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Refuting ISIS: A Rebuttal Of Its Religious And Ideological Foundations
The Islamic State in Syria and Iraq (ISIS) constitutes the most serious threat Islam has ever faced. To justify its horrible crimes and appeal to Muslims around the world, ISIS has based its ideology on a superficial and literalist approach to the Sacred Texts of Islam - the Holy Qur'an and the Prophetic Tradition. ISIS manipulates religion to brainwash angry young Muslims, who have little knowledge of Islamic theology and jurisprudence. Therefore, the Muslim scholars are obliged to respond with a counter-narrative that elucidates the reality of Islam and its commitment to tolerance. There exists a plethora of proofs that demonstrates ISIS’ actions do not represent Sunni Islam and its claims are based on clear fallacies. The author, Shaykh Muhammad Al-Yaqoubi, a renowned scholar and one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world today, presents in this invaluable book a thorough refutation of ISIS’ beliefs and crimes. Providing authentic quotes that destroy the allegations of ISIS, Shaykh Al-Yaqoubi reaches the conclusion that this group does not represent Islam, its declaration of a caliphate is invalid, and fighting it is an obligation upon Muslims.
90 pages, Paperback
First published August 25, 2015
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December 22, 2015
“Islam is truly a religion of mercy, wisdom, justice, tolerance and peace. Muslims have been known throughout history for observing covenants, even when the covenants harmed them, and that was one of the most significant reasons for the spread of Islam.” (29)
All but one Surah in the Qur’an begins with the Basmala, translated “In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.” In a Hadith Qudsi (statement of God direct through the Prophet Muhammad), it is said by God that “My mercy prevails over my wrath.” Mercy and compassion are at the very foundation of Islam, theologically , metaphysically and legally despite differences that Muslims and non-Muslims will have with the details of legal opinions. It shouldn’t have to be stated that the core of any religion should be concern and love for fellow creatures and humanity as emanating from the source of it all. If your religion doesn’t make you a better person in relation to how others are treated, then you’d better figure out where the distortion arises. This is the most basic of common sense and human decency to most people.
The previous is an underlying theme that runs through this fatwa issued by the Syrian Shaykh Yaqoubi who admittedly states as his target three groups: 1. Fighters inside Syria 2. Those outside the country susceptible to recruitment and 3. The media and academics who are looking for concrete Islamic legal precedent in refuting groups like ISIS. It’s a short book, and some of the main themes are the legal obligations that Muslims have when in non-Muslim environments, the lack of legal foundation for forced conversion to Islam, the abolition of slavery in Islam, and most importantly the overriding legal sanctity for human life.
It’s certainly not a book for everyone, as a fatwa is of course primarily targeted to an audience within the faith. Yet it’s a strong answer to those who find something fundamentally wrong with Islam itself rather than seeing groups like ISIS as the deviants who take advantage of ignorance in religious knowledge to further their own ambitions. Perhaps most importantly, it can serve as a counter-narrative to disaffected Muslim youth who live in a world of culture and religion, and are prone to disguise their underlying grievances (knowingly or unknowingly) in the language of religion.
All but one Surah in the Qur’an begins with the Basmala, translated “In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.” In a Hadith Qudsi (statement of God direct through the Prophet Muhammad), it is said by God that “My mercy prevails over my wrath.” Mercy and compassion are at the very foundation of Islam, theologically , metaphysically and legally despite differences that Muslims and non-Muslims will have with the details of legal opinions. It shouldn’t have to be stated that the core of any religion should be concern and love for fellow creatures and humanity as emanating from the source of it all. If your religion doesn’t make you a better person in relation to how others are treated, then you’d better figure out where the distortion arises. This is the most basic of common sense and human decency to most people.
The previous is an underlying theme that runs through this fatwa issued by the Syrian Shaykh Yaqoubi who admittedly states as his target three groups: 1. Fighters inside Syria 2. Those outside the country susceptible to recruitment and 3. The media and academics who are looking for concrete Islamic legal precedent in refuting groups like ISIS. It’s a short book, and some of the main themes are the legal obligations that Muslims have when in non-Muslim environments, the lack of legal foundation for forced conversion to Islam, the abolition of slavery in Islam, and most importantly the overriding legal sanctity for human life.
It’s certainly not a book for everyone, as a fatwa is of course primarily targeted to an audience within the faith. Yet it’s a strong answer to those who find something fundamentally wrong with Islam itself rather than seeing groups like ISIS as the deviants who take advantage of ignorance in religious knowledge to further their own ambitions. Perhaps most importantly, it can serve as a counter-narrative to disaffected Muslim youth who live in a world of culture and religion, and are prone to disguise their underlying grievances (knowingly or unknowingly) in the language of religion.
September 6, 2015
As far as I am aware, this is the first response in the English language by a traditionally trained Islamic scholar of established standing and repute addressing the cancerous menace that threatens Muslims firstly, and then humanity at large. From what it seems this was an original Fatwa penned in the Arabic language (for the Syrians primarily reflecting ground realities and Arabs at large) which the author himself has then translated into English, so that it is widely available for a larger audience - especially the Western world including journalists, politicians and academics - as well as the lay readers. The author has deliberately kept the text short (under 100 pages) and the language simple as to make it very readable for young adults, who are more likely potentially to be swayed by ISIS propagandists. As such, the text summarises well the core issues keeping the discussion succinct and to the point (thus, naturally skimping on much depth and detail) - making it an essential read that suffices to better understand the current climate, the real Shari'ah response. Non-Muslims should read this work in order to better understand and allay their fears and contextualise things more correctly. Muslims should read this work as to be absolutely clear that this menace is farthest removed from Islam and why? and also, what is the correct Shari'ah response to such aberrations - for those caught in the midsts of it all and those at the peripheries.
