Syrian refugees are risking their souls in Europe, says Islamic State

Syrians and Libyans fleeing to Europe are committing sin by exposing their children to atheism, drugs, alcohol and sexual permissiveness, according to a magazine published by Islamic State insurgents.

Hundreds of thousands of people have fled wars in the Middle East this year, often from areas seized or threatened by Islamic State militants. They have crossed the Mediterranean to Europe on flimsy boats that have sometimes capsized, killing hundreds, in one of the biggest waves of migration since World War Two.

Most of the refugees come from Syria, Iraq and Libya – states ravaged by conflict frequently involving Islamic State.

"Sadly, some Syrians and Libyans are willing to risk the lives and souls of...their children, sacrificing many of them during the dangerous trip to the lands of the war-waging crusaders ruled by the laws of atheism and indecency," Islamic State's Dabiq magazine said.

It said that most families fleeing to Europe come from areas under Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's control or from Kurdish areas that had been fighting Islamic State.

But the magazine of Islamic State, which controls territory in Iraq and Syria where some 10 million people live, said those who leave its domain were committing a "major sin".

"It should be known that voluntarily leaving Dārul-Islām [lands of Islam] for dārul-kufr [land of unbelievers] is a dangerous major sin, as it is a passage towards kufr [disbelief[ and a gate towards one's children and grandchildren abandoning Islam for Christianity, atheism, or liberalism," it said.

Dabiq magazine added that migrating to Christian lands exposed children or grandchildren to "the constant threat of fornication, sodomy, drugs, and alcohol".

"If they don't fall into sin, they will forget the language of the Koran – Arabic – which they were surrounded by in Syria, Iraq, Libya, and elsewhere, making the return to the religion and its teachings more difficult."

related articles
UN says at least 850,000 will cross the sea to Europe this year and next
UN says at least 850,000 will cross the sea to Europe this year and next

UN says at least 850,000 will cross the sea to Europe this year and next

Angelina Jolie says Islamic State is using rape on a scale never seen before
Angelina Jolie says Islamic State is using rape on a scale never seen before

Angelina Jolie says Islamic State is using rape on a scale never seen before

Syria: Russian troops are fighting alongside Assad regime

Syria: Russian troops are fighting alongside Assad regime

EU chief wants Europe to take 160,000 refugees but promises tougher border controls
EU chief wants Europe to take 160,000 refugees but promises tougher border controls

EU chief wants Europe to take 160,000 refugees but promises tougher border controls

News
Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures
Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures

Hundreds of churches across the UK are receiving vital financial support to remain open and safe, as rising repair costs and shrinking funding streams place historic buildings under increasing strain.

How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year
How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year

Make the most of these last days of the year to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with God.

US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians
US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians

The US military has conducted airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Nigeria over the violent "targeting" of Christians. 

Gay Archbishop of Wales says some people have left Church over her appointment
Gay Archbishop of Wales says some people have left Church over her appointment

The first openly gay Archbishop of Wales says her appointment has caused some people to leave the Church in Wales.