#ActualMuslims Sending a Direct Message with “HEY ISIS, YOU SUCK!!!” Billboards

By Elisa Meyer --
10 Oct 2016 --

Muslims post a strong message to ISIS with billboards: “Hey ISIS, You Suck!!!”

In a latest move of showing its opposition to ISIS, the Muslim community in America has taken to billboards to make their stance clear. Several billboards have popped up across the U.S. that read, “HEY ISIS, YOU SUCK!!! From: #ActualMuslims." Muslims have been repeatedly insisting they do not support the actions of radical groups like ISIS. This sign is a simple, yet powerful message embodies all the frustration that has been building up in the community against ISIS for using Islam to shroud their evil actions.

#ActualMuslims Sending a Direct Message with “HEY ISIS, YOU SUCK!!!” Billboards[/tweetthis]

American Muslims have been the victims of steadily rising Islamophobia. ISIS, which has ruined countries like Syria and Iraq, claim they want to establish a Muslim caliphate around the world. To achieve this, the militant group has been carrying out a bloody campaign. Not only is ISIS targeting non-Muslims, but Muslims as well. The result is causing some Americans to generally believe the Quran endorses violence and all Muslims are a threat to world peace.

However, the billboards prove this misunderstanding is baseless by a simple line: “Life is Sacred.” This line is based on an interpretation of a verse from the Quran.

Tariq Malik, one of the key persons behind the campaign said, "We as a community are trying to get the word out, you know, that we are as much affected by this ISIS issue…We need to let people know that we are much against ISIS as anyone else, if not more." He added that Muslims are viewed with a lot of suspicion and the Quran is often misunderstood by non-Muslims. He believes at a time like this, Muslims must take a proactive stand against radicalism and openly declare their non-affiliation to such thoughts.

The campaign began after a group of Muslims, who have been worried about rising distrust, approached the Sound Vision Foundation with the idea. The Sound Vision Foundation is a Muslim non-profit that seeks to fight against extremist ideology and to bridge the chasm of misunderstandings between Muslims and non-Muslims. The executive director of the Foundation, Mohammed Siddiq offered financial support to help start the campaign. The billboards first materialized in Chicago, followed by Phoenix, Miami and St. Louis.

Not all muslims are terrorists, they are victims of terrorism as well. Treat them nice like anyone else. #fresheyes https://t.co/58lV9fApyd
— Gu Yuchun (@GuYuchun) October 7, 2016