October 4, 2016
*The following constitutes of both a review and a collation of some notes that I made on this text so that I can easily reference them in the future if need be*
I used to say that the Assad regime is my enemy just as much as ISIS, that they kill civilians far more than ISIS does and that the world is getting it wrong by focusing just on ISIS. While the above may be true, this book revealed to me why, as a Muslim, it is particularly important to stand firm and loud in my condemnation of this aberrant group, and why they even may be a priority to defeat. It is precisely because they use the name of Islam and tarnish it that they should be prioritised, and in fighting them "the core of Islam is preserved."
The best part of this book is that it is written by a renown scholar, and thus holds a lot of credence amongst the Muslim community and others. The refutations provided by the shaykh are clearcut, academic yet very readable. He has kept the book concise for the sake of brevity; the second edition is twice the size of the first yet still falls at around 100 pages (the second edition contains a lot more information, so do try to get a hold of it if you can). Shaykh al-Yaqoubi dissects ISIS' rhetoric as a scholar would, and because of this, I learned a lot from this book.
The author writes in the beginning to whom this book is addressed:
1) Muslim youth who have been influenced by ISIS propaganda
2) Ordinary Muslims who are against ISIS but who are seeking answers to new theological and legal challenges brought about by ISIS
3) New ISIS recruits in the hope that they will defect
4) FSA fighters who might be reticent about fighting ISIS members because they class them as Muslims
5) The Western audience, so that they can have a credible source of refutation from within the Muslim community
This pretty much leaves no group unaccounted for, and thus I wholeheartedly recommend it to all my contacts.
Many of the arguments presented by the author I knew and believed in, yet I perhaps did not know exactly [i]why[/i]. For example, I knew that slavery in this contemporary day and age is forbidden in Islam, that the ulema [Islamic scholars] are unanimously opposed to it, yet I could not defend this position if one were to previously challenge me about it. The shaykh explains lucidly how the leaders of the Muslim world entered into a covenant with the rest of the word that banned slavery, and that Muslims worldwide have a duty to uphold it. He goes on to further say that Islam never encouraged slavery, only facilitated it [for combattants only] so that slaves could not be abused in a world where slavery was widespread, and that the Prophet (sAaws) always encouraged treaties that promoted the welfare of people, regardless of who proposed them. This is one example of many things that I learned as a result of reading this book.
To give another example, the Shaykh further exposes ISIS in their misinterpretation of this Qur'anic verse: << And if any do fail to judge by what God hath revealed, they are unbelievers >> (5:44), revealing their ignorance and how they are misplaced to comment on anything relating to Islamic rulings. The Shaykh explains how this was revealed by God about a specific circumstance and is not even in reference to Muslims. Yet ISIS supporters ignorantly use it to excommunicate all Muslim rulers who do not govern with the shari'ah.
Some other main points drawn in the book are the following:
- Why ISIS are the modern-day khawarij, and whether they can be classified as Muslims or not
- How ISIS goes against Islam's teachings in a plethora of ways, from their treatment of prisoners and minorities, their barbaric practices that include torturing and burning people alive, and their excommunication of most Muslims, an act that the author quotes as being bid'ah (a religious innovation).
- The principles of governing under shari'a, and when it cannot be implemented (in non-Islamic lands, when travelling for military expeditions, in times of widespread ignorance, if there is doubt, if the application will cause major harms and during the absence of a proper authority).
- How the Prophet and the Companions' dealings with non-Muslim communities were always dignified and respectful
- Exposing ISIS' binary-thinking with their own words
There is much more that is presented by the Shaykh and I would continue writing about them if not for fear that the length of this review might turn people away from reading it! To summarise, ISIS is a Muslim problem and needs to be targeted from within.
The Shaykh has used his own money to distribute copies of this where it is needed most: in Syria and in Turkey, and so, if you can, please support the author by purchasing his book so that he can continue his good work.
I used to say that the Assad regime is my enemy just as much as ISIS, that they kill civilians far more than ISIS does and that the world is getting it wrong by focusing just on ISIS. While the above may be true, this book revealed to me why, as a Muslim, it is particularly important to stand firm and loud in my condemnation of this aberrant group, and why they even may be a priority to defeat. It is precisely because they use the name of Islam and tarnish it that they should be prioritised, and in fighting them "the core of Islam is preserved."
The best part of this book is that it is written by a renown scholar, and thus holds a lot of credence amongst the Muslim community and others. The refutations provided by the shaykh are clearcut, academic yet very readable. He has kept the book concise for the sake of brevity; the second edition is twice the size of the first yet still falls at around 100 pages (the second edition contains a lot more information, so do try to get a hold of it if you can). Shaykh al-Yaqoubi dissects ISIS' rhetoric as a scholar would, and because of this, I learned a lot from this book.
The author writes in the beginning to whom this book is addressed:
1) Muslim youth who have been influenced by ISIS propaganda
2) Ordinary Muslims who are against ISIS but who are seeking answers to new theological and legal challenges brought about by ISIS
3) New ISIS recruits in the hope that they will defect
4) FSA fighters who might be reticent about fighting ISIS members because they class them as Muslims
5) The Western audience, so that they can have a credible source of refutation from within the Muslim community
This pretty much leaves no group unaccounted for, and thus I wholeheartedly recommend it to all my contacts.
