Famous quotes
Quotes by famous people, credited to who said them. Your own quotes must not match any of these. More are added all the time. 1,158,269 quotes Who coined it · How we decide
EnglishItalianoPolskiעבריתFrançaisPortuguêsفارسیEspañol中文РусскийDeutschالعربيةहिन्दी日本語ΕλληνικάLatina
Osama bin Laden
63 quotes
“When asked by Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz how Bin Laden would defend the fighters if Saddam used Iraqi chemical and biological weapons against them, Bin Laden replied: "We will fight him with faith.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) first seen 1990 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Meeting with Saudi Royal Family (1990). Reported in Douglas Jehl, "A Nation Challenged: Saudi Arabia; Holy War Lured Saudis as Rulers Looked Away", The New York Times (December 27, 2001)
“What I lived in two years there[Afghanistan], I could not have lived in a hundred years elsewhere”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) first seen 1993 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Interview by Robert Fisk, "Anti-Soviet warrior puts his army on the road to peace", The Independent (6 December 1993)
“It is said in the Hadith: "I swear to Allah, I wish to fight for Allah's cause and be killed." ... Being killed for Allah's cause is a great honor achieved only by those who are the elite of the nation. We love this kind of death for Allah's cause as much as you like to live. We have nothing to fear for.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) first seen 1997 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Interview conducted by Peter Arnett in Afghanistan in 1997. Transcript of Osama bin Laden [television] interview by Peter Arnett, March 1997, http://www.anusha.com/osamaint.htm. Reported in Pierre-André Taguieff, Rising…
“You left [Somalia] carrying disappointment, humiliation, defeat and your dead with you.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The Iraqi children are our children.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“More than 600,000 Iraqi children have died due to lack of food and medicine and as a result of the unjustifiable aggression (sanctions) imposed on Iraq and its nation. The children of Iraq are our children. You, the USA, together with the Saudi regime are responsible for the shedding of the blood of these innocent children. Due to all of that, what ever treaty you have with our country is now null and void.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The ruling to kill the Americans and their allies — civilians and military — is an individual duty for every Muslim who can do it in any country in which it is possible to do it, in order to liberate the al-Aqsa Mosque and the holy mosque [Mecca] from their grip, and in order for their armies to move out of all the lands of Islam, defeated and unable to threaten any Muslim.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Any effort directed against America and the Jews yields positive and direct results, Allah willing. It is far better for anyone to kill a single American soldier than to squander his efforts on other activities.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The International Islamic Front for Jihad against the U.S. and Israel has, by the grace of God, issued a crystal-clear fatwah calling on the Islamic nation to carry on jihad aimed at liberating holy sites. The nation of Muhammad has responded to this appeal. If the instigation for jihad against the Jews and the Americans in order to liberate al-Aksa Mosque and the Holy Ka'aba is considered a crime, then let history be a witness that I am a criminal. Our job is to instigate and, by the grace of God, we did that, and certain people responded to this instigation.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“What I know is that those who risked their lives to earn the pleasure of God are real men. They managed to rid the Islamic nation of disgrace. We hold them in the highest esteem.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Any thief or criminal or robber who enters another country in order to steal should expect to be exposed to murder at any time. For the American forces to expect anything from me personally reflects a very narrow perception. Thousands of millions of Muslims are angry. The Americans should expect reactions from the Muslim world that are proportionate to the injustice they inflict.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Acquiring weapons for the defense of Muslims is a religious duty. If I have indeed acquired these weapons, then I thank God for enabling me to do so. And if I seek to acquire these weapons, I am carrying out a duty. It would be a sin for Muslims not to try to possess the weapons that would prevent the infidels from inflicting harm on Muslims.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The U.S. knows that I have attacked it, by the grace of God, for more than 10 years now. The U.S. alleges that I am fully responsible for the killing of its soldiers in Somalia. God knows that we have been pleased at the killing of American soldiers. This was achieved by the grace of God and the efforts of the mujahedin from among the Somali brothers and other Arab mujahedin who had been in Afghanistan before that. America has been trying ever since to tighten its economic blockade against us and to arrest me. It has failed. This blockade does not hurt us much. We expect to be rewarded by God.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Winds of change have blown in order to lift the injustice to which the world is subjected by America and its supporters and the Jews who are collaborating with them. Look at what is happening these days in Indonesia, where Suharto, a despot who ruled for 30 years, was overthrown. The time will come, sooner rather than later, when criminal despots who betrayed God and his Prophet, and betrayed their trust and their nation, will face the same fate.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We should fully understand our religion. Fighting is a part of our religion and our Shari'a. Those who love God and his Prophet and this religion cannot deny that. Whoever denies even a minor tenet of our religion commits the gravest sin in Islam. Those who sympathize with the infidels-such as the PLO in Palestine or the so-called Palestinian Authority--have been trying for tens of years to get back some of their rights. They laid down arms and abandoned what is called violence and tried peaceful bargaining. What did the Jews give them? They did not give them even 1% of their rights.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Hostility toward America is a religious duty, and we hope to be rewarded for it by God. To call us Enemy No. 1 or 2 does not hurt us. Osama bin Laden is confident that the Islamic nation will carry out its duty. I am confident that Muslims will be able to end the legend of the so-called superpower that is America.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“As for those who condemned these operations looked at the event [9/11] in isolation and failed to connect them to past events and did not look at the causes that lead to this result. So their point of view is narrow.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) first seen 2001 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Al - Jazeera Broadcast Tape - On 9/11 and the American reaction (The date of this tape is not provided, though it seems to be 2002 or 2003, but could be as early as October 2001.)
