In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Quote:

The Imaam [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated:

“It is necessary to prepare physically – prepare equipment (of defense and war), and other types of equipment in all respects so that we can suffice with what Allaah [Glorified be He] has given us and not to be in need of what our enemies have, because fighting our enemies with what they have in their hands is very difficult to obtain. If the enemy prevents you from acquiring weapons, then what do you fight with alongside poor insight and little knowledge?”

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: The causes of weakness, lack of progress and being dominated by the enemies is due to many reasons. There emerges many factors from one (main) factor, and this one reason and factor is being ignorant about Allaah, the religion He has ordained and the end results (of this ignorance) that has seized the majority, and thus knowledge became little and ignorance became rife. Affairs arose out of this ignorance, including (blameworthy) love of the worldly life and dislike of death, negligence towards the (obligatory) prayers, following (evil) desires, lack of preparation for the enemy, being pleased with acquiring needs from their enemy and a lack of high aspiration to cater for their needs from their country and resources. Also splitting and differing resulted from this ignorance- an absence of (sound) unity, togetherness and cooperation.

This shows that the greatest cause of weakness is due to being ignorant about Allaah- ignorant about the religion ordained by Allaah and those realities which one is obligated to adhere to and take into account, and that is the statement of the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] in the authentic narration, “If Allaah wishes good for a person, He gives him understanding in the religion”. This narration – together with the verses of the Qur’aan and other narrations – shows the filth of ignorance, its consequences and end results; rather the Noble Qur’an is filled with disapproval of ignorance and its people, and warning against them, as Allaah said:

[وَلَكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ يَجْهَلُونَ – But most of them behave (ignorantly)]. [وَأَكْثَرُهُمْ لا يَعْقِلُونَ – And most of them have no understanding], as well as other verses of the Qur’aan that dispraises ignorance – being ignorant regarding Allaah and the religion He has ordained, ignorant about the enemy and that which is obligated (on the Muslims) to prepare in terms of alertness, (sound) unity and cooperation.

And from this ignorance occurred splitting, (blameworthy) differing, inclining towards (evil) desires, negligence towards the prayer, neglecting what Allaah has obligated, lack of giving precedence to the Afterlife and not truthfully associating oneself with it; rather the majority does not give concern except to this present worldly life, just as Allaah said:

كَلا بَلْ تُحِبُّونَ الْعَاجِلَةَ
وَتَذَرُونَ الْآخِرَةَ

But (you men) love the present life of this world and leave (neglect) the Hereafter. [Surah Al-Qiyaamah. Verses 21-22]

And just Allaah [The Exalted] said:

فَأَمَّا مَنْ طَغَى
وَآثَرَ الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا
فَإِنَّ الْجَحِيمَ هِيَ الْمَأْوَى

Then, for him who transgressed all bounds and preferred the life of this world (by following his evil desires and lusts), verily, his abode will be Hellfire. [Surah An-Naazi’aat. Verses 37-39]

Therefore, the Messenger’s statement, “If Allaah wishes good for a person, He gives him understanding in the religion” shows that one of the signs of goodness and happiness for the individual, the people and the state, is that they seek understanding in the religion, because seeking understanding in the religion, learning and insight into what is obligated on them – at present and later – is one of the most obligatory duties, and in this is a sign that Allaah wishes good for them. And in relation to this – alongside making preparations for the enemy, is fulfilment of what Allaah has obligated, keeping away from what Allaah has made unlawful and confining oneself within the boundaries of Allaah’s ordainments.

Amongst the dangerous causes (of weakness)- their (bitter) fruits and what they necessitate – is that which has occurred in terms of weakness in the presence of the enemy and being delayed in everything, except what Allaah wills to remain; inclining towards forbidden desires, preoccupation with what hinders from the path of Allaah and guidance, lack of preparation for the enemy in the arena of industry, not having sufficient weaponry that frightens the enemy- to help fight him, strive against him in Jihaad, taking one’s rights from him, not preparing the bodies for jihad and not spending money in what is obligatory (or befitting) to prepare for the enemy, guard against his evil, defend the religion and the homeland. The preparation is weak or nonexistent and the goals are skewed, except that which Allaah wills.

Therefore, the path of success, the path of progress against the enemies and the absence of weakness in front of them, the path of prosperity and success, the path to obtaining lofty status and the lofty things that are to be sought after, victory over the enemies- the path to all of this is to embrace beneficial knowledge and ound understanding in the religion, give precedence to Alllaah’s pleasure over His displeasure, give close attention to what Allaah has obligated, abandon what Allaah has made unlawful and repent truthfully to Allaah from one’s sins and shortcomings.
Also there should be industry in the Muslim countries, preparation and strength that will enable every individual through every means, so that he has no need of the enemy – until the enemy knows what he has of preparation and talent, and so that the enemy is afraid of him, treats him fairly and gives him his rights. The bodies are to be prepared and should refrain from over-indulging in that type of luxury that will weaken strength and the hearts when required to fight the enemy, and so that one has strength to perform Jihaad. There should be full cooperation between the state and the people on what is required of obedience to Allaah and His Messenger, refraining from what Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] has forbidden and also cooperating on what is required to make preparations, just as Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَأَعِدُّوا لَهُمْ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ مِنْ قُوَّةٍ – And make ready against them all you can of power]. [Surah Al-Anfaal. Aayah 60]