Many of the arguments presented by the author I knew and believed in, yet I perhaps did not know exactly [i]why[/i]. For example, I knew that slavery in this contemporary day and age is forbidden in Islam, that the ulema [Islamic scholars] are unanimously opposed to it, yet I could not defend this position if one were to previously challenge me about it. The shaykh explains lucidly how the leaders of the Muslim world entered into a covenant with the rest of the word that banned slavery, and that Muslims worldwide have a duty to uphold it. He goes on to further say that Islam never encouraged slavery, only facilitated it [for combattants only] so that slaves could not be abused in a world where slavery was widespread, and that the Prophet (sAaws) always encouraged treaties that promoted the welfare of people, regardless of who proposed them. This is one example of many things that I learned as a result of reading this book.
To give another example, the Shaykh further exposes ISIS in their misinterpretation of this Qur'anic verse: << And if any do fail to judge by what God hath revealed, they are unbelievers >> (5:44), revealing their ignorance and how they are misplaced to comment on anything relating to Islamic rulings. The Shaykh explains how this was revealed by God about a specific circumstance and is not even in reference to Muslims. Yet ISIS supporters ignorantly use it to excommunicate all Muslim rulers who do not govern with the shari'ah.
Some other main points drawn in the book are the following:
- Why ISIS are the modern-day khawarij, and whether they can be classified as Muslims or not
- How ISIS goes against Islam's teachings in a plethora of ways, from their treatment of prisoners and minorities, their barbaric practices that include torturing and burning people alive, and their excommunication of most Muslims, an act that the author quotes as being bid'ah (a religious innovation).
- The principles of governing under shari'a, and when it cannot be implemented (in non-Islamic lands, when travelling for military expeditions, in times of widespread ignorance, if there is doubt, if the application will cause major harms and during the absence of a proper authority).
- How the Prophet and the Companions' dealings with non-Muslim communities were always dignified and respectful
- Exposing ISIS' binary-thinking with their own words
There is much more that is presented by the Shaykh and I would continue writing about them if not for fear that the length of this review might turn people away from reading it! To summarise, ISIS is a Muslim problem and needs to be targeted from within.
The Shaykh has used his own money to distribute copies of this where it is needed most: in Syria and in Turkey, and so, if you can, please support the author by purchasing his book so that he can continue his good work.
April 10, 2016
This is an authoritative fatwa from a man who knows the ins and outs of Shari'a - which is more nuanced than the average lay Muslim or non-Muslim may think - to the extent where anyone with even an inkling of support for ISIS after reading it will be a complete idiot who is beyond saving. Far from being a "moderate" response issued to placate Islamophobes, it attacks ISIS at the heart of what they claim is so important to them: their beliefs. By demonstrating the flexibility of Shari'a vs. their own rigidity and lack of understanding of the sources they claim to take their beliefs from, Shaykh Ya'qoubi knocks the extremists out cold. While the Syrian conflict can at times be complex, one thing is clear: ISIS has no Islamic validity and should not be given any. They will pass away just like the Khawarij before them, inshallah.
September 17, 2019
1.In this book, the author tries to refute ISIS using Islamic laws( Mainly Quran, Hadith ) and their interpretations from authentic scholars.
2.He classifies ISIS terrorists as 'Khawarij'
3. The author argues that it is their religious duty for Muslims to fight ISIS and their ideology.
4.Though some of the arguments presented in this book was less convincing for me (a non-believer), I think this book will create an impact among believers.Hence I consider this as an important to step to fight ISIS and similar terrorist outfits.
2.He classifies ISIS terrorists as 'Khawarij'
3. The author argues that it is their religious duty for Muslims to fight ISIS and their ideology.
4.Though some of the arguments presented in this book was less convincing for me (a non-believer), I think this book will create an impact among believers.Hence I consider this as an important to step to fight ISIS and similar terrorist outfits.
September 19, 2019
A concise clear refutation of Jihadism.
July 16, 2024
Reviewed by Mansur Ali
This is an easy to read book written in clear English prose. Shaykh Muhammad Yaqoubi’s methodology is to present a scholarly robust and yet simple rebuttal of the ISIS methodology without resorting to academic pedantry. Unlike similar books on the abstract subject of terrorism, this book is written by keeping in mind those people whose encounter with ISIS is not a distant news report but their bitter ground reality. The book is to appeal to five types of audiences: (1) the vulnerable Muslim youth who sees in the ISIS propaganda a religiously sanctioned outlet for his machismo; (2) The ISIS neophyte who is in dire need of weaning out of his terrible liminality by demonstrating that the ISIS ‘gangster’ methodology has no place in Islam; (3) the average Muslim who is perplexed by some of the theological and legal challenges brought about as a result of the emergence of ISIS; (4) fighters of the Free Syrian Army (FSA), to pacify their conscience that not only is it Islamically legitimate to fight ISIS but it’s a religious obligation for those in the region to do so; finally (5) to silence the annoyingly clanging crescendo of Western politicians and critics that Muslim scholars are not speaking out against ISIS. One only needs to enter the search criterion ‘Muslim scholars condemn ISIS’ in to Google search to see how far from the truth their contention is.
