[mks_dropcap style=”square” size=”52″ bg_color=”#5089bf” txt_color=”#ffffff”]T[/mks_dropcap]here has been outrage surrounding ISIS that has been shedding an adverse light on Muslims around the globe. ISIS, known as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, are a group of self-proclaimed Jihadists that use the religion of Islam as a prop to disseminate a cloud of fear and terrorism surrounding Muslims and Islam. The terrorist group has been perpetuating terror and fear throughout the globe using social media as a platform to display gruesome beheadings and releasing ISIS propaganda videos aimed to recruit prospective members that are broadcasted on large media networks all over Canada and the world.

 Canadians have been directly threatened by the organization. A video released by John Maguire, a former Canadian, now an ISIS member, threatened that they will attack Canadians “where it hurts the most”. As for Muslims in Canada, the ISIS group created a false dilemma by making it seem like there are only two options for Canadian Muslims. They either join ISIS, or follow in their footsteps alluding to the Quebec shooting that occurred a few months ago. The group employs propaganda techniques that aim to recruit Muslim Canadians by appealing to the stereotypical “hockey-playing” Canadian using testimonials from former Canadians including John Maguire.

[mks_pullquote align=”left” width=”300″ size=”15″ bg_color=”#5089bf” txt_color=”#ffffff”]A misconception among many is that these terrorist organizations are representative of Islam, but the reality is that they are not. [/mks_pullquote]

 Muslim scholars and sects of Islam have been condemning the group’s actions. A misconception among many is that these terrorist organizations are representative of Islam, but the reality is that they are not. The portrayal of Muslims has constantly been under close scrutiny within Western media ever since 9/11. In reality, the terrorist organization doesn’t hold up to Islamic values and ideals, and the large majority of Muslims feel the same. Terrorist groups like these have ruined the image of Muslims worldwide.

 For many, the word ‘Muslim’ and ‘terrorist’ have become synonymous, but any terrorist organization including ISIS, is not, and will never be representative of Muslims or Islam.

[custom_author=Mahnoor Naeem]