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How Islamic Is ISIS, Really?

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The sun rises over the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known popularly as the Blue Mosque, in Istanbul. (ynakanishi/Flickr)
The sun rises over the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known popularly as the Blue Mosque, in Istanbul. (ynakanishi/Flickr)

Recent tragedies throughout the world - including in Paris, but also in Beirut, Sinai, Baghdad and Nigeria - have been linked to Muslim extremists. These extremists claim they are inspired and infused with Islamic tradition and the tenets of the broader faith itself.

In fact, ISIS says it wants to establish a new caliphate, drawing on Muslim history and faith; but historians say that these extreme behaviors and doctrines are not in alignment with any of Islam's past or scripture.

Here & Now's Jeremy Hobson discusses the history of Islam with Asma Afsaruddin, a professor in Indiana University's Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, and Jonathan Brown, director of the Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University.

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This segment aired on November 19, 2015.

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