The crux of the book, which really is a fatwa is simple: ISIS is a modern mutation of the terrorist group which emerged in the formative period of Islam known as the Khawarij. There are differences of opinion regarding the Islam of the Khawarij, however the author opts for the opinion that they are not Muslims ( ch. 2, 5); therefore deems it impermissible to pledge allegiance to ISIS’ self-appointed pseudo-caliph al-Baghdadi (ch. 8). The fatwa, then, is not dissimilar to the fatwa issued by Shaykh Tahirul Qadri previously on extremism and suicide bombing.1 The implications of the fatwa is far reaching for the FSA. Not only are they allowed to fight ISIS without the niggling fear of raising arms against fellow Muslims, but if they die in the process they will be graced with the lofty rank of martyrdom (ch. 6, 7). A logical corollary of this is that in order to bring back peace in the region, it is permissible to accept the helpful hand extended by non-Muslim governments against ISIS (ch. 9). This is argued by resorting to well-established Prophetic precedence like the pact of the virtuous (hilf al-fudul) as well as more contemporary fatawa like that of Shaykh Bin Baz, the highest Saudi religious authority in his time. The author further adds two helpful chapters, which although not directly related to the issue at hand, are beneficial nevertheless: chapter 10, legal rulings regarding Muslims in Western countries and chapter 11, legal rulings regarding non-Muslims in Muslim countries.
One may argue that the author is pandering to the sensibilities of Western governments in his critique of ISIS. This is far from the truth. Where the book on the one hand is a refutation of ISIS, on the other hand, it is a plea to the international community to look into the causes of violent extremism and to address those conditions which function as fertile grounds for the grooming of terrorists. Unlike the British government’s official narrative of the cause of violent extremism (the conveyor belt theory), the author is nuanced in his examination of these causes. Sustained academic research has revealed that radical extremism leading to terrorism is a construct which culminates in a vicious regress of action and reaction from government and terrorists (Kundnani 2015). Shaykh Yaqoubi’s razor sharp analysis of these causes of terrorism confirms this body of academic literature. In his conclusion, the author identifies four conditions which function as fodder for violent extremism. These conditions should not be construed as a justification of terrorism, but an explanation of why it happens. The first is that the Iraqi government must recognise that alongside the Shia community, Sunnis also reside in Iraq. They must be given their rights in order to flourish as good citizens. Secondly, Bashar Assad must cede authority and stop bloodshed with immediate effect and let the Syrian people decide how they should be ruled. Third, the oppression of Muslim minorities must stop, such as in the case of Muslims in Myanmar. And finally The West must be more responsible and sensible and must not use its powers to disrespect the values and cultures of those who are less militarily and technologically superior to them. They must not hurt deeply-held beliefs of others just because they can. A cursory glance at these four causes reveal that all of them are related to genuine political grievances. These grievances are garbed in the rhetoric of religion which not only gives terrorists the permission to negotiate in the only language they know: violence, but it gives them the blessings from heaven. The author argues that addressing these conditions will go a long way in pruning the growth of violent extremism.
For this reviewer, the original contribution and the most interesting part of the book is its first chapter: ‘In the words of ISIS’. In this chapter, the author is quoting, evaluating and critiquing quotations taken directly from ISIS literature. The media bias against Muslims has created a deep suspicion amongst Muslims regarding anything which the media reports about Islam. This has led many Muslims to take a non-committed position regarding the atrocities of ISIS as they are reported in the media. Shaykh Yaqoubi’s critical interrogation of ISIS literature, his political activism and intimate knowledge of the conditions in the Levant coupled with his deep understanding of the Islamic scholarly tradition should leave no doubts in the minds of Muslims that the way of ISIS is not the way of Islam.
Further reading:
Abu Aaliyah Surkheel Sharif (2015), Khawarij Ideology, ISIS Savagery, in The Humble ‘I’, http://thehumblei.com/2015/08/23/khaw...
Arun Kundnani (2015), A Decade Lost: Rethinking Radicalization and Extremism (London: Claystone) http://www.claystone.org.uk/wp-conten...
Muhammad Afifi al-Akiti (2005), Defending the Transgressed: Mudafi' al-Mazlum: Fatwa Against the Targeting of Civilians, in http://www.livingislam.org/maa/dcmm_e...
Sherman Jackson, Al-Gama’ah Al-Islamiyah (2015), Initiative to Stop the Violence: Sadat’s Assassins and the Renunciation of Political Violence, (New Haven and London: Yale University Press).
Yasir Qadhi, Daniel Haqiqatjou (2015), What Is “Islamic”? A Muslim Response to ISIS and The Atlantic, in http://muslimmatters.org/2015/02/23/w...
Notes:
1. 1. For my review of Shaykh Tahirul Qadri’s fatwa see: http://mansys.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/...
This is an easy to read book written in clear English prose. Shaykh Muhammad Yaqoubi’s methodology is to present a scholarly robust and yet simple rebuttal of the ISIS methodology without resorting to academic pedantry. Unlike similar books on the abstract subject of terrorism, this book is written by keeping in mind those people whose encounter with ISIS is not a distant news report but their bitter ground reality. The book is to appeal to five types of audiences: (1) the vulnerable Muslim youth who sees in the ISIS propaganda a religiously sanctioned outlet for his machismo; (2) The ISIS neophyte who is in dire need of weaning out of his terrible liminality by demonstrating that the ISIS ‘gangster’ methodology has no place in Islam; (3) the average Muslim who is perplexed by some of the theological and legal challenges brought about as a result of the emergence of ISIS; (4) fighters of the Free Syrian Army (FSA), to pacify their conscience that not only is it Islamically legitimate to fight ISIS but it’s a religious obligation for those in the region to do so; finally (5) to silence the annoyingly clanging crescendo of Western politicians and critics that Muslim scholars are not speaking out against ISIS. One only needs to enter the search criterion ‘Muslim scholars condemn ISIS’ in to Google search to see how far from the truth their contention is.
