IS activities against teachings of Islam

The activities of the so-called IS militant group, which claims to defend the sanctity of Islam, conflict with the concept of jihad according to Islamic laws.

International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Political Science and Islamic Studies lecturer Ahmad El-Muhammady said mass killing of civilians was a clear example of activities carried out by the IS, which were against Islamic teachings.

He reminded Muslims not to be easily influenced by persuasions to join the IS for jihad in Syria.

"Some have become confused by the jihad activities of IS because the group uses verses from the Quran and hadith to attract Muslims to join them," he told Bernama after delivering a ceramah titled 'Penyelewengan Makna Jihad' at a seminar, Thursday.

Ahmad said other forms of jihad manipulation by the IS included detaining and murdering foreigners such as journalists, diplomats and volunteers of humanitarian missions in Syria, as well as exploitation of women through recruitment.

He called on those who understood the IS manipulation to continue explaining to the public, in efforts to fight threats from the militant group in the country.

"Besides that, anyone with information on IS activities in the country should be bold and lodge a report with the authorities for appropriate action to be taken.

"Parents need to watch over their children because efforts to fight the IS needs to be done comprehensively. It cannot be done by the police only, it needs public involvement, as well," he said.