Muslim Leaders Condemn ISIS, Call them “Crazy Criminals”

By Kyle Glatz --
29 Aug 2014 --

photo: JOSEPH EID/AFP/GettyImages

Leaders in the Middle East and other Muslim communities around the globe have been distancing themselves from ISIS and recent terrorism.

ISIS has been gaining a great deal of ground in Iraq and Syria. They have taken villages and even cut some cities off from food and external support. Contrary to many news reports, many leaders of Middle Eastern Nations and leaders with Muslim communities do not support ISIS. In fact, many nations that recognize Islam as their primary religion have come out and actively condemned ISIS’ motivations and actions.

A Media Black Out

A great problem that is facing the Muslim communities who have condemned the attacks is that they are not receiving any air time. This has led to the belief that the nations that are neighboring the countries that are facing threats from the ISIS are advocating or simply ignoring the issues. This is not the case, though, as many people in high positions are doing their best to condemn this violent incarnation of Islam.

Egypt’s Message

One of the most revered Islam authorities in the nation of Egypt has come forward to say that the actions engaged in by the ISIS are not representative of the faith. Moreover, the Dar el-Ifta has said that calling themselves an Islamic State is an affront to the ideals set forth by the religion. Shawki Allam, The Grand Mufti of Egypt, has also come forth to say that the ISIS violates several principles of Islam, and encouraged Muslims to distance themselves from the actions that they have engaged in.

The greatest message that has been put forth by both groups is that these groups are doing a great deal of harm to Islam by convincing people to engage in bloody battles over spiritual differences. The new president of Egypt, El-Sissi, has vowed to do more to promote a more moderate form of Islam.

The United States

The United States has begun to engage in limited warfare with the ISIS; going so far as to drop bombs and strike supply lines. However, many people are not hearing the other form of denunciation that is occurring in this nation. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a civil rights advocate for Muslims, has spoken out about the dangers that the ISIS poses for Islam.

They have expressed particular disgust for the continued and killings of individuals within the warzones, especially the prisoners. They stand with many other Muslims that are looking to tell the world that they do not approve of the actions and conduct and that they do not represent Islam as a religion.

On Monday, Muslim leaders from the Michigan Muslim Community Council spoke from the steps of Dearborn City Hall condemning ISIS. Imam Mohammed Elahi of the Islamic House of Wisdom went so far as to call ISIS and its members, “crazy criminals who are abusing our religion.” Commenting on the recent beheading of journalist James Foley, Imam Mustapha Elturk called the terrorists’ actions “a clear violation of the holy Quran and the teachings of Prophet Mohammed.”