Muslim Organizations & Scholars Condemn ISIS - updated 9/11/14
Posted Sep 11, 2014

Muslim Organizations & Scholars Condemn ISIS

compiled by Sheila Musaji


American Muslim Organizations Condemn ISIS & Murder of Journalist James Foley

CAIR Condemns ‘Barbaric’ Killing of U.S. Journalist by Terror Group ISIS

(WASHINGTON, DC, 8/20/2014)—The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned what it called the “gruesome and barbaric” killing of American journalist James Foley by the terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), also known as the Islamic State.

ISIS released a video of the killing Tuesday. That same video showed a second man identified as American journalist Steven Sotloff and warned that he would be the next hostage killed.

In a statement, CAIR said:

“We strongly condemn this gruesome and barbaric killing as a violation of Islamic beliefs and of universally-accepted international norms mandating the protection of prisoners and journalists during conflicts.

“The Geneva Conventions, the Quran - Islam’s revealed text - and the traditions (hadith) of the Prophet Muhammad all require that prisoners not be harmed in any way. There can be no excuse or justification for such criminal and bloodthirsty actions.

“We also call on those holding Steven Sotloff and other prisoners to immediately release them unharmed so they may return to their loved ones.”

[NOTE: CAIR recommended that the video of Foley’s killing not be distributed or viewed.]

CAIR noted that in chapter 76 of the Quran, God says:

“(The truly virtuous are) they ... who give food—however great be their own want of it—to the needy, the orphan and the captive.”

One hadith quotes the Prophet Muhammad strongly condemning a military commander who, without the prophet’s knowledge, had harmed prisoners.  Another hadith has the prophet offering his own shirt to a man who gave his shirt to a prisoner of war who was captured without one.

CAIR recently reiterated its condemnation of the “un-Islamic and morally repugnant” violence and religious extremism of ISIS.


ISNA Condemns ISIS Execution of Journalist James Wright Foley:  Terrorist Group Contradicts Mainstream Teachings of Islam

(Plainfield, IN 8/20/14) Today the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) condemns the vicious execution of journalist James Wright Foley at the hands of the terrorist group that calls themselves “Islamic State of Iraq and Syria” or ISIS.

According to media reports, Foley was kidnapped at gunpoint in northern Syria on Thanksgiving Day in 2012. He had not been heard from during his time in captivity.  A graphic video was released yesterday purportedly showing Foley reciting threats against America before he is executed by an ISIS member.

“We condemn this un-Islamic behavior,” said ISNA President Imam Mohamed Magid. “ISIS actions have never been representative nor in accordance to the mainstream teachings of Islam. This act of murder cannot be justified according to the faith practiced by over 1.6 billion people.”

Over a week ago, ISNA denounced ISIS attack on religious minorities near Northern Iraq and the Kurdish region. In 2005, ISNA was also a signatory to the Fatwa Against Terrorism issued by the Fiqh Council of North America. This expert legal opinion (fatwa) clearly stated that it is forbidden to commit terrorism and violence against civilians. Those who take part in acts of terror are criminals.


ADAMS Condemns ISIS and it’s Attacks on Iraq’s Religious Minorities, Muslim Communities, and American Journalists

The All Dulles Area Muslim Society(ADAMS) Condemns the terrorist group known as Islamic State of Iraq and Sham (ISIS) for its attacks on Iraq’s religious minorities, Iraq’s various Muslim communities, and the American journalist.

ISIS actions against Christians, Yazidis, Shia Muslims, Sunni Muslims, and American journalists in Iraq violate Quranic teachings on Protecting Religious Freedom and Protection of Life.

‘Let there be no compulsion in religion’ (Quran: Surah al-Baqara 2:256)
“Whoever kills a person, unless [as punishment through due process] for murder or mischief in the land, it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved all mankind.” (Quran Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:32)

Imam Mohamed Magid, ADAMS Executive Religious Director and ISNA President said “We condemn all of this un-Islamic behavior and their actions are to be denounced. These actions are in no way representative of mainstream teachings of Islam. These acts of terrorism and murder cannot be justified according to the faith practiced by over 1.6 billion people.”