“In today's wars, there are no morals. We believe the worst thieves in the world today and the worst terrorists are the Americans. We do not have to differentiate between military or civilian. As far as we are concerned, they are all targets.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) first seen 2001 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted in "The Most Wanted Man in the World" (16 September 2001), Time magazine profile.
“I'm fighting so I can die a martyr and go to heaven to meet God. Our fight now is against the Americans.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) first seen 2001 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Statement in al-Quds al-Arabi, as quoted in "Bin Laden: I Didn't Do It" CBS News (12 September 2001); also at Positive Atheism's "Big List of Scary Quotes
“I was not involved in the September 11 attacks in the United States nor did I have knowledge of the attacks. There exists a government within a government within the United States. The United States should try to trace the perpetrators of these attacks within itself. That secret government must be asked as to who carried out the attacks. The American system is totally in control of the Jews, whose first priority is Israel, not the United States.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) first seen 2001 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: 22 September 2001, statement of denial published by the BBC, per 2008 book The 9/11 Mystery Plane
“Neither I had any knowledge of these attacks nor I consider the killing of innocent women, children, and other humans as an appreciable act. Islam strictly forbids causing harm to innocent women, children, and other people. Such a practice is forbidden ever in the course of a battle. … It is the United States, which is perpetrating every maltreatment on women, children and common people of other faiths, particularly the followers of Islam.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) first seen 2001 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Interview with Karachi Ummat (28 September 2001).
“I have already said that we are against the Pakistani People, and after their people.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) first seen 2001 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Interview with Karachi Ummat (28 September 2001).
“Every Muslim must rise to defend his religion. The wind of faith is blowing.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) first seen 2001 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Video statement broadcast on the Arabic-language Al-Jazeera TV station. (7 October 2001).
“We had notification since the previous Thursday that the event would take place that day. We had finished our work that day and had the radio on. It was 5:30 PM our time. I was sitting with Dr. Ahmad Abu al-Khair. Immediately, we heard the news that a plane had hit the World Trade Center.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I tell you, freedom and human rights in America are doomed. The U.S. government will lead the American people in — and the West in general — into an unbearable hell and a choking life.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) first seen 2001 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Al-Jazeera interview, (21 October 2001), as reported in "Bin Laden's sole post-September 11 TV interview aired" CNN (31 January 2002).
“When people see a strong horse and a weak horse, by nature they will like the strong horse.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) first seen 2001 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Video interview, quoted in Analyzing Leaders, Presidents and Terrorists by Diane E. Holloway page 325, with NPR transcript (9 November 2001)
“We say our terror against America is blessed terror in order to put an end to suppression, in order for the United States to stop its support to Israel.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) first seen 2001 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Video statement broadcast on the Arabic-language Al-Jazeera TV station. (26 December 2001).
“If inciting people to do that is terrorism, and if killing those who kill our sons is terrorism, then let history be witness that we are terrorists.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) first seen 2001 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: On the September 11, 2001 attacks, in CNN broadcast of an interview that Al-Jazeera conducted in October 2001 (31 January 2002).
“These Jews are masters of usury and leaders in treachery. They will leave you nothing, either in this world or the next.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) first seen 2003 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted in Messages to the World (2005), by Bruce Lawrence, p. 190. Also from 53-minute audiotape that "was circulated on various websites" dated February 14, 2003. "Among a Band of Knights".
“Just like you kill us, we will kill you.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) first seen 2002 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Audiotape aired on Al-Jazeera (12 November 2002).
