By Khalid Ahrar
In Islamic teachings, Hijrah is a noble and sacred concept. In the Holy Qur’an, Allah Almighty says:
«وَالَّذِينَ هَاجَرُوا فِي اللَّهِ مِن بَعْدِ مَا ظُلِمُوا لَنُبَوِّئَنَّهُمْ فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَلَأَجْرُ الْآخِرَةِ أَكْبَرُ لَوْ كَانُوا يَعْلَمُونَ» (النحل: ۴۱).
Hijrah means migrating from an environment of oppression and disbelief in order to protect one’s Islamic life and faith. The Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah was one of the most important milestones in Islamic history, becoming a symbol of patience, sacrifice, and strong faith.
True Hijrah is done for the sake of Allah’s pleasure, not for personal interests or the political agenda of a group. However, extremist groups like ISIS, and in particular its Khorasan branch, misuse this sacred concept in a harmful way. They have turned Hijrah into a tool for their propaganda and militant agenda, rather than a means of protecting faith or practicing an Islamic way of life.
ISIS, in its propaganda methods (through social media, magazines related to the Khorasan branch, and other channels), constantly speaks about the re-establishment of a “caliphate” and “tamkeen” (establishment and consolidation). They tell foreign Muslims (especially from Pakistan, Central Asia, and even Europe): “There is tamkeen and organized centers here, everything is prepared and ready,” “Make hijrah, here you will be given home, dignity, brotherhood, and a share in the caliphate,” and “Your hijrah will be of a high status for Islam.”
At the same time, these promises may appear attractive and appealing, because many young people in their own countries face economic, social, and political challenges. However, in reality, these promises are often false and deceptive. ISIS, which operates openly in Pakistan, does not have full “tamkeen” or a physical caliphate. The group operates through hidden networks, border areas, and remote regions, mainly focusing on attacks that target Muslims, rather than establishing governance or an Islamic system.
Many people who migrate with pure intentions, influenced by their polished and attractive promises of establishing a “caliphate,” are in reality used by Khorasani ISIS elements against ordinary Muslims in Afghanistan and the region. They are told that everything is ready here, but once they arrive, they are instead used in practical combat or against other Muslims. Reports from 2025–2026 also indicate that ISIS has used foreign nationals in its recruitment and mobilization efforts.
ISIS “caliphate” exists only in media narratives. In reality, it is the covert presence and attacks of a small group of extremists. They use the name of “Hijrah” to attract people, but the outcome is fitna, killing, and division among Muslims.
The important question is: why is this misuse so dangerous?
One: It is an insult to the sanctity of Hijrah. Hijrah means escaping oppression and establishing an Islamic way of life, not engaging in terrorism and discord.
Two: It destroys the youth. Many innocent people leave with pure intentions, but end up either killed or involved in crimes.
Three: It creates division among Muslims. ISIS Khorasan attacks mainly result in the killing and injury of Muslims, and killing a Muslim is one of the greatest forms of fitna.
Four: Propaganda deception. The “tamkeen” shown in media consists only of photos and videos of a few extremists, which hides the real situation.
The conclusion of this entire analysis is that Hijrah is a sacred act with a high status in Islam, but extremist groups like ISIS have misused it to advance their destructive agenda. Muslims must be aware of such propaganda and should not be encouraged to undertake any “Hijrah” without consulting reliable scholars. True Islam calls for the unity of the Muslim community, not for killing and discord.
ISIS’s deception continues even in 2025–2026. Every Muslim should study the true teachings of Islam, avoid false promises, and not fall into the trap of misleading claims.