Rizwan Jaka, ADAMS Board Chairperson and ISNA Board Member spoke about Peace, Religious Freedom, and Protection of Life in the Middle East and Around the World on Fri Aug 15 at an Interfaith Prayer Service hosted by Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington at the St. John Paul II National Shrinehttp://www.adw.org/2014/08/14/cardinal-wuerl-celebrate-mass-peace/

Please see Statements on FATWA Against Terrorism and ADAMS Religious Freedom Statement:  https://www.adamscenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/FATWA_Muslims_Against_Terrorism.pdf — https://www.adamscenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/ADAMS_RELIGIOUSFREEDOM.pdf


MPAC:  ISIS Execution of American Journalist Underscores Need to Combat Extremism

(Washington, DC - 8/20/14)—The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) condemns the barbaric execution of American Journalist James Foley by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and urges all people of conscience to take a stand against extremism. Mr. Foley was a journalist who courageously covered the atrocities against the Syrian people. We offer our condolences to his family and friends.

SEE: “Militant Group Says It Killed American Journalist in Syria” (New York Times)

ALSO SEE: “MPAC Rejects ISIS’ Repugnant Crimes Against Humanity” (MPAC)

An essential measure to countering groups like the ISIS is to empower the mainstream and relegate extremists to the irrelevance they deserve. MPAC’s Declaration Against Extremism calls out the dangers of extremism and issues a clear call for action. The Declaration provides a platform to amplify voices of humanity, dignity and pluralism. It also challenges Muslims to respond to all forms of extremism through engagement, positive articulations of theology and a willingness to stand up to and push back against voices that use the garb of religious authority to further their destructive agenda.

TAKE A STAND: Sign the Declaration Against Extremism

“A major obstacle preventing the true message of Islam worldwide is extremism. In this, we are not alone. Sadly, extremists contaminate all religions,” reads the Declaration Against Extremism. “Thus, with this document, together we passionately reaffirm our opposition to extremists of all stripes, particularly all Muslim extremists who betray Islam’s true message. Furthermore, we pledge to collectively condemn and act to prevent extremism in all forms.”

Join your voice with Muslims around the world who are outraged by extremist groups that cannot be considered human and rob innocent people of their lives, human rights and free will. Share the Declaration with others who want to take a stand against extremism. We must amplify the voices of Muslims everywhere and drown out the extremist fringe.


International Condemnations of ISIS

125 Islamic scholars issue open letter to Al-Baghdadi of ISIS/ISIL http://www.lettertobaghdadi.com/

Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi said that the actions of “deviant groups” like the jihadist Islamic State were in violation of Islamic law.  Qaradawi’s International Union of Muslim Scholars described as “criminal and unlawful” an offensive led by the group’s fighters against non-Muslims in northern Iraq earlier this month.  ***


Dr. Ibrahim Negm, the Senior Advisor to the Grand Mufti of Egypt wrote a lengthy condemnation Shattering the myth of the alleged caliphate of QSIS

Syrian scholars - Official statement from the Hay’at al-Shām al-Islāmiyyah of Syrian scholars on the invalidity of ‘Caliphate’ of al-Baghdadi and ISIS

 

There have now been so many condemnations of this hateful un-Islamic organization and their actions, that we will continue to add these here:  SEE ALSO:

100 Sunni And Shiite U.K. Imams: The Islamic State Is An “Illegitimate, Vicious Group.” http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/commonwordcommonlord/2014/08/think-muslims-havent-condemned-isis-think-again.html#

2 leading Imams in Great Britain released a video denouncing ISIS: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/deaconsbench/2014/08/the-muslims-who-are-condemning-isis/

