In a bid to bring light to the atrocities being committed by the Islamic State (IS) in Syria and Northern Iraq, the Claremont Main Road Mosque has chosen to dedicate this weeks Jumuah prayers, in support of those affected by the groups rise. They will not only seek to denounce IS’s actions, but also dissect aspects of the group and its motives.

IS has garnered much attention over the past few months, for its controversial ideologies, brutal treatment of non-Muslims, and it’s declaration a self styled ‘Islamic caliphate’ across Northern Iraq, and parts of Syria. They have faced strong condemnation in recent weeks, following the shocking beheadings of two U.S journalists.

The Claremont Main Road Mosque has been particularly vocal in its condemnation of the group, and are expected to dedicate a sermon, and silent vigil towards the issue.

A Pre-Khutbah will be conducted by Omar Shaukat, of the Afro-Middle East Centre (AMEC). He is expected to delve into the ‘history, ideology and trajectory’ of the group, with the aim of providing better insight into the IS’s motives.

Following the sermon, Imam Rashied Omar is expected to lead congregants in a prayer, calling for peace across the troubled Middle East. He will also pay recognition to those killed or injured at the hands of IS rebels. The Jumuah Salaah itself will be led by Shaykh Omar Masoud.

Upon the conclusion of the Salaah, congregants will gather outside the mosque for a silent vigil. The program is set to conclude at 2pm.

In a statement issued by the Mosques representatives, they urged community members to come out in full force, and show their support for those affected by the groups rise.

“We call on all peace and justice-loving people in the City of Cape Town to join us in standing against the barbaric aggression of ISIS and to pray for all those affected,” read the statement.

The programme will take place on Friday the 5th September, from 12:30pm until 14:00pm.

For more information you may visit the mosques Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ClaremontMainRoadMosque. VOC (Mubeen Banderker)