“You are the nation who, rather than ruling by the Shariah of Allah in its Constitution and Laws, choose to invent your own laws as you will and desire. You separate religion from your policies, contradicting the pure nature which affirms Absolute Authority to the Lord and your Creator. You flee from the embarrassing question posed to you: How is it possible for Allah the Almighty to create His creation, grant them power over all the creatures and land, grant them all the amenities of life, and then deny them that which they are most in need of: knowledge of the laws which govern their lives?”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Your law is the law of the rich and wealthy people, who hold sway in their political parties, and fund their election campaigns with their gifts. Behind them stand the Jews, who control your policies, media and economy.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We also advise you to pack your luggage and get out of our lands. We desire for your goodness, guidance, and righteousness, so do not force us to send you back as cargo in coffins.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Sixthly, we call upon you to end your support of the corrupt leaders in our countries. Do not interfere in our politics and method of education. Leave us alone, or else expect us in New York and Washington.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We also call you to deal with us and interact with us on the basis of mutual interests and benefits, rather than the policies of sub dual, theft and occupation, and not to continue your policy of supporting the Jews because this will result in more disasters for you.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“If you fail to respond to all these conditions, then prepare for fight with the Islamic Nation. The Nation of Monotheism, that puts complete trust on Allah and fears none other than Him. The Nation which is addressed by its Quran with the words: 'Do you fear them? Allah has more right that you should fear Him if you are believers. Fight against them so that Allah will punish them by your hands and disgrace them and give you victory over them and heal the breasts of believing people. And remove the anger of their [Muslims'] hearts'.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“When the Islamic party in Algeria wanted to practice democracy and they won the election, you unleashed your agents in the Algerian army onto them, and to attack them with tanks and guns, to imprison them and torture them - a new lesson from the 'American book of democracy'”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We will continue to fight you as long as we have weapons in our hands.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) first seen 2003 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Audiotape aired on Al-Jazeera (18 October 2003).
“There is no dialogue except with weapons.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) first seen 2003 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Audiotape aired on Al-Jazeera (18 October 2003).
“This war in Iraq makes millions of dollars for big corporations, either weapons manufacturers or those working in the reconstruction, such as Halliburton and its sister companies. . . It is crystal clear who benefits from igniting the fire of this war and this bloodshed: They are the merchants of war, the bloodsuckers who run the policy of the world from behind the scenes. President Bush and his ilk, the media giants, and the U.N. . . all are a fatal danger to the world, and the Zionist lobby is their most dangerous member. God willing, we will persist in fighting them. . .”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) first seen 2008 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Reported in Strategic Culture and Violent Non-state Actors: Weapons of Mass Destruction and Asymmetrical Operations Concepts and Cases by James M. Smith, Jerry Mark Long, Thomas H. Johnson, p. 33, USAF Institute for Nat…
“Every Muslim, from the moment they realize the distinction in their hearts, hates Americans, hates Jews and hates Christians. For as long as I can remember, I have felt tormented and at war, and have felt hatred and animosity for Americans.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) first seen 2005 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted in Messages to the World: The Statements of Osama bin Laden (2005) by Bruce Lawrence
“Your security is not in the hands of Kerry or Bush or al Qaeda. Your security is in your own hands. Each and every state that does not tamper with our security will have automatically assured its own security.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Contrary to Bush's claim that we hate freedom. If so, then let him explain to us why we don't strike for example - Sweden?”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“No, we fight because we are free men who don't sleep under oppression. We want to restore freedom to our nation, just as you lay waste to our nation. So shall we lay waste to yours.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“And as I looked at those demolished towers in Lebanon, it entered my mind that we should punish the oppressor in kind and that we should destroy towers in America in order that they taste some of what we tasted and so that they be deterred from killing our women and children.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“And it's no secret to you that the thinkers and perceptive ones from among the Americans warned Bush before the war and told him: "All that you want for securing America and removing the weapons of mass destruction - assuming they exist - is available to you, and the nations of the world are with you in the inspections, and it is in the interest of America that it not be thrust into an unjustified war with an unknown outcome.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“All that we have mentioned has made it easy for us to provoke and bait this administration. All that we have to do is to send two mujahidin to the furthest point east to raise a piece of cloth on which is written al-Qaida, in order to make the generals race there to cause America to suffer human, economic, and political losses without their achieving for it anything of note other than some benefits for their private companies. All Praise is due to Allah. So we are continuing this policy in bleeding America to the point of bankruptcy. Allah willing, and nothing is too great for Allah.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“No one except a dumb thief plays with the security of others and then makes himself believe he will be secure. Whereas thinking people, when disaster strikes, make it their priority to look for its causes, in order to prevent it happening again.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I am the one in charge of the 19 brothers … I was responsible for entrusting the 19 brothers … with the raids.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) first seen 2001 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: On the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, in an audiotape broadcast on Al Jazeera (23 May 2006).
“People of America: the world is following your news in regards to your invasion of Iraq, for people have recently come to know that, after several years of tragedies of this war, the vast majority of you want it stopped. Thus, you elected the Democratic Party for this purpose, but the Democrats haven't made a move worth mentioning.”
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) first seen 2007 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: New OBL Tape: Iraq, Democratic Control" ABC News (7 September 2007).