A religious studies professor at The University of Toledo will address the question “Is ISIS Islamic?” at a previously scheduled talk made more noteworthy after the recent terrorist attacks in Paris.

Associate Professor Ovamir Anjum, the Imam Khattab Chair of Islamic Studies, will give the talk 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17 in the UT Center for Religious Understanding in University Hall Room 4700.

“ISIS is not Islamic. ISIS is Saddam Hussein reaching out of his grave for revenge,” he said. “Modern scholars across the globe, both Sunni and Shia, have condemned ISIS as modern-day Kharijites—a heretical group known for its violence.”

The talk, which is free and open to the public, is part of a fall series called “Windows on Contemporary Islamic Issues.”

After the attacks on Paris, Anjum says it is crucial not to play into the hands of terrorists.

“This is a political fight,” Anjum said. “ISIS coordinated the attacks because it doesn’t want refugees to find refuge in the West.”

UT’s Center for Religious Understanding promotes a deeper understanding of religion on campus and in greater Toledo, the nation and the world.

Media Coverage
WTOL 11 (Nov. 16, 2015)
WTOL 11 and 13 ABC (Nov. 17, 2015)
WTOL 11 (Nov. 18, 2015)
The Blade (Nov. 18, 2015)

Tags: College of Languages Literature and Social Sciences