Letter-from-Bin-Laden-1998

Document Title: Letters From Bin Laden
ID: AFGP-2002-003345
Date: 12 April 1994 to 7 May 1998
Synopsis:
The following letters were written between 1994 and 1998, and cover a range of topics related to Saudi
Arabia. The primary theme is the illegitimacy of the Saudi regime, and the allegation that they are
supporting a Western plot to destroy the Muslim nation. Each letter addresses a current event,
describing the event and providing the author’s analysis of the context and implications of the regime’s
actions. Most statements end with a call to action on the part of the regime, the scholars, or the citizens
of Saudi Arabia. The statements are coherently written and well-organized, and they are designed to
motivate support through appeals to Muslim’s better nature. Bin Laden’s writing demonstrates an ability
to communicate with multiple audiences, appealing to each group’s pride and specific capabilities
Key Themes:
Statement 7 (sic), pp. 001-003: Our invitation to Give Advice and Reform
To: King Fahd Bin ‘Abd-al ‘Aziz Al-Saud and the people of Saudi Arabian Peninsula
02-11-1414 (12 April 1994)
King Fahd has asked Osama Bin Laden to return to the country, however this is unlikely as Osama Bin
Laden’s money was frozen and his passport confiscated. Religious scholars have previously asked
King Fahd to cease actions against God’s law but he has not done so. A petition signed by 400 people
was sent in 1411 (during the Gulf War), and another in 1413. The people’s rights have been abrogated
and corruption infests government agencies. The country’s monetary and economic situation is
worsening, taxes have been raised yet the government wastes money. The armed forces are in poor
condition, and shari’a law has been suspended. Foreign policy works against the interests of Muslims in
Gaza, Jericho, and Algeria while supporting infidels. Attempts to promote reform have triggered
reprisals and the “waging of war against just people who are hunted at home and abroad.” To fulfill
advisory promises, “we would like to announce the arrival of our brothers and scholars into the country.”
Osama Bin Laden urges King Fahd to abide by the requests of the Committee. End quote: God will not
change people unless they do so for themselves.
Statement 3, p. 007: Saudi Arabia Supports the Communists in Yemen
27-12-1414 (07 June 1994)
The Yemeni communists have enslaved the Yemeni people, spreading apostasy and corruption. Infidel
forces and their agents in the region led a conspiracy to re-establish two Yemeni states to promote
conflict between them, Prince Sultan led a special committee that funneled support to the Yemeni
Socialist Party. King Fahd is known to have anti-Islamic policies such as opposing Islamic awakening
that would expose the artificiality of his rule; supporting anti-Islamic regimes such as the USSR, Algeria,
Syria, and Christian groups in Sudan. Furthermore, he supported United Nations resolutions that cost
Muslim lives in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Lebanon, and Kashmir, and which support the Jews in Palestine,
Muslims now realize that the U.N. is an instrument in the hands of the Jews and Crusaders, Such
behavior encourages divisions in the umma, leads to dispersal of wealth away from the Arabian
Peninsula, supports socialists and communists who oppress the Yemeni people, is likely to provoke
punishment from God, and allows for foreign intervention in the region. The letter ends with a call to the
ulema to declare that these policies are dangerous and evil.
Statement 4, pp. 009-010: The Banishment of Communism from the Arabian Peninsula: The Episode
and the Proof.
12-2-1415 (11 July 1994)
Jihad operations had been successful in eliminating socialist camps in Yemen, which is a lesson
proving that all those who oppose the faith of the amah will fail. The Saudi regime, particularly Prince
Sultan, supported the communist factions with money and weapons, which is a form of apostasy given
that communists are atheists. Western powers were too smart to back the losing side, showing that
Western powers will not “take the risk of intervening in order to protect or assist corrupt regimes that do
not have the support or endorsement of their people.” The defeat of the communists is a rejection of
secular and atheist regimes across the region.
