"IS’ effective use of the Internet and social media for its propaganda and recruitment had attracted some 30,000 people from over 80 countries in 2015. It used its online magazines, Dabiq, Rumiyah and An-Naba to provide the theological justifications and rationale for establishing the Khilāfah through Jihād. These publications also feature ‘convincing and charismatic’ individuals, with a ‘high commitment’ to Jihād and Khilāfah, to evoke feelings of guilt among vulnerable Muslims for their lack of commitment to Islam and a higher purpose in life. These IS-targeted Muslims include those living in conflict zones and experiencing identity crisis and marginalisation." I discuss these issues in 'Hashtag Islam'.

Tags: 'Islamic State', Analysis, Singapore