Wali al-Haqq on Ekhlaas asks the provocative question, “how do you become a member of al-Qaeda?” He answers his question with four points:

1. Understand the nature of AQ’s organization, creed, and goals

– The aspirant must recognize that there is an inevitable confrontation between true Sunnis and everyone else. A dialogue of civilizations is impossible; fighting is the only solution for the ills that confront Sunni Muslims.

2. Do what you can, trust in God, and be certain of victory

3. Be steadfast and patient, and cling to the Book and the Sunna in every matter

4. Be faithful to God and God will be faithful to you

– Despite the wishy-washy title of the final section, it’s actually the most interesting. Wali al-Haqq says that if people want to join the organization of AQ, they should join another Salafi-Jihadi group or start their own. Eventually, they will reach their goal. Granted, this doesn’t seem like the promised payoff of the title, but it dovetails with what we know about joining AQ proper.  You have to spend a long time moving in Jihadi circles before someone in AQ notices you.  If you’ve got a talent they need, then they will approach you.  They don’t do much recruiting (on this, see Clint Watt’s recent study of the foreign fighter data in Iraq).

Document: how-to-join-al-qaeda