Prominent Pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Writer Frames Syrian Conflict As 'Religious War': Condemns Nationalism, Alawites, And Ahmed Al-Sharaa's Leadership; Calls For Jihadist Unity

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March 10, 2025

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On March 9, 2025, the pro-ISIS Uwar Al-Haqq media outlet published a commentary by prominent supporter Ahlam Al-Nasr, addressing the latest events on the Syrian coast.[1] The author criticizes Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa's leadership, accusing him of betrayal and political opportunism.

Framing Syrian Conflict As A Religious War

Ahlam Al-Nasr presents the conflict in Syria, particularly in the coastal region, as a religious struggle rather than a political or national one. Her commentary condemns those fighting for secular or nationalist reasons, portraying such motivations as idolatrous and futile:

"As for what is happening in the Syrian coast, I am truly astonished that sacrifices are permissible as long as they are for a trivial piece of this world and for the idol called: homeland. The important thing is that none of it should be for the sake of Allah Almighty."

Positioning them as the primary enemy, the author accuses the Nusayris [a derogatory term for Alawites] of spreading corruption and committing atrocities in Syria. The post further warns against making compromises with the Alawite forces, or engaging in alliances that do not strictly align with religious principles. No amount of political maneuvering or neutrality will protect the fighters from their enemies, according to the author:

"O children of Adam, these are the Nusayris whom you have let loose, spreading corruption and continuing their vile crimes. Be aware: disbelief will not leave you even if you leave it; it will not accommodate you, and it will not be pleased with you even if you prostrate beneath its feet."

Emphasizing that the only path to victory is through unwavering commitment to tawhid [monotheism] and fighting solely for the "sake of Allah," the author asserts: "Your only path to victory against it is through tawhid, and that your fighting, movements, and every action and stillness must be for Allah alone."

Criticizing Ahmed Al-Sharaa

The author also turns her criticism toward Ahmed Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed Al-Joulani, the former leader of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). She refers to him as "Al-Juhalani"—a play on Jahiliyyah [the pre-Islamic age of ignorance], seeking to delegitimize him as a corrupt and misguided leader, suggesting that he has strayed from the true path, prioritizing political power over religious purity.

In the post, the author also accuses Al-Sharaa of betraying his fighters, exposing them to ambushes while using them as mere pawns in a larger political game. Al-Nasr warns that Al-Sharaa's leadership will lead the fighters to meaningless deaths, not for the cause of Islam, but for his own political survival: "For the thousandth time, you poor soldiers must beware of the enemy of Sharia, Al-Juhalani. The Nusayris know your movements before you do, and when you go to them, you find them waiting to escort you to a meaningless death!"

She continues addressing the fighters who oppose Al-Sharaa: "To Al-Juhalani, you are nothing but pawns sent to exposed trenches so he may draw closer on the altar of global disbelief. He would not hesitate to sacrifice even your national pagan idol for the sake of his throne!"

Ultimately, the author calls for action, urging fighters to abandon the new Syrian administration and realign their struggle with a purer religious vision: "So wake up before it's too late, purify your beliefs, cleanse your banner, and make your fight for the sake of Allah Almighty so that you may succeed and prosper. Otherwise… the most foolish of people is the one who sells his Hereafter for the worldly life of someone else!"

 

[1] Telegram, March 9, 2025.


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