It is necessary to prepare physically – prepare equipment (of defense and war), and other types of equipment in all respects so that we can suffice with what Allaah [Glorified be He] has given us and not to be in need of what our enemies have, because fighting our enemies with what they have in their hands is very difficult to obtain. If the enemy prevents you from acquiring weapons, then what do you fight with alongside poor insight and little knowledge? It is necessary to prepare what is possible, and what is possible is sufficient as long as the Muslims intend to do without their enemy, fight their enemy, save their country, intending to establish the command of Allaah in the land, and intending (to gain reward) in the Afterlife as much as they can, because indeed Allaah [Glorified and Exalted be He] says: [وَأَعِدُّوا لَهُمْ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ مِنْ قُوَّةٍ – And make ready against them all you can of power]; but Allaah did not say, “And make ready against them that which is equal to their power”, because that may not be possible to achieve.

If the Muslims are sincere, join hands, prepare for their enemy with as much equipment they can and support the religion ordained by Allaah, then indeed Allaah [Glorified and Exalted be He] will support them, place them in front and above the enemy, and not under the enemy. Allaah – the One who is truthful in His speech and promise – said:
[يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنْ تَنْصُرُوا اللَّهَ يَنْصُرْكُمْ وَيُثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَكُمْ – O you who believe! If you help (in the cause of) Allah, He will help you, and make your foothold firm].

Allaah is neither unable nor in need of the people, but He puts His good servants to trial by way of the evil ones, so that the truthfulness of the truthful ones is distinguished from the lies of the liars, the one who truly strives in the path of Allaah is distinguished from others, and the one desirous of safety (in this life and the next) is distinguished. This is the reason, otherwise Allaah is able to aid His allies and destroy His enemies without war- without the need for Jihad, preparation and other things, as He [Glorified be He] says:

[ذَلِكَ وَلَوْ يَشَاءُ اللَّهُ لانْتَصَرَ مِنْهُمْ وَلَكِنْ لِيَبْلُوَ بَعْضَكُمْ بِبَعْضٍ – but if it had been Allah’s Will, He Himself could certainly have punished them (without you). But (He lets you fight), in order to test you, some with others]. [Surah Muhammad. Aayah 4] (1) [End of quote]

Finally, what is stated above – regarding preparation of weapons – is the responsibility of the Muslim rulers and not insugents groups. The Khawaarij (ISIS and their Ilk) – do not have any authority, rather they are bandits, wicked innovators in religious affairs and terrorists. The believers obey their rulers in good, fulfil the agreements their rulers have made between their nations and other nations, and they behave well – whether residing in their native countries or abroad. Must read articles prepared by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah and Shaikh Abu Iyaad [may Allaah preserve them]

The Protection of the Blood, Wealth and Honour of Non-Muslim Citizens in the Islamic Shariah
http://www.shariah.ws/articles/xzxcfnc-the-great-value-in-the-islamic-shariah-for-the-protection.cfm

Al-Allaamah Salih Aal Ash-Shaikh: Shariah Calls for Protection of Life and Property
http://www.shariah.ws/articles/csuslgk-shaikh-salih-aal-ash-shaikh-shariah-calls-for-protection-of-life-and-property.cfm

Al-Allaamah Salih Al-Fawzan: The Islamic Shariah Provides Security for Muslims and Non-Muslims and Those Who Violate It Are Kharijites Who Are to Be Fought and Severely Punished
http://www.shariah.ws/articles/duviqgl-shaykh-salih-al-fawzan-the-islamic-shariah-provides-security–for-muslims-and-non-muslims-and-those-who-violate-it-are-kh257rijites-who-are-to-be-fought-and-severely-punished.cfm

The Islamic Shariah on the Foundation of Muslim Relations With Non-Muslims Who Do Not Show Aggression and Hostility

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/szsumlh-the-foundation-of-muslim-relations-with-non-muslims-who-do-not-show-aggression-and-hostility.cfm

Islam and the Muslims Are Free and Innocent of the Kharijite Extremists and the Islamic Shariah Has Come With a Command to Fight Them

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/nmsdfkp-islam-and-the-muslims-are-free-and-innocent-of-the-kharijite-extremists.cfm

Al-Allaamah Saleh Fawzaan on Jihaad in our times and the guidelines of Jihaad according to Islam – Abu Khadeejah : أبو خديجة
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/

The Prophet of Islam would not kill diplomats, ambassadors, emissaries or foreign delegations even if they were sent by the worst of his enemies
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-prophet-of-islam-would-not-kill-diplomats-ambassadors-emissaries-or-foreign-delegations-even-if-they-were-sent-by-the-worst-of-his-enemies/

Ref1:paraphrased:https://binbaz.org.sa/discussions/42/%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%B6%D8%B9%D9%81-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B3%D9%84%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%B9%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%87%D9%85-%D9%88%D9%88%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%89%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AC ]