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On November 30, 2022, Al-Furqan, the media arm of the Islamic State (ISIS) Central Command released a nine-minute audio message by the group's spokesman, Abu 'Umar Al-Muhajir.[1]
The message eulogized Abu Al-Hasan Al-Hashemi Al-Qurashi, saying he was killed in action. The slain leader was appointed as ISIS Caliph on March 10, 2022.[2]
In the new message, the spokesman called on fighters and supporters to pledge allegiance to the new Caliph, Abu Al-Hussein Al-Husseini Al-Qurashi, highlighting some of his credentials and his agenda.
Eulogy
The spokesman began his speech with a Quranic verse often cited by jihadis to announce the death of a leader:
"Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their wealth in exchange for Paradise. They fight in Allah's way, so they kill and get killed. It is a promise binding on Him in the Torah, the Bible, and the Quran. And who is more faithful to his promise than Allah? So rejoice in making such an exchange — that is the supreme triumph," said the verse.
After citing Prophet Muhammad's saying honoring those killed in confrontation with infidels, the spokesman added:
"I eulogize to the Islamic ummah and the soldiers of the glorious State of Islam, the Emir of the Believers and the Caliph of Muslims, the Mujahid sheikh Abu Al-Hasan Al-Hashemi Al-Qurashi, may Allah accept him."
Caliph Was Killed In Confrontation
Discussing the circumstances of the Caliph's death, the spokesman said he was killed during a confrontation with "the enemies of Allah," in which he killed several of them, noting that he died like a man in a battle, "confronting his enemies not retreating."
Praising his contribution to jihad and the mujahideen, the spokesman said the slain leader "sacrificed his peace of mind, soul, and money for the sake of Almighty Allah. He was always with his brothers, overseeing their affairs, assisting them in their tasks. He never cared if the infidels were tracking him, [and was not] preoccupied with the deviousness of corrupt people. Bless him."
Lauding the "heroic" deeds of the three slain ISIS top leaders and ISIS founder Abu Mus'ab Al-Zarqawi, the spokesman recited a poem that pledged to avenge them.
Appointing A New Caliph
Addressing the appointment of a new leader, the spokesman explained that ISIS's leadership met and agreed to pledge allegiance to the "courageous sheikh and fearless knight Abu Al-Hussein Al-Husseini Al-Qurashi, may Allah protect him, as the Emir of the Believers and the Caliph of the Muslims."
He went to add: "I ask Allah to support him and assist him and empower him to fight the infidels right and left. May he expand the victory to the rest of the lands, where he will implement the shari'a of Allah through preaching and jihad."
Fighters, Muslims Must Pledge Allegiance
Addressing the "soldiers of the Caliphate," the spokesman called on them to pledge allegiance to the new Caliph, stressing that the new leader is an ISIS veteran and "faithful son" of ISIS.
"You will see that his actions, Allah willing, will prove his worth, more than sharing his biography or sayings," he said, calling on fighters to continue their path of jihad until they attain victory or martyrdom.
As for the Muslim nation, the spokesman addressed them by saying: "Come join and pledge allegiance to the Caliph who has shouldered the responsibility of supporting the religion of Allah and [supporting] vulnerable Muslims wherever they are, and implementing Allah's shari'a in every spot that Allah will empower him to control."
Freeing Captives
Explaining his agenda, the spokesman said the new Caliph has pledged to free Muslims who are imprisoned everywhere, and to fight the "enemies of Allah" wherever they are.
He further reminded fighters and supporters that "obeying" the commands of the new Caliph is a religious obligation, and that they must fulfil it — in addition to other Islamic obligations of performing hijra (migration) and waging jihad.
Citing a fatwa by historian Islamic scholar Ibn Hazim, the spokesman reminded Muslims that it is forbidden for a Muslim "to spend two nights without pledging allegiance to an Imam."
"I know of no other Imam like [the new Caliph], who knowledgably advocates for the religion of Allah, for implementing the shari'a of Allah, and the sunnah [teachings] of the Prophet of Allah..."
Message To Opponents, Rivals
Addressing the group's opponents and rivals, the spokesman assured them that the death of the Caliph will not impact ISIS.
"Let everyone know that affliction will not deter us, and hardships will not shake our conviction. [...] Targeting us will only strengthen our commitment to the path, and we will endure hardship," he said, threatening "infidels" by stating the soldiers of the Caliphate will escalate their attacks against them.
"As our Sheikh, the Lion of the Forests, the Beheader, the Emir of Martyrs Abu Mus'ab Al-Zarqawi once said: He who never heard the squeak of pencils, the echoing of words, shall hear the sound of our swords."
Concluding, the spokesman recited another poem promising victory over the West and the infidels.
Background
ISIS Caliph Abu Al-Hasan Al-Hashemi Al-Qurashi is the second caliph to be killed this year. Like his predecessor, Caliph Abu Ibrahim Al-Hashimi Al-Qurashi, who was killed in February 2022, his real identity remains unknown.
[1] Telegram, November 30, 2022.
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