Questioner:

What is our stance on those who returned to the UK after having joined ISIS?

Shaykh Sulaymān ibn ʿAbdillah Abā al-Khayl:1

Our stance towards them depends. If they have acknowledged their grave mistake and deviance, and returned to what is right, and repented, and this is observable in their actions and behaviour, it is our duty to encourage them, monitor them and work on bringing them close. We should not leave them to the devices of those evil people, in order to prevent their falling prey to them and their landing them in evil once again.

However, if they agree with their methodology, conduct, deviance and still support these organisations, our duty with respect to them is in two parts;

The first is that we work on advising them and clarifying the truth to them, as well as clarifying to them the detrimental nature of their adopted beliefs and motivations. We clarify to them that Allāh ﷻ and His Messenger ﷺ forbids these groups and organisations, and that they will lead them into peril, or even situations with blameworthy consequences. Then, if they comply, submit and acknowledge all of that, they have received Allāh’s ﷻ favour that He gives to whomever He wills. After that, they should be monitored and observed.

The second part: if they do not comply, refuse to give up this ideology, refuse to give up this urge and misconception, and refuse to break ties with those groups and organisations, and those who are acquainted with them are sure that they have not complied, repented or quit, and that they do not intend to. It is a duty to inform the nation’s relevant authorities about them in order to counteract their evil and negate their threat. This may even be more for their own benefit than the benefit of others. Allah is The Enabler and The Guide to the straight path.

1. Minister and Dean of Imām Muḥammad ibn Saʿūd Islamic University – Riyadh, KSA