CALGARY — A prominent Muslim cleric wants to distribute a checklist to help steer new and potential converts to Islam away from extremism.
Imam Syed Soharwardy (sy-ED' so-HAR'-WAHR'-dee) of Calgary, the founder of Muslims Against Terrorism and the Islamic Supreme Council of Canada, has written an article warning converts and potential converts that their future is at stake.
Soharwardy says it is important to check out the beliefs of the Imam or group because there are those who have an "ideology of hate and violence" who claim to represent Islam.
He says there are thousands of new converts to Islam around the world fighting for the Islamic state because they are being exploited and misled.
Soharwardy says they include the two men in Canada who killed soldiers in Montreal and Ottawa a few weeks ago.
He intends to distribute his information online and in mosques and will be encouraging Muslims to share the information with anyone interested in the religion.
