Ash-Shaykh Saleem al-Hilaalee - hafidhahullah - was asked:
We seize this opportunity to ask your eminence for advice and guidance regarding what is happening in terms of conflicts and wars between America and Israel on one side, and Iran and Hezbollat on the other.
News and opinions among Muslims have multiplied, to the point that some people now praise Iran and consider it a defender of Palestine and a hero in that regard.
We fear for ourselves from the tribulations and doubts spreading in this matter, so we request from your eminence that you advise us and clarify the correct Sharia position so that we may be upon insight, holding firmly to the Book and the Sunnah according to the understanding of the Salaf of the Ummah.
May Allah reward you with good and bless you.
Response:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
My dear brother, this is a very important question, because when political tribulations mix with religious slogans, feet slip and balances are disturbed. For this reason, the methodology of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah in such issues is clear and precisely regulated by fixed Sharia principles—not by emotions or media alignments.
Here is a statement of their position in clear methodological points:
A Statement on the Position of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah Regarding the Conflict Between Iran, America, and Israel
First: The Sharia Basis for Viewing International Conflicts
Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah view major events according to three scales:
The scale of creed (aqeedah).
The scale of justice and oppression.
The scale of benefits and harms.
They do not base their position on emotion or slogans.
Allah the Exalted said:
{O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice} [An-Nisa: 135].
And He said:
{And do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just} [Al-Ma'idah: 8].
The Muslim is just even toward those he dislikes, and does not oppress even those who are hostile to him.
Second: The Position of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah Toward the Iranian Regime
Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah clearly state that the Iranian regime is a Rafidi Shi'ite regime based on a creed opposing Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah.
Among the foundations of Iranian political thought:
Spreading the Safavid ideology in the region.
Exporting the Iranian Revolution.
Expanding sectarian influence at the expense of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah and their lands.
This has manifested in: Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen.
As a result of this project:
The killing of hundreds of thousands of Sunnah Muslims.
The displacement of millions of people of Sunnah.
Support for sectarian militias.
This is an observable reality.
Not to mention that the Rafidis in the version of Khomeini and Khamenei are apostates and heretics (zanadiqah).
Third: The Position of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah Toward America and Israel
At the same time, Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah do not view America and Israel as allies of the Muslims.
Rather, they are among the greatest supporters of:
The occupation of Palestine.
Wars against Muslims.
Political and military dominance in the Islamic world.
This includes:
Support for the Israeli occupation.
The Iraq war.
The Afghanistan war.
Not to mention that the Jews and Crusaders are among the most severe enemies of Islam and the Sunnah.
Thus, the Sharia position here is: no allegiance to them and no support for their projects.
Fourth: The Sunni Principle in the Conflict Between Two Oppressive Powers
When a war occurs between two oppressive powers or those contending for influence, the methodology of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah is based on the principle: it is not obligatory for the Muslim to side with either party.
Rather, the obligation may be:
To withdraw from the tribulation.
Not to be deceived by propaganda.
If two factions fight, both oppressive, it is not obligatory for the Muslim to fight with one of them; rather, this is a case of letting oppressors overpower oppressors, and Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah rejoice at the destruction of all of them.
Fifth: Why Do Some Muslims Fall into Praising Iran?
There are several reasons for this:
Emotion toward the Palestinian cause:
Many Muslims see that Iran opposes Israel and supports some resistance factions, so they assume it is a true ally for Palestine. However, international politics is more complex than that.
Media warfare: Iran invests heavily in media discourse and the rhetoric of “resistance,” even though its policies in many Muslim countries have caused great destruction.
Ignorance of creed and history: Many young people do not know the reality of Rafidi thought, the history of sectarian conflict, or the expansionist Iranian project, so they fall into deception by slogans.
Sixth: The Correct Position of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah
The balanced Sunnah position can be summarized in five points:
Standing with the Palestinian cause and the right of the Palestinian people—Palestine is a just Islamic issue.
Rejecting the Israeli occupation, as it is an unjust and aggressive occupation.
Rejecting the sectarian Iranian project, as it is an expansionist project that uses sectarianism.
Not being deceived by political slogans, as many international powers exploit Palestine for their own goals.
Holding firmly to the Sharia scale, not political alignment—the Muslim is not a soldier in the battles of international powers.
Seventh: The Golden Rule in These Tribulations
The rule mentioned by the scholars:
Not everyone who opposes my enemy is my friend.
Two parties may fight:
Both oppressive.
Each seeking their own interests.
The Muslim does not make himself a follower in this conflict.
Eighth: What is Obligatory Upon the Muslim in the Time of These Tribulations?
The fundamental obligations are:
Attaining Sharia insight.
Not being deceived by political propaganda.
Supporting oppressed Muslims.
Praying for the weak and oppressed.
Reforming the state of the Ummah through knowledge, faith, and spreading awareness among Muslims.
Summary of the Sunnah Position
The Sunni position can be summarized in one sentence:
We do not stand with America and Israel, nor do we stand with the sectarian Iranian project; rather, we stand with Islam and the Ummah of Islam.
The criterion is not international axes, but truth, justice, and the scale of the Sharia.
And Allah knows best.
Written by:
Saleem bin Eid al-Hilali
19/9/1447 AH
Sunday 8th March, 2026
Amman / Jordan