7 Questions to Ask Before Asking if Muslims Condemn Terrorism, Hind Makki http://www.patheos.com/blogs/hindtrospectives/2014/08/7-questions-to-ask-before-asking-if-muslims-condemn-terrorism/#ixzz3D13A8ikv,

7 reasons Muslims are not silent about ISIS, Sam Rocha http://www.patheos.com/blogs/samrocha/2014/08/7-reason-why-muslims-are-not-silent-about-isis/

Al Azhar statement http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Aug-13/267022-al-azhar-condemns-isis-as-corrupt-and-a-danger-to-islam.ashx#axzz3B1ymBb5P

Abdulaziz al-Sheikh, Saudi Arabia’s top scholar statement http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/08/islamic-state-our-top-enemy-saudi-mufti-2014819165435845901.html

American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) Statement on Syria Crisis http://theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/american-arab-anti-discrimination-committee-adc-statement-on-syria-crisis

American Muslim Joint Statement On Crisis In Iraq and ISIS http://theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/american-muslim-joint-statement-on-crisis-in-iraq

American Muslim Leaders: ISIS Are Not Muslims, They’re Criminals http://washington.cbslocal.com/2014/09/03/washington-area-muslim-groups-denounce-isis-call-them-criminals/

Arab League condemns ISIS and calls on formation of national unity government in Iraq https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/middle-east/12153-arab-league-condemns-isis-and-calls-on-formation-of-national-unity-government-in-iraq &  http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/08/11/U-S-weighs-options-to-evacuate-trapped-Yazidis-.html

Are Returning ISIS Fighters a Threat to the U.S.?, Rabia Chaudry http://www.patheos.com/blogs/splitthemoon/2014/09/are-returning-isis-fighters-a-threat-to-the-u-s/

Australian Muslim Organizations condemn ISIS http://muslimsaustralia.com.au/muslims-australia-afic-condemns-isis/

The black and white (and blood-red) roots of ISIS, Hasan Azad http://religiondispatches.org/the-black-and-white-and-blood-red-roots-of-isis/

British Imams and Interfaith Leaders Stand United Against Violence in Iraq http://imamsonline.com/blog/2014/09/british-imams-stand-united-against-violence-in-iraq/

CAIR Condemns ISIS Violence and Rejects Calls to Join Extremists Fighting Abroad http://www.cairmichigan.org/blog/cair_condemns_isis_violence_and_rejects_calls_to_join_extremists_fighting_abroad.html

CAIR Condemns Killing of Journalist Steven Sotloff by ‘Anti-Islamic’ Terror Group ISIS http://www.cair.com/press-center/press-releases/12637-cair-condemns-killing-of-journalist-steven-sotloff-by-terrorist-isis.html

The ‘Caliphate’ of al-Baghdadi – Announcement from Syrian Scholars http://theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/the-caliphate-of-al-baghdadi-announcement-from-syrian-scholars

Conclusive scholarly opinions condemning ISIS http://www.islam21c.com/politics/conclusive-scholarly-opinions-on-isis/

The demand that more Muslims ‘must condemn ISIS’ is racist and ridiculous, Sunny Hundal http://liberalconspiracy.org/2014/08/21/the-demand-that-more-muslims-must-condemn-isis-is-racist-and-rubbish/

Egyptian Media, American Media and the murder of James Foley, Abdallah Schleifer http://theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/egyptian-media-american-media-and-the-murder-of-james-foley/0020277

Fatwas and statements against ISIS and all other terrorist groups http://theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/muslim_voices_against_extremism_and_terrorism_part_i_fatwas

French Muslim leaders denounce ISIS brutality http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/world/2014/09/10/French-Muslim-leaders-denounce-ISIS-brutality-.html

Grand Mufti, Saudi’s Top Islamic Leader: Islamic State And Al-Qaeda Are ‘Enemy Number One Of Islam’ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/19/saudi-arabia-grand-mufti-islamic-state-enemy_n_5690701.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000051

