Source: "Ahkam wa Masail in the Light of the Qur’an and Hadith", Volume 02
According to Islamic Shari‘ah, assisting disbelievers (kuffar) against Muslims is strictly forbidden (haram) and classified as a major sin (kabirah). In some cases, such an act is even considered an act of disbelief (kufr) or apostasy (irtidad). There is consensus among scholars that helping the enemies of Muslims in any form is impermissible. The Qur’an and Hadith offer clear guidance on this matter.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
"O you who believe! Do not take the Jews and the Christians as allies. They are allies of one another. And whoever allies with them becomes one of them."
(Surah Al-Ma'idah: 51)
This verse strictly forbids Muslims from aligning with or supporting Jews, Christians, or any disbelievers. Those who do so are, in essence, counted among them.
Islamic jurists from all major schools—Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi‘i, Hanbali—unanimously agree that:
Imam al-Nawawi (رحمه الله) said:
"Selling weapons to the enemies at war with Muslims is unanimously prohibited."
(Al-Majmu‘)
Hafiz Ibn al-Qayyim (رحمه الله) explained:
"The Prophet ﷺ forbade selling weapons during times of strife, as it constitutes aiding in sin and enmity."
(I‘lam al-Muwaqqi‘in)
Shaykh Ibn Baz stated:
"There is scholarly consensus that anyone who assists the disbelievers against Muslims in any form is a disbeliever, based on the verse: ‘Whoever allies with them becomes one of them.’”
(Fatawa Ibn Baz, 1/274)
① Any form of assistance to disbelievers against Muslims is strictly haram and may fall under the category of kufr.
② Such acts fall under the Qur’anic prohibition of ta‘awun ‘ala al-ithm wa al-‘udwan (assisting in sin and transgression).
③ Whoever provides military or logistical aid to the enemies of Islam shares equal responsibility for the harm inflicted on Muslims.
❖ The Islamic Ruling on Assisting Disbelievers Against Muslims
According to Islamic Shari‘ah, assisting disbelievers (kuffar) against Muslims is strictly forbidden (haram) and classified as a major sin (kabirah). In some cases, such an act is even considered an act of disbelief (kufr) or apostasy (irtidad). There is consensus among scholars that helping the enemies of Muslims in any form is impermissible. The Qur’an and Hadith offer clear guidance on this matter.
❖ Guidance from the Qur’an
Allah says in the Qur’an:
"O you who believe! Do not take the Jews and the Christians as allies. They are allies of one another. And whoever allies with them becomes one of them."
(Surah Al-Ma'idah: 51)
This verse strictly forbids Muslims from aligning with or supporting Jews, Christians, or any disbelievers. Those who do so are, in essence, counted among them.
❖ Opinions of the Scholars and Jurists
Islamic jurists from all major schools—Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi‘i, Hanbali—unanimously agree that:
- Selling or supplying anything to the enemies of Islam that would strengthen them against Muslims—such as weapons, vehicles, or other military tools—is haram.
- Even provisions such as food, water, or logistical support during conflict are not permitted if they aid disbelievers against Muslims.
❖ Insights from Hadith and the Scholars
Imam al-Nawawi (رحمه الله) said:
"Selling weapons to the enemies at war with Muslims is unanimously prohibited."
(Al-Majmu‘)
Hafiz Ibn al-Qayyim (رحمه الله) explained:
"The Prophet ﷺ forbade selling weapons during times of strife, as it constitutes aiding in sin and enmity."
(I‘lam al-Muwaqqi‘in)
❖ Fatwa of Shaykh Ibn Baz (رحمه الله)
Shaykh Ibn Baz stated:
"There is scholarly consensus that anyone who assists the disbelievers against Muslims in any form is a disbeliever, based on the verse: ‘Whoever allies with them becomes one of them.’”
(Fatawa Ibn Baz, 1/274)
✦ Summary
① Any form of assistance to disbelievers against Muslims is strictly haram and may fall under the category of kufr.
② Such acts fall under the Qur’anic prohibition of ta‘awun ‘ala al-ithm wa al-‘udwan (assisting in sin and transgression).
③ Whoever provides military or logistical aid to the enemies of Islam shares equal responsibility for the harm inflicted on Muslims.
