ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) and Hamas (Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya) are distinct Islamist groups with similar origins, objectives, and regional focuses. The parallels of these organizations draw on interpretations of Islam to justify their actions and ideologies, engaging in armed conflict and adopting militant tactics to achieve their goals. While Hamas primarily focuses on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and ISIS on pursuing a broader global agenda, they share a commonality in seeking to establish Islamic governance in specific regions. Additionally, both groups have demonstrated a keen understanding of the importance of media, utilizing platforms such as social media for propaganda and recruitment purposes.
It is crucial to recognize that ISIS, like other extremist groups, has been known to misuse the Quran and exploit Islam for its own political agenda. Similarly, Hamas has faced criticism for employing religious rhetoric to further its political goals. The evolving landscape of global conflict and terrorism underscores the importance of closely monitoring these organizations, as they adapt to new methods and technologies. One significant challenge is the proliferation of misinformation online, which terrorist groups exploit to spread their messages. Unfortunately, this tactic often results in a distorted portrayal of Islam and a misinterpretation of the Quran. Lessons learned from ISIS’s actions in Syria emphasize the need to remain vigilant, ensuring that such manipulation of religious principles is not occurring unnoticed in other regions. It is incumbent upon the global community to stay informed and address the nuanced complexities of these issues to counteract the potential spread of extremist ideologies.
In a report published by Al-Rai Al-Tunisi, details emerged regarding ISIS’s startling claim that the Holy Quran has been deliberately distorted by clerics to cater to what they describe as “infidelsects.” The information, originally reported by the foreign newspaper Al-Haqq, sheds light on ISIS’s purported intention to rewrite the Quran, citing a need to eliminate certain surahs and verses, including those found in “Al-Kafirun” and “Purification.”
According to the report, ISIS contends that religious scholars have exploited the Quran to benefit other faiths and sects, such as Christianity and Shiites. Their solution, as outlined in the Iraqi channel “Afaq” and reiterated by the Turkish newspaper “Adinlik Daily,” involves a comprehensive rewrite of the Holy Quran. This revision would include the deletion of specific verses, notably from Surah “Al-Kafirun” and the “Purification” verses.
The report further expounds on ISIS’s accusations against Shiites, emphasizing their claim that verse No. 33 of Surat Al-Ahzab, stating, “God only desires to remove impurity from you, O People of the House, and purify you with a thorough purification,” has been distorted. ISIS deems it necessary to amend this verse by removing certain words, aligning with their broader objective to reshape the Holy Quran.
Such a declaration by ISIS, considered one of the most brutal organizations in history, has triggered international concern. The potential rewriting of the Quran and the selective deletion of verses raise questions about the organization’s motivations and the impact such actions could have on religious communities worldwide.
As the global community grapples with this revelation, international leaders, religious figures, and organizations are expressing their apprehension and closely monitoring the situation. The reported intention of ISIS to tamper with the fundamental text of Islam has sparked discussions about the potential repercussions and the need for a collective response to safeguard religious integrity. In addition to their plan to rewrite the Holy Quran, reports indicate that ISIS considered the destruction of the statue of Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi, adding another layer of concern to an already alarming situation.
The international community needs to remain vigilant, closely following developments and
considering appropriate measures to address this reported threat to the core tenets of Islam. Islam is being manipulated as a destructive tool, and it is crucial to emphasize that neither ISIS nor Hamas represent the tenets of the religion. As conflicts unfold, it’s imperative to distinguish between the actions of these extremist groups and the beliefs of the wider Muslim community. Muslims should not be conflated with terrorists, and it is essential to condemn and isolate terrorist organizations unequivocally. Terrorism, extremism, and distorted ideologies have no place in our modern societies, and efforts to promote a clear distinction between authentic Islam and the misguided interpretations of groups like ISIS and Hamas are crucial.
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