The crux of the book, which really is a fatwa is simple: ISIS is a modern mutation of the terrorist group which emerged in the formative period of Islam known as the Khawarij. There are differences of opinion regarding the Islam of the Khawarij, however the author opts for the opinion that they are not Muslims ( ch. 2, 5); therefore deems it impermissible to pledge allegiance to ISIS’ self-appointed pseudo-caliph al-Baghdadi (ch. 8). The fatwa, then, is not dissimilar to the fatwa issued by Shaykh Tahirul Qadri previously on extremism and suicide bombing.1 The implications of the fatwa is far reaching for the FSA. Not only are they allowed to fight ISIS without the niggling fear of raising arms against fellow Muslims, but if they die in the process they will be graced with the lofty rank of martyrdom (ch. 6, 7). A logical corollary of this is that in order to bring back peace in the region, it is permissible to accept the helpful hand extended by non-Muslim governments against ISIS (ch. 9). This is argued by resorting to well-established Prophetic precedence like the pact of the virtuous (hilf al-fudul) as well as more contemporary fatawa like that of Shaykh Bin Baz, the highest Saudi religious authority in his time. The author further adds two helpful chapters, which although not directly related to the issue at hand, are beneficial nevertheless: chapter 10, legal rulings regarding Muslims in Western countries and chapter 11, legal rulings regarding non-Muslims in Muslim countries.
One may argue that the author is pandering to the sensibilities of Western governments in his critique of ISIS. This is far from the truth. Where the book on the one hand is a refutation of ISIS, on the other hand, it is a plea to the international community to look into the causes of violent extremism and to address those conditions which function as fertile grounds for the grooming of terrorists. Unlike the British government’s official narrative of the cause of violent extremism (the conveyor belt theory), the author is nuanced in his examination of these causes. Sustained academic research has revealed that radical extremism leading to terrorism is a construct which culminates in a vicious regress of action and reaction from government and terrorists (Kundnani 2015). Shaykh Yaqoubi’s razor sharp analysis of these causes of terrorism confirms this body of academic literature. In his conclusion, the author identifies four conditions which function as fodder for violent extremism. These conditions should not be construed as a justification of terrorism, but an explanation of why it happens. The first is that the Iraqi government must recognise that alongside the Shia community, Sunnis also reside in Iraq. They must be given their rights in order to flourish as good citizens. Secondly, Bashar Assad must cede authority and stop bloodshed with immediate effect and let the Syrian people decide how they should be ruled. Third, the oppression of Muslim minorities must stop, such as in the case of Muslims in Myanmar. And finally The West must be more responsible and sensible and must not use its powers to disrespect the values and cultures of those who are less militarily and technologically superior to them. They must not hurt deeply-held beliefs of others just because they can. A cursory glance at these four causes reveal that all of them are related to genuine political grievances. These grievances are garbed in the rhetoric of religion which not only gives terrorists the permission to negotiate in the only language they know: violence, but it gives them the blessings from heaven. The author argues that addressing these conditions will go a long way in pruning the growth of violent extremism.
For this reviewer, the original contribution and the most interesting part of the book is its first chapter: ‘In the words of ISIS’. In this chapter, the author is quoting, evaluating and critiquing quotations taken directly from ISIS literature. The media bias against Muslims has created a deep suspicion amongst Muslims regarding anything which the media reports about Islam. This has led many Muslims to take a non-committed position regarding the atrocities of ISIS as they are reported in the media. Shaykh Yaqoubi’s critical interrogation of ISIS literature, his political activism and intimate knowledge of the conditions in the Levant coupled with his deep understanding of the Islamic scholarly tradition should leave no doubts in the minds of Muslims that the way of ISIS is not the way of Islam.
Further reading:
Abu Aaliyah Surkheel Sharif (2015), Khawarij Ideology, ISIS Savagery, in The Humble ‘I’, http://thehumblei.com/2015/08/23/khaw...
Arun Kundnani (2015), A Decade Lost: Rethinking Radicalization and Extremism (London: Claystone) http://www.claystone.org.uk/wp-conten...
Muhammad Afifi al-Akiti (2005), Defending the Transgressed: Mudafi' al-Mazlum: Fatwa Against the Targeting of Civilians, in http://www.livingislam.org/maa/dcmm_e...
Sherman Jackson, Al-Gama’ah Al-Islamiyah (2015), Initiative to Stop the Violence: Sadat’s Assassins and the Renunciation of Political Violence, (New Haven and London: Yale University Press).
Yasir Qadhi, Daniel Haqiqatjou (2015), What Is “Islamic”? A Muslim Response to ISIS and The Atlantic, in http://muslimmatters.org/2015/02/23/w...
Notes:
1. 1. For my review of Shaykh Tahirul Qadri’s fatwa see: http://mansys.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/...
January 12, 2023
Easy to read, Insightful and engaging. I’m thankful for the input and education gained from reading this.
January 3, 2020
Quote from Preface to the 2nd edition: “It is my hope that this contributes to the defeat of ISIS”
The second edition of Shaykh Muhammad Al-Yaqoubi’s book (which is really a fatwah written in English) expands on some topics based on the feedback he received from the first edition. Each chapter contains a wealth of citations, not only to support his claim, but also as a rich source for further reading for those who wish to dive deeply into this subject. This is not a causal read for a sleepy rainy day – it is treatise, but a readable treatise. It is for those who want substance, not fluff. Had policy analysis knew half of this material, perhaps we would have avoided many blunders in our attempts to defeat ISIS.
