Ego Drives ISIS, Not Religion

Threats and attacks by Islamic State of Iraq (ISIS) and other extremist groups have nothing to do with religion, but rather ego, according to Salaam Bhatti, a deputy spokesperson for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA.

The global organization of Muslims believe in the Messiah and Imam Mahdi Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani.

During an appearance Wednesday on the “Townsquare Tonight” program on News Talk Radio WOBM-AM 1160 & 1310, Bhatti told host Tom Mongelli extremist groups only use religion as a unifying point.

While the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community's beliefs are based on reviving faith and uniting mankind to spread the truth about religion, Bhatti said there are splintered groups that claim to be part of Islam.

"I would say not so much. You see these extremist groups who have these ideas that these countries are persecuting them, oppressing them, and murdering their family members or friends, so they are on a quest for revenge. Their battles are not motivated by religion, although they will use religion as a rallying cry," said Bhatti.

ISIS will use God as a rallying force, just as any other religious-based terrorist group, similar to the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in America, and other faith-based terrorist groups,  because it’s an easy thing to do, according to Bhatti.

"So the reason that America and other western nations are being targeted by these extremist groups is simply: If ISIS is able to bring America down to its knees, they will have bragging rights. That's all it is. It's all about ego," Bhatti said.

Europe also is highly under attack. He added, “Most of the western countries membership that’s heading towards ISIS and extremists groups is coming from France, so these countries are particularly being affected by these groups."

A number of the extremist groups have gone away from what Islam teaches and need to be taught from inception to come back to the faith, to really understand the core teachings and principles of Islam Bhatti said, "Because they clearly do not.”

America prides itself on freedom, including religious freedom, but Bhatti explained there is no tolerance for a country that practices tolerance because radical groups overseas have no idea what Americans believe, how they practice, and the multitude of faiths or lack of faith.

"This beauty that is America is unknown in other parts of the world that have only seen American soldiers being engaged in some sort of battle or war or just being there. So they have this apprehensive sense towards America," he said.

"Muslims stand for peace and loyalty to whatever nation is your homeland," Bhatti added.

He said sanctions by the United Nations Security Council is helping choke the funding ISIS receives to exist, noting ISIS receives about $1 million dollars a day.