ISIS Leader Al-Baghdadi Calls to Wage Jihad, Says: Becoming a Caliph Is a Heavy Responsibility

ISIS Leader Al-Baghdadi Calls on Muslims to Wage Jihad, Says: Becoming a Caliph Is a Heavy Responsibility

In a Friday sermon in Mosul on July 4, 2014, ISIS Leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi called on Muslims to wage Jihad for the sake of Allah, saying that there was "reward, honor, elevation, and glory" in Jihad "in this world and the Hereafter." Al-Baghdadi, the self-proclaimed "Caliph of the Islamic State," said: "I was put to the test by this heavy responsibility with which I was entrusted."

Following are excerpts from the sermon, posted on the Internet:

Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi is seen climbing the steps to the podium

Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi: Assalaam Alaykum. Allah's mercy and blessings upon you.

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Oh Muslims, the arrival of the month of Ramadhan is a great blessing and grace granted by Allah. It is a month that begins with mercy, continues with atonement, and concludes with salvation from the Hellfire.

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It is a month in which the marketplace of Jihad opens. In this month, the Prophet Muhammad would prepare the brigades, and would mobilize the armies, in order to fight the enemies of Allah and to wage Jihad against the polytheists.

So seize this blessed month, oh servants of Allah, to perform acts of obedience to Allah, for your reward is doubled in this month. [Allah said]: "So for this let the competitors compete" [Quran 83:26].

Oh Muslims, Allah created us so that we would worship Him alone and establish His religion. Allah said: "I only created the jinn and Mankind that they would worship Me" [Quran 51:56].

Allah commanded us to fight His enemies and to wage Jihad for His sake, in order to achieve this purpose and to establish His religion. Allah said: "Fighting is ordained for you, although it is hateful to you" [Quran 2:216]. Allah also said: "Fight them until there is no more strife, and religion is for Allah alone" [Quran 2:193].

Oh people, the religion of Allah will not be established, and the purpose for which Allah created us will not be achieved, unless the law of Allah is instated and observed, and unless the Islamic punishments are implemented. This can be accomplished only through power and might.

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This is the foundation of Islam: A book of guidance and a sword that defends it. Allah has bestowed victories and conquests upon your brothers, the mujahideen. After long years of Jihad and perseverance, fighting the enemies of Allah, Allah has enabled them to accomplish their goal.

Thus, they hastened to declare the establishment of their Caliphate and the appointment of an imam. This is a duty incumbent upon the Muslims – a duty that was neglected for centuries and was not implemented. Many Muslims were ignorant of this duty. Muslims who ignore this duty are committing a sin. They must always strive to carry out this duty.

Lo and behold, they have now carried out this duty, blessings and gratitude be to Allah.

I was put to the test by this heavy responsibility with which I was entrusted. I have been appointed your wali, yet I am not the best among you, nor am I better than you. If you see that I am right, assist me, and if you see that I err, advise me and set me back on the right track. Obey me as long as I obey Allah, but if I disobey Allah, you are not obliged to obey me.

I shall not promise you what kings and rulers promise their subjects – a life of luxury, tranquility, security, and comfort. I shall promise you what Allah promised His believing servants: "Allah has promised those among you who believe and do righteous deeds that He will make them rulers on the land, as He made those before them rulers. He will instate for them their religion, which He has chosen for them. He will replace their fear with security. They shall worship Me, not associating anything with Me. Whoever disbelieves henceforth – these are the sinners" [Quran 24:55].

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If you want what Allah has promised, wage Jihad for His sake, incite the believers, and persevere through these hardships. If only you knew what reward, honor, elevation, and glory there is in Jihad – in this world and in the Hereafter – none of you would be remiss in setting out to wage Jihad.

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Oh Allah, give strength to Islam and the Muslims, humiliate polytheism and the polytheists, and support Your servants, the monotheistic mujahideen, all over the world.