More than 100 British imams have signed an open letter urging UK Muslims not to join jihadi fighters in Iraq and Syria, according to Sky News. The letter comes during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, and against the backdrop of an increasingly chaotic situation in Iraq and Syria.
Rebel jihadis, under the banner of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), have captured a substantial amount of territory in the two countries, unilaterally declared a “caliphate” – or Islamic state – and called on Muslims throughout the world to come and join them.
There are already serious concerns over the number of British Muslims have travelled to fight with the extremist group, with security sources worried they may return to the UK with newly-acquired skills in terrorism.
The British government estimates that some 400 British-born fighters are currently campaigning with ISIS, although the number could be much higher.
The letter, signed by prominent imams from across the country, reads: “As the crisis in Syria and Iraq deepens, we the under-signed have come together as a unified voice to urge the British Muslim communities not to fall prey to any form of sectarian divisions or social discord.
“Ramadan, the month of mercy, teaches us the value of unity and perseverance and we urge the British Muslim communities to continue the generous and tireless efforts to support all of those affected by the crisis in Syria and unfolding events in Iraq, but to do so from the UK in a safe and responsible way.”
Qari Mohammed Asim, imam at Leeds Makka Mosque, played a key role in organising the letter. He said: “The scale of the humanitarian disaster in Syria and the escalating violence in Iraq calls for an unprecedented response.
“As we near the end of the first week of Ramadan our message is simple, we have come together to urge British Muslim communities not to fall prey to any form of sectarian divisions or social discord.
“Here in the UK we are Sunnis and Shias, brothers in Islam – and brothers in Britain too. The conflict in Syria and Iraq can never change that no matter how bitter the fighting.
“We urge members of the community to echo this sentiment by adding their signature to this letter, joining the many others that have done so already.”
ISIS is a Sunni organisation which has taken a brutal attitude in dealing with people who do not share its views. Despite their caliphate being aimed at all Muslims, they are unlikely to tolerate Shia, or any other branch of Islam.
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