Written by: Alauddin Shabir
ISIS, self-proclaimed as a proponent and flag bearer of Islam and the caliphate, actually resides in the lowest echelons of faith, morality, and humanity. This group operates more like a criminal syndicate resembling a mafia, despite claiming to adhere to Islamic governance, their income is derived entirely from unlawful activities, which are then used to fund terrorist operations.
Similar to a mafia, Daesh uses oppression, fear, terror, and brutality to tighten its grip on people, committing all kinds of crimes under the guise of Islamic principles. The group finances its activities through illegal and un-Islamic means such as smuggling oil, kidnapping for ransom, and looting antiquities.
ISIS does not only partake in these actions to generate income but also uses these methods to intimidate and dominate people. If someone opposes them, they are dealt with ruthlessly, akin to how a criminal gang would address its rivals. Accordingly, ISIS has transformed into a criminal gang willing to go to any extent for its personal and financial interests, obscuring its heinous deeds under the banner of Islam.
This group meets its financial needs for terrorist activities through non-Islamic means. These sources of income are not only unethical but also blatantly against the teachings of Islamic law. Most of Daesh’s financial needs are met through sources that are unacceptable by any standard, yet they are falsely labeled as sacred jihad, serving personal and political interests that have nothing to do with Islam.
Daesh utilizes this revenue to acquire weapons, train militants, and engage in conflict against Muslims and other individuals who are innocent. Such actions not only contravene Islamic principles but also infringe upon human rights. Islam has established unequivocal guidelines on all aspects of life, including the prohibition of unlawfully acquired wealth and oppression.
The Quran and Hadith explicitly state that a Muslim should earn through lawful and pure means, and spend in a way that seeks God’s pleasure and serves humanity.
Given their non-Islamic and immoral actions, it can be said that these individuals are ignorant of Islam’s true purpose and are far removed from it. As a terrorist organization, Daesh has not only trampled on Islamic values and traditions but has also tarnished the honor and dignity of Islam and Muslims through their chosen methods and sources of income.
It is the responsibility of all individuals who seek truth, justice, equality, and human dignity to condemn the actions and behavior of this group. Islam does not condone the acquisition of wealth through oppression and coercion, nor its use to harm innocent individuals.