Statement 5, pp. 013-014: Quran Scholars in the Face of Despotism
11-2-1415 (19 July 1994)
Osama Bin Laden praises scholars who have bravely unveiled the truth about the Saudi government.
The government has used witchcraft and the media to justify its stands against Islam, while supporting
the unbelievers. Scholars have raised the head of the ummah high to face the despotism and injustices
of the regime. In turn, the government has slandered these scholars, taking away their freedom and
trampling their rights.
Statement 6, pp. 017-018: Saudi Arabia Unveils its War Against Islam and its Scholars
08-04-1415 (12 September 1994)
In accordance with instructions from the United States, Saudi intelligence agents are arresting
prominent anti-government scholars and preachers, including Salman Al-’Awdah and Safar al-Hawali.
Prince Bandar also publicly acknowledged a relationship with the Zionist entity. This confirms that the
Saudi government is in a war against Islam and is no different from secular governments. The
government has been unable to deal with criticism, and indicates that the King and his “gang” obey the
mercenary intelligence agents of foreign governments, Christians, and Zionists, Osama Bin Laden calls
for righteous scholars to be patient and steadfast, for Muslim people to stay committed and not be
confused by government deception, for silent scholars to take a stand, for Muslims in government to
remember that they are accomplices unless they act against the regime, and to the government to be
advised that they are at war with God.
Statement 7, pp. 21-22: Urgent Letter to Security Officials
11-04-1415 (16 September 1994)
Security officers are reminded that they were trained to defend the interests of their people and to act
as their representatives. They must be vigilant guardians, but the government has attempted to take
this “great and honorable position” away from them and turn them against Islam by forcing them to
participate in the arrest and detention of scholars. He lists crimes of the Saudi government before
calling on the security services to refuse to arrest any more scholars. He reminds them that God will
bear witness to the punishment of those who stand by a tyrant, and reminds them that “every Muslim’s
blood, wealth, and food are forbidden to other Muslims.” To show other Muslims that they are slaves of
God alone, they should repent evil, refuse to obey orders to commit aggression against ulema, urge
others not to obey such orders, help the people remove tyranny, not trust the regime, and strive to have
the arrested scholars released.
Statement 8, pp. 25-26: Important Telegram to Our Brothers in the Armed Forces
14-4-1415 (19 September 1994)
The Saudi government has exposed its hostility to Islam by arresting the best of the ulema. The regime
also imported Christian women to defend it, thereby placing the army in the highest degree of shame,
disgrace, and frustration. It allowed American army bases in the peninsula, supported communists in
Yemen, and has not helped defeat the IDF. Prince Sultan received five billion dollars’ worth of
commissions on arms sales in one year at the same time that allowances and reimbursements for
soldiers were stopped. He argues that the regime has lost its legitimacy as a result of its friendliness
with enemies of Islam and because of its hostility to the feelings of the people in a time of need. He
predicts that it’s only a matter of time until the regime falls. He reminds the “extraordinary men” that
they are guardians of the faith, and reminds them that “if a man kills a believer intentionally, his
recompense is hell, to abide therein forever and wrath and curse of God are upon him,” (Quran 4:93)
and that “the most despicable to God is he who kills a Muslim man” (Hadith).
Statement 9, pp. 29: Do Not Have Vile Actions in Your Religion
11-04-1415 (16 September 1994)
Muslim youth are called to action. The time of listlessness and relaxation is over. The Saudi
government committed a fatal mistake in arresting scholars, as this shows that they are enemies of
Islam. This not a trial but a blessing, as it reveals the truth about the battle between the regime and the
people and their ulema, The people, who are “exploding with anger” are urged to renew their pledge to
God by giving as much as they can (to zakat), to be disciplined and avoid taking actions that will harm
the interests of the whole, to reveal the reality of the struggle to everyone they know, and to continue to
demand the release of the imprisoned scholars.
There is a genius way of writing as if his opinions are already accepted and as if it should all be
intuitive.
