Following the release of videos on 19 August and 2 September showing the murders of US journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff , Muslim leaders from Egypt, Qatar, Indonesia, France, United Kingdom, United States and Canada are denouncing ISIS’s atrocities against civilians, especially Syrian and foreign journalists, in Syria and Iraq. In this appeal, the religious leaders condemn ISIS’s use of Islam as a cover for political and expansionist goals. “Through its barbaric acts, ISIS not only tarnishes Islam’s image but also harms Muslims worldwide,” they say. The appeal also calls on the extremist group, which has created a major hostage industry, to release the journalists and all other civilians it is currently holding. The first signatories of this appeal are: -, the highest sunni authority of Egypt, based in Cairo, and one of the most renowned in the Muslim world. - International Union for Muslim Scholars . Based in the Qatari capital of Doha, it groups Muslim scholars and sheikhs who are influential in the Muslim world. Its president is Yusuf Al-Qaradawi. - Majelis Ulama Indonesia . Indonesia’s most senior Muslim body. Based in Jakarta, it is headed by Slamet Effendy Yusuf. - Great Mosque of Paris . The mother mosque of all the French mosques and the most important in Europe, it represents the Muslim community in France. It is headed by Dalil Boubakeur, who also heads the French Council for the Muslim Religion. - Union of Islamic Organizations of France . Based in La Courneuve, it is a federation of more than 250 Muslim organizations covering all of France. Headed by Asmar Lasfar, it is a member of the French Council for the Muslim Religion and holds the presidency and vice-presidency of 11 of the 25 Muslim religion regional councils. - Islamic Supreme Council of Canada . Based in Calgary, in the Canadian province of Alberta, its founder and leader is Imam Syed Soharwardy, who also founded Muslims against Terrorism . - Council on American-Islamic Relations . Based in Washington DC and founded and led by Nihad Awad, it is the biggest Muslim civil liberties organization in the United States. - Muslim Council of Britain . Based in London, it is an umbrella for 500 regional and local Muslim entities and associations in Britain. Its secretary general is Dr. Shuja Shafi. ………………………………………………….We, Muslim leaders, firmly condemn ISIS’s atrocities against local and foreign journalists in Syria and Iraq, especially the beheadings of the US reporters James Foley and Steven Sotloff. Taking hostages and carrying out barbaric murders for political ends constitute crimes against the principles of Islam. We reject any justification of violence in the name of our religion and its traditions. Through its barbaric acts, ISIS not only tarnishes Islam’s image but also harms Muslims worldwide. We urge ISIS to release the hostages they are still holding, including the journalists.