On April 29, 2026, Egyptian pro-Al-Qaeda hardline cleric Hani Al-Siba’i, who is based in London, shared on his Telegram channel “Nahr Ad Da’wah” audio excerpts of a Salafi jihadi sermon titled “Advice to Mujahideen,” by the Jordan-based pro-Al-Qaeda ideologue Abu Muhammad Al-Maqdisi. The London cleric noted that the advice applies today to Al-Qaeda adherents in Mali following purported advances of the organization’s branch in the Sahel.[1]
In his 2016 letter to the mujahideen in Syria, Al‑Maqdisi called on Muslims to join the ranks of jihadis who pursue the establishment of a shari’a-ordained system of government. He advised jihadis to center on a set of principles he considers fundamental, foremost among them championing the oneness of Allah (Monotheism) and sacrificing one’s life for this cause.
He also prioritized the unification of ranks and avoiding division, and emphasized the importance of sincerity of intent, framing actions as driven by religious motives rather than organizational or worldly interests. His guidance also stresses adherence to what is presented as defined religious constraints and a particular methodological approach, alongside warnings against intellectual or behavioral deviations that may arise within groups.
Arguing that Al-Maqdisi’s advice still stands, Al-Siba’i wrote: “This is a valuable and significant longstanding guidance from Sheikh Abu Muhammad al-Maqdisi, originally sent to his mujahideen brethren in Syria, urging them to help grow the ranks of the supporters of shari’a and monotheism. This counsel is not exclusive to the Syrian arena. Rather, it applies universally to all mujahideen across various theaters of operation.”
Al-Siba’i further asserted that today, these guidelines apply to the mujahideen of Al-Qaeda’s affiliate in Mali and the African Sahel region, The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), following what he framed as “monumental victories” and “magnificent conquests” the group has achieved, following the April 25 large-scale military campaign waged by GSIM and the Tuareg separatist group, the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), against Malian troops and Russian Africa Corps ally across large swathes of Mali.[2]
Citing Al-Maqdisi’s words, he concluded: “Strengthen the ranks of the supporters of shari’a and monotheism; stand firm within their ranks and never abandon them; treat as enemies those who show them enmity; and grant victory to those who support them.”
It is notable that statements of this kind are typically circulated during or after periods of perceived success to strengthen morale, attract new adherents, and reinforce ideological commitment.