Get ready for sacrifice, jihadi Scot tells followers
SCOTS jihadist Aqsa Mahmood has broken her silence to tell followers of the sacrifice they must make for Islamic State and their faith.
Mahmood, who left Glasgow to travel to Syria in 2013, had not posted on her blog since January after her Twitter page was deleted. However, she has recently reappeared online.
In messages on her Tumblr page, the 21-year-old gave instructions on how to be a good Muslim.
Mahmood, who uses the name Umm Layth, also posted a quote from the death bed of Ali, considered to be one of the last ‘true Muslims’.
The messages come only days after her 21st birthday, but she denies trying to recruit more Western women.
One reads: ‘I urge you by Allah to take care of the Qur’an and do not let others be better at putting it into practice than you.
‘I urge you by Allah to take care of the prayer, for it is the foundation of your religion. I urge you by Allah to take care of the House of your Lord; do not forsake it as long as you live.
‘I urge you by Allah to engage in jihaad for the sake of Allah with your wealth and your lives.’
Neil Russell, doctoral researcher of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies at Edinburgh University, said: ‘The quotes come from Ali, who was the prophet’s cousin and son-in-law.
‘For some, it is believed only the prophet and his companions were able to live as true Muslims. After Ali, it is believed that Muslims lost their way. Only now, with Islamic State, do they think they can live as true Muslims again.’
Mahmood was studying radiography at Glasgow Caledonian University before she left the country to marry an IS militant.
So far she has ignored emotional pleas from her parents, Muzaffar and Khalida, to return home.
But lawyer Aamer Anwar, who is representing her family, said: ‘If Aqsa Mahmood wants to be a good Muslim, then her family would request that she leave ISIS immediately. She has ripped the heart out of the family.’
A Police Scotland spokesman said: ‘The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Aqsa Mahmood continues to be a live ongoing inquiry.’