Rouhani: Islam's image has been 'tarnished' by Isis
'It is our greatest duty today to correct the image of Islam in world public opinion'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Islam's image has been tarnished by the violence of extremist groups such as Isis, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said.
"It is our greatest duty today to correct the image of Islam in world public opinion," President Rouhani said during a conference on Islamic unity, in Tehran. "We must remove Islam's negative image from today's cyber and real space."
Most "violence, terror and massacres, unfortunately, take place in the Islamic world," he said.
"Did we ever think that, instead of enemies, an albeit small group from within the Islamic world using the language of Islam, would present it as the religion of killing, violence, whips, extortion and injustice?"
He said "financial and cultural poverty" are the main reasons Isis can recruit fighters.
He also criticised Muslim countries for "being silent in the face of all the killing and bloodshed" in Syria, Iraq and Yemen - all conflicts in which Iran plays a role.
The Islamic Republic supports Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has close ties with neighbouring Iraq and condemns Isis. It is also an ally of the Houthi movement which seized control of most of Yemen last year.
Additional reporting by Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments