For years, Muslim imams and scholars in the west have been actively involved in the fight against extremism — through education and theology. In Washington, Imam Suhaib Webb has held monthly video chats to refute the religious claims of ISIS. In Berkeley, scholar Sheikh Hamza Yusuf has led discussions with young Muslims imploring them not to be deceived by the “stupid young boys” of the Islamic State and millions have reportedly watched his sermon titled “The Crisis of ISIS.”
“This is what hurts ISIS the most. It is Muslims speaking out,” says Canadian Mubin Shaikh who advises governments on countering radicalization. “Fear-mongering is what ISIS is trying to do, whether to silence these people or to silence others as a deterrent.”
The activism against extremism in the Muslim-American community has not gone undetected by ISIS who recently threatened the lives of 11 Muslim imams and scholars, blasting them “apostates” who should be killed. According to analysts, the death threats are a sign that Muslim religious leaders have antagonized the Islamic State. And as the New York Times reports, “their growing influence also contradicts those who claim that Muslim leaders have been silent in the fight against violent extremism.”