Statement 10, pp. 31-32: Higher Committee for Harm!!
10-05-1415 (15 October 1994)
After conducting an “insane campaign” against the ulema and scholars in Saudi Arabia, the regime
created the Higher Committee for Islamic Affairs. This entity is an attempt to polish the regime’s image
by deceiving the people into believing that its purpose is to promote da’wah. Prince Sultan (Minister of
Defense) and Prince Naif (Minister of Interior) are head of the council, which “leaves no room for doubt”
about its intentions: “the destruction of true Islam and its da’wah, support for the religion of the king,
and preparation for the history of the two black men filled with a malice for Islam.” The duties and
powers of the council are not defined, showing the arrogance of the regime.
The creation of this committee shows that the regime is not ready to listen to the good council of Sheikh
‘Adb-al ‘Aziz Bin Baz, who had tried to encourage reform. The committee has punished Sheikh Bin Baz
by absorbing his powers. The strange thing is that the regime is able to find ulema that are still willing to
back it.
Statement 11, pp. 35-38: Open Letter for Sheikh Bin Baz
27-07-1415 (29 December 1994)
Begins with praise and greetings, and a Hadith: “The best jihad is the word of truth in the presence of
the unjust sultan.” The ulema are heirs to the prophets and represent the good example and ideal
model for the umma. The true ulema resist tyranny and speak the truth. Osama Bin Laden reminds the
Sheikh of his great responsibility, and wonders at his silence during a time of liars and evil. Osama Bin
Laden lists examples where the ulema have acted in error, about which Sheikh Bin Baz has not
corrected the error.
1. Corruption has spread, and ulema have been complicit in sanctioning usury (charging interest for
bank loans, which is considered haram by some Muslims). Osama Bin Laden states that the Sheikh
has deceived the people by not making a distinction “between rulers who merely tolerate usury and
rulers who legitimize and legalize usury.” Those who legitimize usury are apostates and infidels, but Bin
Baz continues to praise the regime. The current economic struggles are a punishment from God for
allowing usury.
2. King Fahd wore a cross, and Bin Baz justified this action, although it is clearly apostasy. The king’s
poor health is clear indication that this was infidelity.
3. Bin Baz issued a fatwa permitting the Crusader-Jewish alliance that occupied the country in the
name of liberating Kuwait. This was an abominable action that insulted the honor of the umma, sullied
its dignity, and defiled the holy places.
4. Bin Baz kept silent when the Saudi regime aided the communists in Yemen, considering them to be
fellow Muslims. Osama Bin Laden writes, “When were the communists ever Muslims? Aren’t you the
one who previously issued a fatwa on their apostasy and the necessity of killing them in Afghanistan?
Or is there a difference between Yemeni communists and Afghan communists?”
5. Bin Baz wrote a fatwa allowing the “attacks and maltreatment” of the ulema that resulted in eh arrest
and detention of Salman al-’Awdah and Safar al-Hawali.
More recently, Bin Baz supplied a fatwa sanctioning peace and normalization with the Jews, something
that is painful for Muslims as it gives a veneer of legitimacy to the “surrender documents that the
treacherous and cowardly Arab tyrants signed,” opening Jerusalem to occupation.
Per Osama Bin Laden, the present Jewish enemy is “not dwelling in his original country,” and therefore
peace is not allowed (as it is with one who is warred on from outside). Jews have usurped sacred
Muslim land, and they are an “attacking enemy” that corrupts religion. [The formulation that Jews are
outside their original country allows any kind of warfare upon them.] Ibn Taymiyah is quoted as follows:
The attacking enemy who corrupts the religion and the world must, in keeping with the faith, be
repelled. There are no (limiting) conditions.” Therefore, it is religiously required to defend Palestinian
people and the “stone-throwing heroes.”
Osama Bin Laden goes on to argue that even if it were permissible to make peace with the Jews, the
Arab leaders are illegitimate, and are therefore not allowed to make peace on behalf of the umma.
