By Kamal Uddin
Daesh, the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), emerged in Iraq and Syria around 2013 and 2014 and, within a short time, drew the world’s attention. The group’s rise was closely linked to the wars in Iraq and the instability that had spread across the region. Daesh claimed to represent Islam, yet the overwhelming majority of Muslim scholars and Muslim countries regarded its actions as being in direct conflict with the true teachings of Islam.
In Islam, jihad is a sacred concept with broad and far-reaching meanings. It is not limited to warfare. Striving to reform oneself, defending the truth, standing against oppression, and working for the welfare of society are all forms of jihad.
Daesh, however, presented jihad in a way that was completely removed from the principles and moral framework laid down by Islam. To achieve its objectives, Daesh relied on extreme violence, killings, bombings, and acts of terror. Thousands of innocent Muslims and non-Muslims lost their lives in its attacks. Mosques, schools, hospitals, and historical sites were destroyed. These actions not only brought suffering to the people of the region but also damaged the image of Islam before the world.
Islam is a religion of mercy, justice, and respect for human dignity. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) strongly forbade the killing of innocent people, betrayal, and oppression. For this reason, many respected scholars and Islamic institutions have described Daesh as a deviant and extremist group that exploited the name of Islam to serve its own political and military ambitions.
One of the most important consequences of Daesh’s emergence was that it showed the world how extremist movements can misuse religion as a cover for violence. At the same time, this experience serves as a reminder that a sound understanding of religious teachings, proper education, justice, and social stability are among the strongest safeguards against extremist ideologies.
In the end, it can be said that jihad, in Islam, is a principled and responsible concept. Daesh distorted that concept and used it to justify its own actions. This chapter of history reminds us that the true message of jihad is to defend the oppressed against oppression, uphold truth and justice, protect the rights of innocent people, stand against corruption and injustice, and strive with sincerity and honesty to preserve the honor, dignity, and supremacy of the word of Islam, not to persecute and kill innocent Muslims.
