The terrorist group of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has disclosed conditions for joining the group and offered advices for the new members.
According to the instructions published in the London-based Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, any aspirant wishing to join the group should get an endorsement from a well-known radical sheikh or leader in Egypt, Jordan, the gulf or England. Multiple endorsements will guarantee the aspirant safe entrance to Syria. Instructions also include wearing clothes that do not reveal religious ideals, holding cigarettes, no religious books and carrying enough money for the road.
Frequent experiences for radical groups in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria can also provide an impressive resume to whoever wishes to be involved in the battles in Syria. The group only accepts endorsements from certified clerics of the group in the Arab region or Europe, fearing infiltration.
A senior radical figure in England told Asharq Al-Awsat that “the British who joined the Islamic State offer endorsements to the new members, due to absence of local sheikhs affiliated to the group. In addition, most of the members who travel steer clear of mosques before traveling, fearing security personnel.” The sources added that a group in Belgium offered dozens of endorsements to the new members in Europe.
The conditions of joining ISIS also include keeping plants secret, not even telling the wife, friends and family until after arrival or completing training, as well as avoiding direct travel, going through several countries.
“In case there is no endorsement, the new member should be patient to carry out further security tests, as some fronts refuse accepting the endorsements, while others accept only after passing hard tests,” the instructions said indicating to keeping some money for purpose of marriage.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
