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Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Brother, first of all, we’d like to say that we are impressed by your question, which emanates from a thoughtful heart. May Allah Almighty help us all adhere to the principles of this true religion, Islam, and enable us to be among the dwellers of Paradise in the Hereafter. Ameen.
In fact, the world now is facing a horrible war that will result in unimaginable damage and destruction. It will destroy natural resources, pollute the environment, and inflict the innocent people with suffering and loss of lives. Therefore, it becomes the role of all people in the world — irrespective of their religion, race and nationality — to support and aid the oppressed and ward off the aggression by all possible means.
Muslims, as people of morals and values, should precede others in carrying out this duty. They should support the oppressed Iraqi people with the available forms of support. For example, a Muslim can give charity to help them and make du`a’ (supplication) for them so that Allah Almighty eases their difficulty. Also, Muslims can use the mass media to advocate the cause of the wronged till they achieve victory.
Muslims, all Muslims, should back their Muslim brothers, each according to his means and within his capability.
Responding to the question in point, Sheikh Faysal Mawlawi, Deputy Chairman of the European Council for Fatwa and Research, states:
"Muslims who live in the US, UK, Spain, Australia, or any other country that takes part in the aggression against Iraq are bound by conventions that they concluded with these countries, such as nationality or residence. Therefore, they are exempted from fighting along with the Iraqi people, for Allah says, “…but if they seek help from you in the matter of religion then it is your duty to help (them) except against a folk between whom and you there is a treaty.” (Al-Anfal: 72)
However, this convention does not justify their participation in war on Iraq against Muslims under any pretext. Rather, they should avoid taking part in this aggression by all possible means.
Also, they should support their follow Muslims in Iraq by all forms of support other than military, such as demonstrating, giving financial aid, making du`a’, etc.
As for taxes, they are not allowed to evade them because of the conventions they concluded with these countries. Also, they are not allowed to attack the military institutions."
For more information regarding the means of backing the Iraqi people, read:
Backing Fellow Muslims in Iraq.
If you are still in need of more information, don't hesitate to contact us. Do keep in touch. May Allah guide us all to the straight path!
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