Also, as an academic, I feel this book should be required reading for all college students who are in either Middle-Eastern Studies, Islamic Studies, or comparative religion classes. It should also be required reading for anyone in media who reports on topics related to either the Muslim world or Islam in general. Why? Because it is an example of the types of “proofs” needed to create a legitimate legal ruling used by Muslims to guide their lives. It is extremely rare that a fatwah is published in a language other than Arabic and the reader gets to see the way a fatwah is constructed. Even when ISIS is no longer a “thing” the book can serve as a model for the prerequisites required to declare choices as “allowed” or “not allowed” in Islam.
“ISIS is the modern day form of the Khawarij movement predicted by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and described by him as renegades who will abandon Islam, despite their claim to be Muslims.” This is the thesis of the book by Shaykh Muhammad Al-Yaqoubi who has every theological credential to make this determination but who describes himself as “the 34th grandson of The Prophet (pbuh)” since he is descended from him (phub) through 34 generations.
This chapter is expanded upon in detail, likely because the term “Khawarij” currently has no meaning for the Western reader (literal definition of the Arabic word is “those who exit.”) Why was it important for Shaykh Muhammad Al-Yaqoubi to enunciate this definition? Because as he says “ISIS is the modern day form of the Khawarij movement predicted by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and described by him as renegades who will abandon Islam, despite their claim to be Muslims” and young Muslims have responded to the propaganda put out by the group out of a misplaced longing to practice their religion. The quote that would make the best modern media “soundbite” is the statement by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) “the Khawarij are the dogs of hell” illustrating just where he (pbuh) placed this group of men who would claim to be spreading his (pbuh) religion.
Since Muslim scholars use the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to guide their interpretation of the Quran in ever changing environments, Shaykh Muhammad lays out explicit quotes from The Prophet (pbuh) that certainly make a convincing case that ISIS is anything but Islamic, and worse, is the deviant group prophesized by him (pbuh). I think the section of chapter 1 that young Muslims might find most convincing about the label Shaykh Muhammad applies to ISIS is the chapter he cites from Sahih Al-Bukhari who was the first to create a written collection of the sayings of The Prophet (pbuh): “Objectionable Practices: Extremist Tendencies, Quarrelsome Disputes in Religious Matters, Religiously-inspired Fanaticism, and Heretical Innovations” which, for the literate Muslim, contain a list of prohibited behaviors that read like the ISIS play-book – hence the designation of ISIS as Khawarij.
Although there is much in between the first chapter and the Appendix, I think many readers interested in this subject will find the transcript of the interview with Shaykh Muhammad (in the Appendix) to be enlightening about not only his motives in writing this book, but also his compelling yet compassionate personality – the need to win hearts and minds, among both Muslims and non-Muslims. I myself did not know that Al-Jazeera naively gave a platform to a terror-group leader (Al-Nusra) in the form of an interview - it seems that Al-Jazeera should have similarly provided a platform to Shaykh Muhammad Al-Yaqoubi, or someone of his stature, to refute the nonsense put forth by Al-Nusra.
The second edition of Shaykh Muhammad Al-Yaqoubi’s book (which is really a fatwah written in English) expands on some topics based on the feedback he received from the first edition. Each chapter contains a wealth of citations, not only to support his claim, but also as a rich source for further reading for those who wish to dive deeply into this subject. This is not a causal read for a sleepy rainy day – it is treatise, but a readable treatise. It is for those who want substance, not fluff. Had policy analysis knew half of this material, perhaps we would have avoided many blunders in our attempts to defeat ISIS.
Also, as an academic, I feel this book should be required reading for all college students who are in either Middle-Eastern Studies, Islamic Studies, or comparative religion classes. It should also be required reading for anyone in media who reports on topics related to either the Muslim world or Islam in general. Why? Because it is an example of the types of “proofs” needed to create a legitimate legal ruling used by Muslims to guide their lives. It is extremely rare that a fatwah is published in a language other than Arabic and the reader gets to see the way a fatwah is constructed. Even when ISIS is no longer a “thing” the book can serve as a model for the prerequisites required to declare choices as “allowed” or “not allowed” in Islam.
“ISIS is the modern day form of the Khawarij movement predicted by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and described by him as renegades who will abandon Islam, despite their claim to be Muslims.” This is the thesis of the book by Shaykh Muhammad Al-Yaqoubi who has every theological credential to make this determination but who describes himself as “the 34th grandson of The Prophet (pbuh)” since he is descended from him (phub) through 34 generations.
This chapter is expanded upon in detail, likely because the term “Khawarij” currently has no meaning for the Western reader (literal definition of the Arabic word is “those who exit.”) Why was it important for Shaykh Muhammad Al-Yaqoubi to enunciate this definition? Because as he says “ISIS is the modern day form of the Khawarij movement predicted by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and described by him as renegades who will abandon Islam, despite their claim to be Muslims” and young Muslims have responded to the propaganda put out by the group out of a misplaced longing to practice their religion. The quote that would make the best modern media “soundbite” is the statement by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) “the Khawarij are the dogs of hell” illustrating just where he (pbuh) placed this group of men who would claim to be spreading his (pbuh) religion.
Since Muslim scholars use the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to guide their interpretation of the Quran in ever changing environments, Shaykh Muhammad lays out explicit quotes from The Prophet (pbuh) that certainly make a convincing case that ISIS is anything but Islamic, and worse, is the deviant group prophesized by him (pbuh). I think the section of chapter 1 that young Muslims might find most convincing about the label Shaykh Muhammad applies to ISIS is the chapter he cites from Sahih Al-Bukhari who was the first to create a written collection of the sayings of The Prophet (pbuh): “Objectionable Practices: Extremist Tendencies, Quarrelsome Disputes in Religious Matters, Religiously-inspired Fanaticism, and Heretical Innovations” which, for the literate Muslim, contain a list of prohibited behaviors that read like the ISIS play-book – hence the designation of ISIS as Khawarij.
