A Mid-South professor is being targeted by ISIS, a group known for its gruesomeness.
“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,” said Rhodes College professor of religious studies, and the Resident Scholar of the Memphis Islamic Center Yasir Qadhi.
ISIS is using its propaganda magazine in the name of Islam to call for the assassination of Qadhi.
“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 of worship.....that if somebody kills me, God is going to reward them.”
The Magazine calls for professor Qadhi’s death and heavenly reward, followed by a photo, which states that Qadhi spoke against the terrorist 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.
The professor has taken precautions for himself, and for the Memphis Islamic Center. Qadhi says he’s not overly worried, and continues to travel the world, giving lectures, and writing articles against radical Islamic groups, such as ISIS.
“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.”
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 Center.