There is an interesting debate as to whether or not OBL is a legitimate Muslims. I think he certainly is. I mean, his ideas are a little unorthodox (and I stress the "little") in my judgment, but overall he represents a good traditional Islamic world view. Here is some recent news regarding a video clip featuring him where he bases the entire of idea of martyrdom on the example of Muhammad. When he can do this successfully and so easily it is hard to see how you can say that OBL is not operating within the parameters of orthodox Islam:
In today's video message, Osama Bin Laden stresses the importance of martyrdom for Muslim causes, quoting Muhammad per translations by both Laura Mansfield and CNN:
"So be alert, be wise and think. What is this status that the best of mankind wished for himself? He wished to be a martyr."
"He himself said 'By Him in Whose Hands my life is! I would love to attack and be martyred, then attack again and be martyred, then attack again and be martyred.' "
"So this whole broad life is summarized by he who was inspired by God, the lord of the heavens and earth, praised and exalted is He. This glorious prophet who was inspired by God summarized this entire life by these words. He wished upon himself this status. Happy is the one who was chosen by god as a martyr. "
Osama Bin Laden quotes Muhammad based on Hadeeth Sunnah Sahih Bukhari, Book 52. Fighting for the Cause of Allah (Jihaad), specifically in Volume 4, Book 52, Number 54. Sahih Bukhari is a collection of sayings and deeds of Muhammad, also known as the sunnah. The specific reference states: "By Him in Whose Hands my life is! Were it not for some men amongst the believers who dislike to be left behind me and whom I cannot provide with means of conveyance, I would certainly never remain behind any Sariya' (army-unit) setting out in Allah's Cause. By Him in Whose Hands my life is! I would love to be martyred in Allah's Cause and then get resurrected and then get martyred, and then get resurrected again and then get martyred and then get resurrected again and then get martyred."
From Here.
