One of Egypt’s most influential Muslim cleric has officially denounced the ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria), also known as ISIL as a great threat to the Islamic faith. The statement was given by Grand Mufti Shawqi Allam, who was considered not only Egypt’s but also North Africa’s highest religious authority.
Allam said that the ISIS poses a danger to Islamic faith and Muslims. "An extremist and bloody group such as this poses a danger to Islam and Muslims, tarnishing its image as well as shedding blood and spreading corruption," said Allam. Rueters noted that Allam is extremely influential and his faith reflects the teachings of Al Azhar one of the oldest seats of Muslim learning.
The ISIS or ISIL was first formed in 2013 as a shoot off from al-Qaeda. BBC noted that although the militant group was disavowed by al-Qaeda, these militants are now one of the largest organizations that are fighting against government forces in the Iraq and Syria region, as well as against the Western world.
The Islamic State is gaining global attention after committing atrocities such as massacring Iraqi Christians, other religious and ethnic minorities and even Iraqi Muslims. They have already occupied a considerable amount of territory along with a number of towns and pose a great threat to the Iraq government. Many American leaders, both Republican and Democrat expressed that the Islamic State even poses a direct threat to the United States.
Egypt is now the second Muslim country to denounce the ISIS as a threat to the rest of the Muslim community. Only a few days ago, Indonesia which has the world’s largest Islamic population has declared any form of support that is provided or expressed toward the ISIS as illegal. The policy was made in an attempt to deter the ISIS’ attempts to recruit foreign members.
