Officially, the taking of hostages is forbidden in Islam. A stance reiterated today by the Ithna’ashari scholars in Iraq. So that means the kidnappers are either Sunni or are acting out of an interest other than Islam. I don’t believe they are Sunni at this point – are at least are not acting under that identity – as it would disenfranchise the community. These are pseudo-nationalists, and the behavior is not intrinsic to Muslims. Just a clarification for those who were wondering if hostage taking was tenet of faith.
Related Posts
Go pray with your sisters in NYC
Yes, Alhamdulilah – today is a historic day for Muslims in America and the world. If you are in NYC today – you may want to attend a Jummah service led by Dr. Amina Wadud. Yes a sister! She will be leading prayers and men and women will be side by side. Congratulations on such a bold stand. May Allah offer the organizer and attendees courage and protection.
Speaking Event: Confronting Fear and Hate in NYC Forum, March 21, 2017
Details of the event can be found here.
Racial Profiling Doesn’t Work
[T]he study shows that out of those stopped only 0.15 per cent resulted in firearms charges. This number stands to directly contradict Commissioner Kelly’s statements that the stops are responsible for the fall in gun crime. Also of note is the fact that out of all ethnicities stopped, white people had the highest chance of having committed a crime, despite being proportionally the least searched. via andrewsullivan.thedailybeast.com