KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 — Poor basic Islamic education based on the Quran and Sunnah are among factors which drove the young to join the IS militant group.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the existence of groups who misinterpret Islamic teachings, particularly the concept of jihad, cleansing of sins and a short cut to heaven lured them to join the IS.
“These people are convinced that only a militant group such as the IS is capable of establishing an Islamic state in their radical mould,” he said in a written reply to Teresa Kok (DAP-Seputeh) in parliament today.
Kok wanted to know the factors which caused the young to join the IS and the ministry’s efforts to prevent it.
Hatred of the Muslim community towards Western countries also encouraged the young to fight against the super powers who were regarded as the enemies of Islam.
“They also considered international Islamic organisations as having failed to protect and defend Muslim countries who were oppressed thus spurring them to join the fight.
Zahid said the social media also played a role in spreading their beliefs and ideologies to influence, drum support and recruit new members for the militant group.
“It is exacerbated by the influence of peer groups who influence the young to participate in the activities of religious extremists, particularly, the IS.” — Bernama