Indonesian Muslim leaders condemn ISIS http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Peace/2014/08/02/Indonesian-Muslim-Leaders-Condemn-ISIS-The-Public-Have-to-be-Critical

The International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) condemns the forced expulsion of the Christians of Iraq http://news.yahoo.com/islamic-scholars-condemn-expulsion-iraqs-christian-brothers-120656878.html

The Islamic Community Center of Phoenix, AZ condemns ISIS http://iccpaz.com/iccp-condemns-isis/

Is ISIS the new global menace?, Dr. Abdul Cader Asmal http://theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/is-isis-the-new-global-menace/0020278

ISIS and the Taliban: Writing on the wall for Afghanistan, Eric Walberg http://theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/isis-and-the-taliban-writing-on-the-wall-for-afghanistan

ISIS Is Not Just Un-Islamic, It Is Anti-Islamic, Nihad Awad http://time.com/3273873/stop-isis-islam/

ISIS: Khilafa Rising, Rev. Frank Julian Gelli http://theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/khilafa-rising

ISNA Condemns ISIS Killing of Journalist Steven Sotloff: Terrorist Group Actions Violate the Teachings of Islam http://www.isna.net/isna-condemns-isis-killing-of-journalist-steven-sotloff.html

ISNA Denounces ISIS Attacks on Iraq’s Religious Minorities http://theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/isna-denounces-isis-attacks-on-iraqs-religious-minorities

Leading UK Muslim Sunni & Shia scholars condemn ISIS http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-28270296 & issue fatwa against ISIS http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/isis-terror-threat-leading-british-muslims-issue-fatwa-condemning-terror-group-9702042.html

Let’s Call ISIS “The Un-Islamic State”, Arsalan Iftikhar http://www.theislamicmonthly.com/lets-call-isis-the-un-islamic-state/

Lunacy in the Levant: Deconstructing the ISIS Crisis, Imam Luqman Ahmad http://theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/lunacy-in-the-levant-deconstructing-the-isis-crisis

MPAC: Preventing, Intervening and Ejecting the Ideology of Violent Extremism http://theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/preventing-intervening-and-ejecting-the-ideology-of-violent-extremism/0020283

Muslim and Christian organizations in India condemn ISIS http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-muslim-and-christian-groups-condemn-isis-as-anti-islam-2012168

Muslim community in Louisville, Kentucky speaks out against ISIS http://www.wave3.com/story/26363217/local-muslim-community-speaks-out-against-actions-of-isis

Muslim community in Oklahoma speaks out against ISIS http://islamiccouncilofoklahoma.org/oklahoma-muslims-join-global-muslims-in-condemning-isis/

Muslim community in Virginia condemns ISIS https://www.adamscenter.org/?p=264

Muslim Council of Great Britain MCB statement http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/isis-concern-british-muslim-leaders-condemn-extremist-group-9599273.html

Muslims condemn ISIS as ‘enemies of humanity’ at Michigan rally http://www.bizpacreview.com/2014/08/26/muslims-condemn-isis-as-enemies-of-humanity-at-michigan-rally-141341

Muslim intellectuals slam ISIS brutality in Iraq http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-muslim-intellectuals-slam-isis-brutality-in-iraq-2012096

Muslim Leaders Have Roundly Denounced Islamic State, But Conservative Media Won’t Tell You That http://mediamatters.org/research/2014/08/21/muslim-leaders-have-roundly-denounced-islamic-s/200498

Muslim leaders worldwide condemn ISIS http://www.globalresearch.ca/muslim-leaders-worldwide-condemn-isis/5397364

Muslim Separatists and The Idea of an “Islamic” State, Amina Wadud http://theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/muslim-separatists-and-the-idea-of-an-islamic-state/0020289

‘Muslims Condemning Things’ Tumblr Answers A Question That Should Be Obvious http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/20/muslims-condemning-things-tumblr_n_5691721.html