Although there is much in between the first chapter and the Appendix, I think many readers interested in this subject will find the transcript of the interview with Shaykh Muhammad (in the Appendix) to be enlightening about not only his motives in writing this book, but also his compelling yet compassionate personality – the need to win hearts and minds, among both Muslims and non-Muslims. I myself did not know that Al-Jazeera naively gave a platform to a terror-group leader (Al-Nusra) in the form of an interview - it seems that Al-Jazeera should have similarly provided a platform to Shaykh Muhammad Al-Yaqoubi, or someone of his stature, to refute the nonsense put forth by Al-Nusra.
January 18, 2019
This book was a bit disappointing. Overall I think the argumentation was unconvincing in general.
The book suffers from some very serious flaws. As stated in the preface, the author did not reconstruct the origin of ISIS's ideology, nor did he analyse their arguments and proofs. Is this not the first step of a refutation?
For instance in the chapter about slavery, he writes slavery is prohibited because the muslims have made contracts with the rest of the world to agree to outlaw slavery. Apart from the fact that this is circular reasoning, an argument like this would be met with nothing but laughter by someone who identifies with ISIS ideology. This is why it's important to reconstruct their ideology and arguments in the first place. The author did not refute ISIS's thinking patters, he just gave possible arguments to criticize their actions without even refuting the arguments which could be used to justify them. But even so, he did not even mention the Quran verses encouraging the liberation of slaves.
(I recommend The Way of the Strangers: Encounters with the Islamic State, for those interested in trying to understand ISIS logic)
Another anecdote which surprised me was from the chapter of Takfir. ISIS declares the vast majority of other muslims as non muslim. The author rightly stated that a good muslim scholar is very careful when pronouncing Takfir, because of the far reaching consequences of this action. One of those, he writes, is for the apostate to suffer the death penalty if he refuses to repent.
Excuse me, but are we still refuting ISIS at this point?
The book suffers from some very serious flaws. As stated in the preface, the author did not reconstruct the origin of ISIS's ideology, nor did he analyse their arguments and proofs. Is this not the first step of a refutation?
For instance in the chapter about slavery, he writes slavery is prohibited because the muslims have made contracts with the rest of the world to agree to outlaw slavery. Apart from the fact that this is circular reasoning, an argument like this would be met with nothing but laughter by someone who identifies with ISIS ideology. This is why it's important to reconstruct their ideology and arguments in the first place. The author did not refute ISIS's thinking patters, he just gave possible arguments to criticize their actions without even refuting the arguments which could be used to justify them. But even so, he did not even mention the Quran verses encouraging the liberation of slaves.
(I recommend The Way of the Strangers: Encounters with the Islamic State, for those interested in trying to understand ISIS logic)
Another anecdote which surprised me was from the chapter of Takfir. ISIS declares the vast majority of other muslims as non muslim. The author rightly stated that a good muslim scholar is very careful when pronouncing Takfir, because of the far reaching consequences of this action. One of those, he writes, is for the apostate to suffer the death penalty if he refuses to repent.
Excuse me, but are we still refuting ISIS at this point?
July 3, 2024
1.In this book, the author tries to refute ISIS using Islamic laws( Mainly Quran, Hadith ) and their interpretations from authentic scholars.
2.He classifies ISIS terrorists as 'Khawarij'
3. The author argues that it is their religious duty for Muslims to fight ISIS and their ideology.
4.Though some of the arguments presented in this book was less convincing for me (a non-believer), I think this book will create an impact among believers.Hence I consider this as an important to step to fight ISIS and similar terrorist outfits.
2.He classifies ISIS terrorists as 'Khawarij'
3. The author argues that it is their religious duty for Muslims to fight ISIS and their ideology.
4.Though some of the arguments presented in this book was less convincing for me (a non-believer), I think this book will create an impact among believers.Hence I consider this as an important to step to fight ISIS and similar terrorist outfits.
July 26, 2017
Amazing to see a truly traditional and well accepted scholar detail clear proofs against ISIS in an easy to read format, strengthening the position of Muslims worldwide and clearing showing that ISIS has nothing whatsoever to do with Islam. In fact as the book mentions, they are the worst enemy of Islam.
June 22, 2016
It is all too easy to jump on a bandwagon and condemn an entire idology based on the merciless actions of a few ignorant extremists. However if one is to be intellectually honest, then the best route is to seek a true understanding of religions and know where the linese between the religions, individuals, and culture all are. Understanding a religion is it's own reward, but being able to refute extremists based on the system they profess to believe is a feeling all its own as well.
Muhammad al-Yaqoubi is an eminent Islamic scholar who has opposed Bashar al-Assad and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. His lineage can also be traced back to the prophet Muhammad (SAW) through the Prophet's grandson Hassan ibn Ali. In this book al-Yaqoubi goes through the various "proofs" which ISIS has used to justify their actions and systematically demolishes them with the tact of an intellectual samurai.
Some of the more basic examples which al-Yoqoubi gives are...
1. ISIS states that it wants to set up an Islamic chaliphate, but how can this be considering that according to an authentic hadith the Prophet (SAW) said that the chaliphate would only extend to 30 years after him, and after that it would be a monarchy.
