.... Ideologically, IS does not represent Islam as a whole but it does represent one established strand within Islamic thought, even if many people regard that strand as an aberration. There's no hope of combating IS ideologically unless we (Muslim or non-Muslim) recognise its Islamic roots.
An important principle is at stake here. When someone self-identifies as Muslim we have no right to reject their self-description. We may feel they don't think or act as a Muslim should but that doesn't entitle us to pronounce them apostates.
What Cameron et al don't seem to appreciate is that by insisting IS is not really Islamic they are getting into the business of takfirism – the practice of declaring others (usually those you disagree with) to be outside the faith. [al-bab.com] Read more
