Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri has stated categorically that ISIS and other similar organizations belong to ‘Khawarij’ and they have got nothing to do with Islam or teachings of the Holy Quran. He said that shedding the blood of innocent people is against the fundamental ideology of Islam and the holy Quran. He said that the time has come to clash with full force against those who spread mischief and violence in the name of Jihad and brainwash the youth into doing evil things. He said that such irreligious people and terrorists are undermining Islam and the Muslim community, adding that Islam is a religion of peace, love, harmony, tolerance and affection.

Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri expressed these views while addressing a ceremony held in London on June 23 to launch the peace curriculum designated for promotion of peace and elimination of terrorism and extremism. The UK MPs of Pakistani origin, representatives of civil society organizations, opinion makers, journalists and distinguished Pakistani personalities attended the ceremony.

Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri said that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) stated that a time would come when the youth and immature people with imperfect knowledge will spread chaos by using his ‘Sunna’ and Islam. They would spill blood of innocent people and talk about establishing the dominance of truth but they would have nothing to do with Islam or his ‘Sunna’. He (PBUH) ordained to the faithful to crush such elements with full might.

Dr Qadri said that the terrorist organizations are brainwashing the Muslim youth and leading them astray by misinterpreting the teachings of Islam. He asked the Muslim youth, both male and female, and students to stay away from this mischief. He said that they should not renounce their country, their parents and their identity for such terrorist organizations, adding that these entities are on the path of misguidance and degradation. He said that terrorist and radical groups thrive and grow in such societies easily in which there is socio-economic discrimination, injustice and political instability. He said that those shedding blood of innocent people in the name of Jihad are terrorists. He stated unequivocally that these terrorists are bringing the Muslims into disrepute by undercutting the foundations of Islam through misrepresentation and misinterpretation of its teachings.

Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri said that fighting against one’s ill-commanding self and endeavoring to overcome one’s cardinal desires has been described as the greatest Jihad. He said that prerogative or authority to declare Jihad or taking up of arms in self-defence rests with a lawful state, adding that no individual or an unknown organization is authorized to do so. He said that this is the teaching of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and Islam and no authority is greater than these two in the Islamic faith.