Such apostate rulers have neither legitimacy nor sovereignty over Muslims. Bin Baz’ fatwa gave
legitimacy to secular organizations [the United Nations] and deceived the umma with its disgraceful
summary and misleading generalization.
Osama Bin Laden suggests that the opinions of people who have experience in jihad are more
legitimate than those who have no experience. Quoting Ibn Taymiyah, “Obligation is to be considered
in matters of jihad according to the opinion of upright men of religion who have experience in what
people of this world of, rather than those who mainly look at a matter from the viewpoint of religion. Do
not adopt their opinion – not the opinion of men or religion that have no experience in the world.” [This
is another key formulation that gives Osama Bin Laden’s opinion equal weight to that of religious
scholars, and gives him the authority to challenge more learned men]. Whoever issued Bin Baz’ fatwas
has a “lack of awareness of the true nature of the situation.” Osama Bin Laden closes with several
paragraphs urging bin Baz to keep his distance from the tyrants and wrongdoers.
Statement 12, pp. 47-50: The Second Letter to Sheikh ‘Abd al’Aziz Bin Baz
29 January 1995
Sheikh Bin Baz’ latest fatwas have “scared Muslims in general, as well as freedom fighters, and weaker
men/women and children of Palestine.” These fatwas give religious legitimacy to Arab leaders’ political
treason in that it allowed reconciliation with the [Jewish] enemy. The Advice and Reform Foundation
had expected Sheikh Bin Baz to take a stand against this, but instead he confirmed his earlier fatwas
on the same subject.
The current situation in Palestine cannot be considered a truce, because only the enemy’s terms have
been met. Additionally, the deal was created by a group of apostate Arab leaders. The agreement,
which establishes diplomatic representation and economic cooperation, effectively indicates Jews’
“eternal ownership of the land – thus permanently calling off jihad” [Entering into treaty commitments
legitimizes Israel’s existence]. Secularism amounts to atheism, and so this agreement is based on
“invalidity,” therefore it is invalid itself.
“This fatwa’s claim of Muslim’s weakness and inability to fight Jews is invalid, because…subject experts
did not issue it…It does not make sense [that] more than a billion Muslims who own the largest natural
resources in the world are unable to defeat 5 million Jews in Palestine.” The ailment is not the military
or financial, but rather the leaders’ betrayal and the scholar’s acceptance of the current situation.
Osama Bin Laden calls for a return to fatwas issued by those who have knowledge of both religion and
current affairs, urges Bin Baz to distance himself from the regime or resign his position.
Statement 13, pp. 51-52: Prince Salman and Ramadan Alms
12 February 1995
The Saudi regime has dissolved charitable organizations that used to deliver donations directly to
needy people inside and outside the country. These independent organizations have been replaced by
new institutions that are subservient to Prince Salman, who “has never been known to be interested
and care for Muslim affairs.” In the past, the Saudi regime used popular donations to influence Afghan
freedom fighters to conform to Western policy goals. It also gave donations to Christian organizations in
Bosnia, to Yemeni communists, to the communist Dostum (Rachid Dostum, an Afghani warlord), and
the Al-Kata’ib party in Lebanon. The Saudi regime supported the Algerian regime as it suppressed
Muslims, and also provided money to the Soviets to repress Muslims in Chechnya.
The timing of this initiative supports the U.S. presidents’ decision to freeze the assets of groups that
oppose the [Middle East] peace process. Osama Bin Laden draws the brother’s attention to the danger
of depositing monies into UD banks, as it may be frozen. Muslims are encouraged to avoid giving funds
to the government agencies, but rather give them directly to the needy, or those “trusted individuals
who will deliver them.”
Statement 14, pp. 55-58: Saudi Arabia Continues Its War Against Islam and Its Scholars
09 March 1995
After Eid a- Fitr, a second group of clerics was detained, including Muhammad bin Sa’id al-Qahtani, Dr.
