Paul KeenanMore than 100 Muslim leaders – clerics and laypeople alike – have signed on to a letter criticising the Middle East Muslim military group ISIS.
In the 17-page letter, the leaders quote extensively from the Quran, the Muslim scriptures, to rebuke ISIS' tactics and actions.
Since the letter was issued, more than 125 Muslim leaders around the world have signed the letter.
Among the letter's many condemnations of ISIS is its treatment of Christians, who "are not combatants against Islam or transgressors against it, indeed they are friends, neighbours and co-citizens," it said.
"From the legal perspective of Sharia (Islamic law) they all fall under ancient agreements that are around 1,400 years old, and the rulings of jihad do not apply to them."
The letter also said: "You have killed many innocents who were neither combatants nor armed, just because they disagree with your opinions."