Helping the Mujahidin

Question :

An argument occurred between a group of friends and me as we intended to perform 'Umrah at the end of Ramadhan, while knowing that myself and another friend had previously performed 'Umrah a number of times. In the end this friend decided not to perform 'Umrah and to give the expenses of this 'Umrah in charity or for Jihad in the way of Allâh to the Mujahidin of Afghanistan. He said that verily this is much better than him using this money to perform 'Umrah. We hope for a beneficial answer from the eminent Shaykh. Is it better for a person to perform 'Umrah, even if he has performed 'Umrah numerous times before, or is it better for him to send the expenses of this 'Umrah to the Mujahidin of Afghanistan for Jihad in the way of Allâh?

Answer:

What is better for whoever has performed the obligation of Hajj and Umrah is to spend what would be used for the voluntary Hajj or the voluntary 'Umrah in helping the Mujahidin in the way of Allâh, like the Mujahidin of Afghanistan. This is because the legislated Islamic Jihad is better than the voluntary performance of Hajj and Umrah. This is due to the Prophet's statement when he was asked which deed was best. He said:
"Belief in Allâh and His Messenger."

It was said: "Then what?" He replied:
"Jihad in the way of Allah."

It was said: "Then what?" He replied:
"A Mabrur Hajj (i.e., a blessed and properly performed Hajj)."

This Hadith's authenticity is agreed upon. And Allâh is the Giver of success.

Source:
Ash-Shaykh Ibn Baz
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 4 Pages 318-319