2. ISIS has bunred people alive, but according to Islamic theology punishing by fire is only for God.
3. ISIS claims that it is the duty of every Muslim to migrate to territories under its control, but then why would the Prophet set up the first official Islamic community in Medina, and command a group of his followers to make a migration to Abyssinia which was a Christian kingdom.
Al-Yaqoubi has an entire section dedicated to the responsibility Muslims have to oppose groups like ISIS, even seeking the aid of non-Muslim countries in doing so, or aiding the non-Muslim countries where they are engaged in independant missions against such groups.
The book is short, written for the layman, is easily understandable, and written in enough detail that if someone wishes to pursue intellectual inquiry further on the various topics discussed they will know where to begin. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in moving beyond the false narratives about Islam pushed by ISIS and the mainstream media.
Resources:
1. Refuting ISIS (A talk by the author): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ3ME...
2. The Crisis of ISIS: A Prophetic Prediction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJo4B...
3. Opposing Extremist Groups in Islam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozxC1...
4. ISIS is not Islam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM_S9...
Muhammad al-Yaqoubi is an eminent Islamic scholar who has opposed Bashar al-Assad and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. His lineage can also be traced back to the prophet Muhammad (SAW) through the Prophet's grandson Hassan ibn Ali. In this book al-Yaqoubi goes through the various "proofs" which ISIS has used to justify their actions and systematically demolishes them with the tact of an intellectual samurai.
Some of the more basic examples which al-Yoqoubi gives are...
1. ISIS states that it wants to set up an Islamic chaliphate, but how can this be considering that according to an authentic hadith the Prophet (SAW) said that the chaliphate would only extend to 30 years after him, and after that it would be a monarchy.
2. ISIS has bunred people alive, but according to Islamic theology punishing by fire is only for God.
3. ISIS claims that it is the duty of every Muslim to migrate to territories under its control, but then why would the Prophet set up the first official Islamic community in Medina, and command a group of his followers to make a migration to Abyssinia which was a Christian kingdom.
Al-Yaqoubi has an entire section dedicated to the responsibility Muslims have to oppose groups like ISIS, even seeking the aid of non-Muslim countries in doing so, or aiding the non-Muslim countries where they are engaged in independant missions against such groups.
The book is short, written for the layman, is easily understandable, and written in enough detail that if someone wishes to pursue intellectual inquiry further on the various topics discussed they will know where to begin. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in moving beyond the false narratives about Islam pushed by ISIS and the mainstream media.
Resources:
1. Refuting ISIS (A talk by the author): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ3ME...
2. The Crisis of ISIS: A Prophetic Prediction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJo4B...
3. Opposing Extremist Groups in Islam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozxC1...
4. ISIS is not Islam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM_S9...
November 26, 2015
Quite a short book. Its most impactful chapters are those regarding non-Muslims and the interview with Shaykh Yaqoubi at the end of the book. I think that a non-Muslim would be able to have a lot of their questions answered, but a Muslim thinking of joining ISIS may not find much information to dissuade them from joining.
To that end, I would suggest that they read the Notes at the end and the interview with Shaykh Yaqoubi. The number of references to classical Islamic sources is perhaps the most important argument against ISIS sympathisers. However, given the Sufi title, they may just ignore the book altogether.
As a traditional Sunni Muslim belonging to one of the four schools of thought, I enjoyed the book and it was a seamless read. The Shaykh definitely portrayed Islam accurately and truthfully. God willing, this book becomes a success at what it aims to do, but a more detailed refutation is needed.
To that end, I would suggest that they read the Notes at the end and the interview with Shaykh Yaqoubi. The number of references to classical Islamic sources is perhaps the most important argument against ISIS sympathisers. However, given the Sufi title, they may just ignore the book altogether.
As a traditional Sunni Muslim belonging to one of the four schools of thought, I enjoyed the book and it was a seamless read. The Shaykh definitely portrayed Islam accurately and truthfully. God willing, this book becomes a success at what it aims to do, but a more detailed refutation is needed.
August 3, 2016
I'm not sure if it's just the passage of time or the new changes/additions that were made to this edition, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the first edition. There were a few times where I thought the Shaykh was too brief on certain points, and I would've liked him to expand upon what he was saying a bit more. I get that this is supposed to be a succinct booklet, but I still had some questions about various aspects of the Shari'a when I was finished. I won't tread on this too much, since I've already reviewed the first edition. It's still definitely worth a read for anyone confused about the "authority" ISIS has seemingly given to itself to reinterpret the Shari'a as it sees fit.
October 25, 2016
An essential book who go through all the main issues ISIS is presenting as an intellectual and theological threat to normative sunni islam.
The Sheikh is doing an excellent job to present in a simplified way but yet complete a whole refutation of ISIS claim on Sunni Islam, on subject as essential as application of Shari'a law in the modern time, democracy and alliance with non-muslims.
Highly recommended.
The Sheikh is doing an excellent job to present in a simplified way but yet complete a whole refutation of ISIS claim on Sunni Islam, on subject as essential as application of Shari'a law in the modern time, democracy and alliance with non-muslims.
Highly recommended.
July 31, 2020
I would say it's good book,I agree it's short and might be little simple for who already know Islam or did their homework but I think it would be great book for people who doesn't know much about Islam ,specially people who just get their info from the misleading media.
February 9, 2016
Well said
Well said. I enjoyed reading this book. I plan to read this again. I wish we see more of this view in the media.
Well said. I enjoyed reading this book. I plan to read this again. I wish we see more of this view in the media.
April 24, 2016
A short read but provides in depth and strong arguments by a highly renowned Islamic scholar. A second edition of the book was published in March, which has several new add ins from this version.
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