Sa’id bin Zu’ayr (Zuhayr) and Dr. Bashar al-Bashar. This confirms the aggression of the Saudi regime
against Islam and is evidently a “strategy planned by international infidel countries.” These Sheikhs, like
Salman al-’Awdah and Safar al-Hawali, have been imprisoned for speaking the truth, calling for the
application of Islamic laws, and calling for reform of the media and administration. [Text goes on to list
same grievances previously mentioned in preceding letters regarding usury, the state of the military,
etc]. Reiterates the regimes hostility to Islam and these scholars personally, and reminds umma to be
wary of fatwas issued on behalf of the regime’s interests.
Osama Bin Laden notes that these most recent arrests came after NATO’s “call tot eh countries of the
region to cooperate in order to eliminate the danger that threatens its interests and desires for
hegemony [referring to ?]. In fact, the Saudi regime has done Muslims a favor by revealing its true
objective and providing proof to those who still think positively about the regime. He urges fair trials for
the detainees, who are praised for their courage and reminded that this is a trial from Allah to
differentiate the righteous from the others.
Statement 15, pp. 59-68: Scholars are the Prophet’s Successors

16 May 1995
Scholars are the successors of the prophet and the defenders of religion. Because of their importance,
it is important to distinguish between those working to further the word of Allah, and those who prefer
earthly things and materials. Sura and Hadith emphasizing importance of scholars. Underestimating
scholars, or talking negatively about their knowledge is “associated with danger,” yet no one should be
impressed with the knowledge of one who memorizes the Quran but doesn’t follow its teachings. Bad
scholars can be distinguished from good scholars in two ways: lack of acting on their knowledge, and
changing what Allah said to interpret laws to their own benefit. “Disintegration of rulers is caused by
scholar’s dissolution, which is caused by love of money and material things,” and standing up to bad
scholars is a priority in defending Islam. Yet a majority of people believes that “obeying scholars had no
limits” and this is a mistake, which is why religious laws warn against glorifying scholars. Quoting
Sheikh Muhammad bin ‘Abd-al Wahab in his book Al-Tawhid: those who obey scholars and rulers in
forbidding that what Allah allows and vice versa, perceive them as gods. [Therefore, anyone who
blindly follows any scholar in something contrary to Allah is an apostate.]
Several paragraphs about proper way to correct scholars follow, which show that a harsh response is
legitimate when a scholar persists in a judgment or action after he is aware that he is “on the wrong
side.” Some exception is made for scholars who have good intentions but are taken advantage of by
corrupt sultans. However, fatwas may not be issued by those who are not fully informed, and such
fatwas are automatically null.
The requirements for a good scholar are listed. Scholars must be role models in knowledge and action,
and must be sure of all the conditions of a fatwa. He must be aware of the possibility of being led into
temptation, and have the courage to speak out. Salman al-’Awhad and Safar al-Hawali are examples of
courageous scholars. Scholars must stay away from the “suspicious ways of rulers,” and the Prophet is
quoted as saying, “Whoever gets close to rulers will be infatuated, the closer a person gets to a ruler,
the farther he gets away from Allah.” Scholars who abide by these guidelines deserve respect and
honor.
Statement 16. p. 69: Prince Sultan and the Air Aviation Commission
13-2-1415 (11 July 1995)
The Saudi regime has abandoned the requirements of monotheism and witnessing (there is no God but
God, and Mohammad is his messenger), and therefore has lost its legitimacy. The economy is in
terrible condition, due in part to the accumulation of interest debt and the plundering of public wealth by
the regime. These debts have led to privatization of state assets such as the Saudi airline. Clearly, the
regime intends to get new money “from the hands of the people.” Privatization will get rid of the debts of
the airline, but only after it purchases 7.5 billion dollars for 60 new American-made planes, which are
not needed. The French made a much better offer, but royal family members (particularly Prince
Sultan) made the deal in order to please the Americans. This will provide 20,000 jobs to U.S. airline
manufacturers, which will keep it operational for five years.
