More than one hundred Muslim scholars and leaders from around the world have sent an open letter to Islamic State (IS) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, saying that the group's use of Islamic scripture is illegitimate and perverse.
The document, which was issued on September 24, says the IS practices, such as torture, slavery, forced conversions, the denial of rights for women and children, and the killing of innocents, are forbidden by Islam.
The letter emphasizes that Baghdadi's claims to a caliphate spanning eastern Syria and western Iraq are void. It condemns IS's jihad calls, saying they are impermissible.
The letter's release coincided with U.S. President Barack Obama's speech on September 24 at the UN General Assembly, during which he condemned the IS and other extremists for their manipulation of Islam.
Based on reporting by news.vice.com and lettertobaghdadi.com