Muslims stand against ISIS too, Junaid Jahangir http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/junaid-jahangir/muslims-against-isis_b_5715563.html

Muslims who are condemning ISIS http://www.patheos.com/blogs/deaconsbench/2014/08/the-muslims-who-are-condemning-isis/

MyJihad, Inc. joins Muslims worldwide in condemnation of ISIS http://myjihad.org/myjihad-inc-joins-muslims-worldwide-in-condemnation-of-isis/

Of Caliphs and the Caliphate: Setting the Record Straight, Asma Afsaruddin http://theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/of_caliphs_and_the_caliphate_setting_the_record_straight

The Organization Of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) statement http://mediamatters.org/research/2014/08/21/muslim-leaders-have-roundly-denounced-islamic-s/200498

Protecting Religious Minorities & Houses of Worship a Duty for Muslims (with TAM article collection), Sheila Musaji http://theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/protecting_houses_of_worship_a_duty_for_muslims 

Rebranding the ‘Islamic State’, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf http://www.huffingtonpost.com/imam-feisal-abdul-rauf/rebranding-the-islamic-state_b_5772562.html

Shattering the myth of the alleged caliphate of QSIS,  Dr. Ibrahim Negm http://theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/shattering-the-myth-of-the-alleged-caliphate-of-qsis

South African Muslim organizations condemn actions of ISIS http://mg.co.za/article/2014-09-10-sa-muslim-bodies-condemn-actions-of-islamic-state

South African Muslims petition to reject violence in the name of Islam https://www.change.org/p/south-african-muslims-reject-violence-in-the-name-of-islam

Syrian scholars - Official statement from the Hay’at al-Shām al-Islāmiyyah of Syrian scholars on the invalidity of ‘Caliphate’ of al-Baghdadi and ISIS http://www.islam21c.com/politics/the-caliphate-of-al-baghdadi-announcement-from-syrian-scholars/

Takfirism: The Key to Understanding ISIL, Salam Al-Marayati http://theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/takfirism-the-key-to-understanding-isil/0020281

TAM collection of Muslim voices against terrorism and extremism http://theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/muslim_voices_against_extremism_and_terrorism_2/

TAM collection of Fatwas and official statements of Muslim scholars against all forms of extremism and terrorism http://theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/muslim_voices_against_extremism_and_terrorism_part_i_fatwas/0012209

Think Muslims Haven’t Condemned ISIS? Think Again, Dr. Hesham Hassaballa http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/commonwordcommonlord/2014/08/think-muslims-havent-condemned-isis-think-again.html#

Thousands of British Muslims rally to denounce ISIS http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/06/27/stunning-pictures-of-thousands-of-british-muslims-gathring-to-denounce-isis-and-hear-messages-of-peace-_n_5538169.html

Turkey’s top scholar, Mehmet Gormez http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/22/us-iraq-security-turkey-religion-idUSKBN0FR16120140722

U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO) condemns ISIS (Organizational members of USCMO include: American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA), Muslim American Society (MAS), Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA), Muslim Ummah of North America (MUNA), The Mosque Cares (Ministry of Imam W. Deen Mohammed), American Muslim Alliance (AMA).)  http://www.icna.org/us-muslim-orgs-condemn-murder-denounce-isis/

We Must Defeat the So-Called Islamic State, Hasan Zillur Rahim http://theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/we-must-defeat-the-so-called-islamic-state/0020276

What changed in the 20th/21st centuries in Muslim countries? (with TAM article collection), Sheila Musaji http://theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/wahhabi-destruction

Why Muslims hate terrorism more, Dean Obeidallah http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/08/12/why-muslims-hate-terrorism-more.html

World’s top Muslim leaders condemn attacks on Iraqi Christians http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/07/25/worlds_muslim_leaders_condemn_attacks_on_iraqi_christians/1103410