The private sector will probably be forced to buy the Saudi national airline at an unfair price, and will
have to assume the accumulated debt. As a result, privatization will cost many people their jobs, and it
is unclear who will then pay for the air travel of the royal family.
Statement 17, pp. 71-79, 89: An Open Message to King Fahd On the Occasion of the Latest Ministerial
Shuffle
5-3-1415 (3 August 1995)
This letter is an attempt to “pierce the veil with which [the king] has surrounded [himself] so that [he]
does not have to listen to the truth.” Osama Bin Laden hopes to break through the wall that [the king]
has built around [himself] “that stops the truth from getting to” him.
The king and his princes have deceived the people, and have tried to “absorb their anger through
marginal and deceptive reforms,” which were “nothing more than temporary sedatives for the people’s
anger.” The Advisory council was “born dead” and the recent ministerial shuffle will have minimal
impact. The king curbed the rights of the religious scholars, and desecrated the nation’s holy places
while plundering its wealth. He led the nation into an economic decline. The basis for these problems is
that the king and the regime “strayed from the requisites of monotheism and its obligations.”
Anyone who legislates human laws that are contrary to the laws of Allah is an infidel [Quranic citations
apparently follow, but these were not included in the translation]. The Saudi regime is therefore
practicing the arbitration of infidel laws, which are “positive” [can be developed and elaborated upon by
people]. Trade councils and banking laws that allow interest in transactions are one example of such
laws. A second example is the Gulf Cooperation Council, which lists as its legal basis the laws of the
council itself, the principles of international law, the world conventions, and the principles of Islamic
shari’a. Osama Bin Laden calls this mockery to the religion and contempt to the shari’a, and continues,
“You placed the scum of human positivist thoughts, the customs and traditions of the pre-Islamic
epoch, and the laws of infidel judicial associations above the shari’a.” Several Sheikhs are quoted to
establish the authenticity of this argument.
On the subject of interest, Osama Bin Laden writes that, “the one that was aware that it was forbidden
to accept interest and goes ahead and does it, he had committed one of the gravest sins, Allah protect
us; however, the one who legislates the laws that allow interest is an infidel. The bank towers
themselves rival the towers of the two holy mosques.
The true motive of the regime is to protect infidel interests. Although the regime sometimes supports
Islamic causes, it never supports these causes when they conflict with Western interests. Somalia,
Bosnia, and Palestine, “the mother of Islamic causes” are examples. He relates an incident in which
President Clinton demanded that the king meet him at the American air base, not in Riyadh, as a
humiliating example of American dominance, demonstrating that the kingdom is no more than an
American protectorate subject to American laws.
The economic situation is dire. At the beginning of the king’s reign, there was an estimated reserve of
one hundred and forty billion dollars, with average daily oil revenue amounting to one hundred million
dollars. In spite of this, the country is indebted by more than eighty percent of its national gross income,
which makes it the most indebted nation in the world [?]. Average citizens suffer from high taxes and
duties, and the rising cost of water, electricity, and food. Commodity prices are rising, and schools are
suffering from over crowdedness. Hospitals are no being properly maintained or funded, and
unemployment is rising. The government has urged people to conserve energy while the palaces are
well lit, with the air conditioning running day and night. The king has built palaces all over the country,
and in every major world capital and Western resort.
The causes of the crisis include falling oil prices, for which the king bears some responsibility as he
allowed the oil reserves to be tapped in order to prevent price spikes. The king is subordinated to
Western interests, as demonstrated by his decision to provide $25 billion to Saddam Hussein to keep
the price of oil down during the Iran-Iraq war in order to hurt Iran. The king has not attempted to find
alternate sources of income, and spent sixty billion dollars to underwrite the cost of the Gulf war. After
the war, the regime spent an additional forty billion dollars on American arms, and also purchased
Tornado aircraft from the British.
