The claim to be an authentic Islamic state implementing the rules of government found in the classical law books was the key to IS’s international appeal. Jihadi groups like al-Qaeda had long been able to draw upon volunteers from around the world seeking to fight infidel invaders occupying Muslim lands. IS also sought to draw in a different demographic: Young Muslims eager to experience the idealized manifestation of what had previously been an abstract fantasy.
Remarkably, it worked. All the shocking acts of exemplary violence and cruelty carried out by IS came with detailed justifications derived from a rigid interpretation of Islamic legal sources — and posted online. From the standpoint of inspired believers, these horrific acts were claims to authenticity. The world’s condemnation provided free publicity, and a sense that the Prophet Muhammad’s true teachings were being put into motion.
Thus, IS followers saw themselves as joining a utopian community organized under God’s laws and carrying out his dictates.
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