad before they understand Islam correctly, so that they might influence others there rather than be influenced themselves?

Answer (English translation)

Answer: In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful. Praise belongs to Allah, and may Allah send peace and blessings upon His Messenger, his family and his Companions. To proceed:

Our honourable brother Shaykh Saud mentioned, and I also mentioned after him, that what had been stated was some of the reasons, not all of them. Shaykh Saud mentioned some reasons, and I supported those he mentioned and added a few more. There are other reasons as well.

There is no doubt that one reason enemies gain power is Muslims' failure to undertake jihad. They abandoned jihad because of the division we referred to. When they became divided and failed to unite upon a common position, instead becoming parties and factions, raising the banner of jihad and uniting for it became impossible.

A small state lacking the strength and capability to undertake jihad is unable to do so. But if those leaders united and cooperated, they could fight their enemy and could be granted victory over him if they were truthful, sincere and devoted to Allah. Division, disagreement and failure to unite are therefore among the greatest reasons for abandoning jihad and failing to raise its banner.

Likewise, sending young people abroad is undoubtedly among the causes of harm to Muslims. When most young people go there, the enemies impress upon them their corrupt beliefs and deviant morals. Many, or most, return with altered beliefs, disposition and morals. Such a person then becomes an adversary and opponent of Muslims, and a soldier for Allah's enemies against Allah's allies. This is usually the case. There is no power and no strength except through Allah.