The regime borrowed from local international banks with interest, and the king has “broken every
statistical record in squandering” public funds. This puts him in a class with the Shah of Iran, Marcos of
the Philippines, Ceausescu (SP?) of Romania.
The first economic crisis of Saudi Arabia was in 1964 and 1965, due to the mismanagement of King
Sa’ud who was removed from the throne to resolve the crisis. There was a second crisis in 1986 due to
collapse of oil prices.
On judgment day, Allah will not talk to an adulterous sheikh, a lying king, or an arrogant destitute
(Hadith). The king has limited options, none of which will be politically popular. In a mocking tone,
Osama Bin Laden asks the king if he will reduce the interest, devalue the riyal, raise taxes, or sell
government properties (by which he means palace furnishings). Osama Bin Laden tells the king that his
“staying will be the cause of your extinction, and your continuing on will be the cause of your end.”
The military situation: The army has traditionally consumed one third of the national budget, which is
much more than other countries (France, for example, spends one percent). In spite of this spending,
the army is just a lot of equipment with no human resources to use it. It has been used as a source of
income by influential princes. Examples of unnecessary spending include the seventy F-15 aircraft
purchased “to support George in his election campaign after the war.” There was a deal to expand the
telephone system for the sake of Clinton, who “lost because of your support to his competitor George
Bush” (sic).
During the Gulf war the air force “did not perform anything worth mentioning” while the navy didn’t fire a
single shot. In order to prepare one brigade of armored cars, the army had to bring in technicians from
Pakistan. This demonstrates the failure of Prince Sultan as Minister of Defense.
In 1992 the citizens of the Arabian Peninsula spent more money on defense than Germany, Italy,
Egypt, Romania, Poland, Spain, Ecuador, Uruguay, Ireland, and the United States combined (sic).
Much of the money has gone to commissions and bribes, as princes seize between forty and sixty
percent of the value of every arms deal. Most of the balance of money has been spent on bases and
facilities that are too large for the national army, and were built to serve the American and Western
forces. Why are the Americans still on these bases? Is Iraq still an imminent threat? Saudi Arabia has
been delivered into “a condition of chronic military crippling in [an] effort to tolerate the Crusader and
Jewish forces that are defiling the holy places.”
The king and the defense minister are to blame, not the “members of the Army or the Guard, whose
goodness, gallantry, and bravery have been witnessed by many.” The King has always been afraid of
allowing coordination between the forces, yet coordination is essential for successful military operation.
Summary: The regime has “committed sins against Islam that negate its guardianship in the eyes of
Allah.” These sins include corruption, subordination to the infidels and their laws, and failure in the
areas of defense, economics and economics. These failures demonstrate the king’s inability to run the
nation, “even if he had not sinned against Islam.” There is a deep struggle between two ideologies: a
godly system that is whole and places all matters in the hands of Allah versus the regime itself. The
religious scholars, reformers, merchants and tribal sheikhs will all go against the regime. This will not
be considered a prohibited abandonment of the rulers because the regime lacks legitimacy: “what does
not exist legally, does not exist at all.”
Osama Bin Laden urges the king to accept responsibility and resign.
Statement 18, pp. 91-92: The Bosnia Tragedy and the Deception of the Servant of the Two Mosques
15-3-1416 (11 August 1995)
The Saudi government closed charitable organizations that delivered contributions of benefactors to
deserving recipients. These organizations have been replaced with associations that are supervised by
members of the ruling family such as Prince Sultan and Prince Salman. This revealed a scheme to
monopolize charitable contributions to prevent Islam and Muslims from reaping any benefit. It has been
used to pressure mujahideen and influence their policies. These “scandals” have become public, but
the regime ignores the growing level of awareness about this situation. The government’s involvement
is merely a show of support to “raise the value of its declining political stock.”
