Recently a respected Imaam in our city joined the rebels in Libya and during the fighting he was martyred.

Answer

The conflagration in Libya is not a valid Shar'i Jihad. The rebels who have now installed themselves as the government with the aid of the West are not contemplating the establishment of Islamic law. However, so far, the new rulers appear to be the lesser evil. Ghadafi was not a Muslim. He was an avowed enemy of the Deen. His removal has opened the door for those who wish to practise the Shariah. The people of the Deen should now take maximum advantage of the freedom of religion to implement programmes of the Deen for Deeni ta'leem and moral reformation which were forbidden during the tyrannical reign of Ghadafi. It is not possible for people of the Deen to unite with the secularists in a kuffaar system of government. The new rulers are merely substituting one system of kufr with another system of kufr. Those who have fought against Ghadafi for the sake of establishing a western system of kufr government come within the purview of the Hadith: "The killer and the killed will be in the Fire."

As for the Imaam, may Allah Ta'ala grant him the lofty mansions of the Shuhada. Since his intention was sincere, it is hoped that he has gained shahaadat. And Allah knows best.

In view of the scenario being so murky, there being no clear direction, dua should be in general for those whose intention is to serve Allah Ta'ala. Dua should also be made for the guidance of all the Muslims who are embroiled in the anarchy and internecine killing and destruction which are benefiting the enemies of Islam and of the Ummah.