Several leading British Muslim clerics, from both Shia and Sunni sects, have condemned the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) through an online video that aims to discourage young Muslims from joining the brutal terrorist group.
The Imams Online, which published the video message, stated that over 100 British imams have joined together to emphasize the importance of unity in the UK and to decree ISIS as an illegitimate vicious group that does not represent Islam.
"We are Muslims united against ISIS, against terrorism, against atrocity, against pain and suffering," Sayed Ali Rizvi, head of the Majlis Ulama-e-Shia, said in the video.
The British Imams, in the video message, labeled ISIS as "corrupt, evil and vicious".
Maulana Shahi Raza, lead Imam of Grand Mosque of Leicester, said he rejects the Islamic State declared by ISIS.
"As a Sunni Muslim I do not accept the khilafa (caliphate) of ISIS," Raza says in the clip.
"I consider ISIS as a terrorist organization and they are trying to create corruption and fitna [division] within the Muslim world," he added.
This is not the first time that ISIS has been denounced publicly by high profile clerics, since its proclamation of "caliphate".
The video also quoted the Quran to emphasize the importance of Islamic unity in the face of the sectarian conflict in the Middle East.
From Surah Al-Imran:
And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you -- when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by his favor, brothers.
Abu Muntasir, chief executive of the charity organization JIMAS, said: "Brothers and sisters, if I could tell you in one sentence about ISIS I would tell you that they are evil, they are corrupt, they are self-seeking, self-centered, vicious people. Don't get mixed up with them."
The four-minute video will be distributed on online forums and social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
It is believed that at least 500 Britons have joined the ISIS and are fighting in Syria and Iraq. Imams, who feature in the video, had also sent out an open letter signed by more than 100 leading figures, urging British Muslims not to travel to war-torn regions, BBC reported.
