Author: Ahmad Abid
4. The Distortion of Religious Motivations
ISIS consistently distorts and manipulates religious motivations to attract more followers. The group uses deceptive slogans and lures uninformed individuals into its narrow ideological circle. This distortion of religious motives and misuse of Islamic concepts are among the primary factors driving individuals toward extremist and terrorist groups.
ISIS has managed to infiltrate various communities, particularly among nations lacking sufficient religious knowledge, misrepresenting pure Islam in a distorted manner.
The group constantly strives to convince its followers that pure Islam can only be achieved through the sword of their so-called caliphate. They argue that internal conflicts within Islam separate true believers from polytheists and apostates and that the path to paradise lies under their black flag through jihad.
By distorting religious motivations, ISIS has driven its followers to believe that the erroneous teachings they receive, falsely presented as Islamic guidance, represent the purest form of Islam that guarantees eternal salvation.
This extremist group prioritizes two spiritual duties—”jihad” and “hijrah (migration)”—over other religious concepts. ISIS exploits these notions to recruit people into its ranks. It restricts the concept of hijrah to migration to territories under its control, presenting this act as a religious obligation for its followers.
ISIS believes that these aspects of religious duty are crucial for the future success of its so-called caliphate. The group uses the idea of hijrah as a tool to attract professionals such as doctors, teachers, engineers, and soldiers. Their propaganda surrounding the concept of the caliphate has significantly influenced some young individuals who were drawn by the idea of an “Islamic Caliphate.”
Since many ordinary Muslims are passionate about the rise and dominance of the Islamic Caliphate, ISIS exploits this sentiment to deceive youth, using the term “caliphate” as bait. This strategy leads young people into a devastating trap, pushing them toward ruin.
