USA: Portland Islamic community working to ensure ISIS message isn't reaching teens

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"These youth have a sense of belonging; they have a sense of community, and they have a sense of purpose. When they have that feeling, a sense of belonging, then they're going to stay away from those things."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: KATU  News
By Jackie Labrecque | November 17, 2015

PORTLAND, Ore. -- ISIS recruits its members through social media and even through video games. And they target teens. One local Islamic community is working to ensure the radical message is not getting through.

ISIS stops at nothing to target the most vulnerable, recruiting soldiers to carry on its version of jihad.

"Crazy individuals who happen to use the name of religion for their own political or social gains," said Waqas Hussain, of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Knowing ISIS goes after young men, they have a national program called "Stop the Crisis," which is aimed at keeping young Muslims on the right track.

"These youth have a sense of belonging; they have a sense of community, and they have a sense of purpose. When they have that feeling, a sense of belonging, then they're going to stay away from those things," said Waqas Hussain.

They worship at the Rizwan Mosque in Southwest Portland. Protesters showed up before Sunday's afternoon prayer, two days after the Paris attacks.

"I think when there's such fear and misinformation about Islam, that it lends more and more to this," said Abdul Rahim Hubbs, also with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

They are focused on spreading Islam's true message of peace and ensuring they do not turn their back on anyone who may be losing touch.

"'Oh we knew this one guy who was coming for a little bit, but he kind of seemed a little out there and extremist so we didn't want him to come anymore.' We don't take that approach. We want to bring them in so we can show them the true way and the true path," Hussain said.




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