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On December 5, 2023, Saif Al-Ansar (The Sword Of Supporters), a pro-Al-Qaeda Telegram bot, shared a post indicating that the organization's branch in Yemen--Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)-- is in need of financial support.[1]
Titled, "A Campaign To Support Sharia With Money," the post cited several Quranic verses highlighting the significance of donations in support of jihad and for those who join its ranks.
The post urged those who cannot preform the Islamic obligation of fighting against infidels to instead make donations to the group, suggesting that such an act is considered jihad as well.
The post, which did not provide information on how to send donations, suggested some options for donors to consider, such as sponsoring widows and families of jihadis.
'Support Families Of Mujahideen Who Left Their Families'
The post suggested that the donations can be used to support the families of mujahideen who opted to leave their families to serve Allah's call for jihad.
"O mujahid with your money, this is your time to bring joy to mujahideen who will be relieved to know that their children are taken care of. For they [i.e., mujahideen] have confined themselves to supporting the shari'a and establishing the religion."
It further claimed that "a portion of this money will be spent on the poor [fighters] who have emigrated for the sake of Allah and were forced to leave behind their businesses and children."
What Are Donors' Options?
Addressing those who have personal reasons that prevent them from joining a physical jihad, the post instructed them to use their money in service of jihad, suggesting that they do so by:
"Sponsoring the family of a mujahid, sponsoring the widow of a martyr, assistant to a mujahid, bailing a prisoner, and sponsoring a prisoner's family.
Appeal To The People Of Yemen
Underlining that the fundraising campaign is targeting the people of Yemen, the post said:
"Oh, the heroes of Yemen, its honorable people and men: How can you live comfortably while the mujahideen live in the toughest conditions?! How do you enjoy living with your children when you see the children of the mujahideen are in distress due to the siege of their fathers?! How can you live with the guilt of abandoning the fight for the sake of Allah and the guilt of abandoning jihad with money? There is no excuse for anyone today."
[1] Telegram, December 5, 2023.
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