The Doctrine of al-Walla’ wal-Bara’ in the Salafi-Jihadi Perspective: Flexibility within Rigidity

Salafi-jihadi scholars typically take conservative positions on matters relating to the doctrine of al-wala’ wa’l-bara’. Often, their stances are more restrictive than those of non-militant Salafi scholars (known in the academic literature as Taqlidis). However, an analysis of their responses to questions pertaining to the doctrine of al-wala’ wa’l-bara’ indicates that, under certain circumstances, the Salafi-jihadi scholars exercise an interpretive flexibility that results in more flexible edicts. In general, it appears that in matters with political and/or public implications (such as declaring takfir on a political leader, declaring jihad against apostates, and representing an apostate ruler), the Salafi-jihadis will often express opinions that are inflexible and restrictive. When the matter at hand pertains to personal life, however, even in the case of the doctrine of al-wala’ wa’l-bara’, Salafi-jihadis often express opinions that are surprisingly flexible. The detailed explanations that appear in Salafi-jihadi responses indicate that Salafi-jihadi scholars understand the complexity faced by Muslims who live in non-Muslim societies and states and who face uncertainty as to application of the doctrine of al-wala’ wa’l-bara’ to their day-to-day lives. Accordingly, when responding to practical questions about how such Muslims may function within close personal relationships and/or work environments shared with non-Muslims, Salafi-jihadi scholars tread carefully and attempt to provide creative solutions. In so doing, they skirt the edges of doctrinal interpretation.