By way of example, money donated to the Palestinian cause (the mother of all Islamic causes) was
diverted to the “extortive Jews.” Contributions that were meant for Bosnian Muslims were shared with
Croats and Serbs. The Saudi regime sponsored a United Nations conference on Bosnia that was
designed to ensure the destruction of Bosnian Muslims by denying them the means to defend
themselves.
When individual citizens tried to intervene to help the Bosnians, the regime prohibited their travel in
response to Western pressure, and then arrested these individuals when they returned to Saudi Arabia.
The Bosnians know who their real supporters are, the “cream of youth who have slipped away from the
grasp of the ruling regime.”
The following lessons have been learned: Muslim regimes do not represent the will of their own people,
human rights and equality are dead slogans of the west when it comes to Muslim matters, the United
Nations is nothing but a tool to implement the Crusader’s plan to kill the nation of Islam, and
compliance with the United Nations constitutes conspiracy against Muslim causes.
Therefore, Muslims are urged to bypass the regime-sponsored charitable organizations and donate
directly to trusted individuals who will ensure that the money is used for Muslim causes, not against
them.
Statement 19, pp. 95-96: The Saudi Regime and the Repeated Tragedies of the Pilgrimage
8-12-1417 (16 April 1997)
Every year there are catastrophes and tragedies during that kill thousands of pilgrims. The Saudi
regime has not taken the necessary precautions to prevent these tragedies. There are insufficient
accommodations, which leads to crowdedness. The lack of security procedures, poor handling of
events, and general negligence contribute to the problem. The number of pilgrims is increasing, yet little
money is being spent on the problem. A little spending is all that’s needed.
At the same time, the regime has made a big deal about the killing of a handful of American military
personnel. “To satisfy the Americans, the regime offered the heads of a group of pure youth who are
zealous about their belief , their country, and their nation….Since when are a handful of defiled Jewish
souls and the conquering Americans more precious than thousands of guests of the most merciful and
the pilgrims of his ancient house?” Adding insult to injury, the regime has kept some of the bodies of
deceased pilgrims for autopsy materials.
Statement 20, pp. 97-98: (no title)
No date or signature
The recent arrest of scholars from Pakistan is one more example of the Saudi regime’s “deep-rooted
hate and animosity toward Islam.” These guests were performing “the rituals of pilgrimage when they
were arrested by Saudi intelligence services for the following charge: that some of them gave a fatwa in
which they said that the Americans must be forced out of the land of the two holy mosques.” These
scholars were only doing their duty in honoring their covenant pledging to show the truth to the people.
They mentioned nothing negative about the Saudi regime, which has demonstrated that it is not
satisfied with that it is doing against its own people, but is seeking to generalize these rules of
repression.
By its actions, the regime is actually strengthening the message of the scholars that have been
persecuted. The scholars and influential people that have not condemned the regime’s actions cannot
be excused, as it is an obligation to help a brother Muslim.
Statement 21, pp. 103: Supporting the Fatwa by the Afghani Religious Scholars of Ejecting the
American Forces Form the Land of the Two Holy Mosques
1-1-1419 (7 May 1998)
The united religious scholars of Afghanistan issued a fatwa that stresses the necessity of ejecting the
American forces for the Arab peninsula and the land of the holy two mosques. The fatwa contained
shari’a proofs that the entrance of these forces into this country is forbidden, and that their ejection is
absolutely necessary. The responsibility of ejecting them and declaring jihad against the occupiers
rests with the entire nation of Islam. This fatwa was originally issued eight years ago by Safar al-Hawali
and Salman al-’Awdah, who willingly paid the price for their truthfulness. The prophet’s last wish, may
Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him, was to drive the polytheists out of the peninsula, and he said
that “the big countries are the cause of problems and instability in the region, and they are the ones that
create incidents. They show up every time there is an incident under the pretense that they will improve
the situation and eliminate the danger, yet they are the biggest danger of all. How can the fox be the
shepherd for the sheep?”