MEMPHIS – Renowned US Muslim scholar and Mid-South professor Yasir Qadhi has been named as a target for the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) in its magazine for rejecting its actions as contradicting with the true teachings of Islam.
"ISIS does not represent my faith, their actions are in contradiction to my faith, and I'm appalled at what they are doing in the name of my faith," Rhodes College professor of religious studies, and the Resident Scholar of the Memphis Islamic Centre Yasir Qadhi told WMC Action News.
Using another acronym to refer to ISIS, Professor Qadhi has been named in the militant group’s propaganda magazine which called for his assassination.
"I was one two clerics that they targeted in their latest magazine, two American clerics, and basically called for my assassination," said Qadhi.
"And they have said this is an act of worship.....that if somebody kills me, God is going to reward them."
According to the magazine, calls for Qadhi’s death and heavenly reward was followed by a photo which states that Qadhi spoke against the attack on French magazine Charlie Hebdo.
"Once the ISIS magazine came out with my name on it, I was actually contacted by the FBI, and informed that I should take certain precautions," noted Qadhi.
Qadhi says he has also been the target of right wing extremists in this country, threats he says the FBI is also investigating.
However, he notes that the Memphis community has been very welcoming to him and the Islamic Centre.
"I'm not worried too much. I understand these people who are threatening me are thousands of miles away," added Qadhi.
"Contrary to popular opinion, ISIS does not have support in the American Muslim Community."
Dr. Yasir Qadhi is the Dean of Academic Affairs at AlMaghrib Institute. He is one of the few people who has combined a traditional Eastern Islamic seminary education with a Western academic training of the study of Islam.
Sheikh Yasir Qadhi is a resident Scholar of the Memphis Islamic Centre. He is also a professor at Rhodes College, in the Department of Religious Studies.
Throughout 2014, Dr. Yasir Qadhi has been vocal in responding to extremist ideas from various Muslim groups around the world, especially his detailed response to the claims of terrorist groups like ISIS/ISIL.
Throughout the year, he has made an excellent effort in spreading a moderate understanding of Islam in several countries and as a leading figure of da'wah has made an excellent contribution to refuting extremism, a crucial role Muslims need today.
WMC Action News
