This fatwa, or legal opinion by an Islamic scholar, was issued in October, 2001 to address the concerns of some Muslims in the military about fighting in Muslim countries. The fatwa was written by Dr. Taha Jabir Al-alawani, President of the Fiqh Council of the North America and President of the Graduate School of Islamic and Social Sciences and Sheikh Muhammad Al-Hanooti, member of the fiqh council, and was announced by the American Muslim Council.

"All Muslims ought to be united against all those who terrorize the innocents, and those who permit the killing of non-combatants without a justifiable reason.

"The Muslim soldier must perform his duty in this fight despite the feeling of uneasiness of 'fighting without discriminating.' His intention must be to fight for enjoining of the truth and defeating falsehood. It's to prevent aggression on the innocents, or to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. It's not his concern what other consequences of the fighting that might result in his personal discomfort, since he alone can neither control it nor prevent it. Furthermore, all deeds are accounted (by God) according to the intentions.

"To sum up, it's acceptable-God willing-for the Muslim American military personnel to partake in the fighting in the upcoming battles, against whomever their country decides has perpetrated terrorism against them. Keeping in mind to have the proper intention, as explained earlier, so no doubts would be cast about their loyalty to their country, or to prevent harm to befall them as might be expected. This is in accordance with the Islamic jurisprudence rules, which state that necessities dictate exceptions, as well as the rule that says one may endure a small harm to avoid a much greater harm. And God the Most High is Most Knowledgeable and Most Wise."

Source: Islamic Center of Greater Toledo