Read the “Open Letter to al-Baghdadi,” the “Caliph” of the “Islamic State” (ISIISIS/ISIL/Daesh). Some of the most prominent scholars (ulama) in contemporary Islam are among the authors of this document, which directly criticizes a number of the claims, teachings and actions of ISIS. In effect, this letter describes the reasons that MOST Muslims have condemned ISIS. It is not an easy document to read, especially the first five sections, and then some of the last few sections. Therefore, focus your attention particularly on sections 6-22. DO NOT just read the “Executive Summary,” which basically serves only as a “Table of Contents” to the letter.
For this paper, select ONE of the following options (dealing with ALL of the sections in that selected option): a. Sections 6, 7, 16, 17, 18, 19 — dealing with various violent practices b. Section 8 (including all subsections) — dealing with Jihad c. Sections 9 and 22 — dealing with who is considered a Muslim and the establishment of a Caliphate d. Sections 10 and 11 — dealing with treatment of non-Muslims e. Sections 12, 13, 14, 15 — dealing with slavery, coercion and treatment of women and children
For your selected option, write a thesis-based paper which critically analyzes the reasons the “Open Letter views the actions of IS/ISIS/ISIL/Daesh related to your option as contrary to Islam. Your thesis statement (within your first paragraph) should indicate your agreement or disagreement with the criticisms made by the authors of the “Open Letter,” AND should indicate how this letter affects your ability to distinguish between what ISIS is doing and the position of most Muslims.
Sample Solution
