The shrine of Prophet Younis (AS) was built on the reputed burial site of as mentioned in the Quran and in the Bible as ‘Jonah’.
"Islamic State completely destroyed the shrine of Prophet Younis (AS) after telling local families to stay away and closing the roads to a distance of 500 metres from the shrine," said the official at the Sunni endowment, which manages Sunni religious affairs in Iraq.
The endowment official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, and Mosul residents told AFP it took the extremists an hour to rig the shrine with explosives.
"They first stopped people from praying in it, they fixed explosive charges around and inside it and then blew it up in front of a large gathering of people," said a witness who did not wish to give his name.
The endowment official said the Islamic State group that overran large swathes of northern and western Iraq last month have now destroyed or damaged 30 shrines, as well as 15 husseiniyas and mosques in and around Mosul.
Husseiniyas are Shia places of worship that are also used as community centres.
The official listed the most notable losses to Muslim heritage as being the shrines of Imam Yahya Ibn al Qassem, Aoun al Din and Prophet Danial.
"But the worst destruction was of Prophet Younis (AS), which has been turned to dust," he said.
The Islamic State late last month proclaimed a "caliphate" spanning parts of Iraq and Syria.
The group aims to create an approximation of society as it was in the early days of Islam, which was founded in the 7th century, and considers Muslims who do not adhere to its puritanical version of the religion heretics.
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@Urban Legend:
This is the same theory that is killing the Muslim world from within, the faithfuls don't need any other outside enemy
@Bakhtiyar Ghazi Khan:
Why should a newspaper censor anything on this issue. What ISIS is doing is unacceptable not only for Muslims but also for others who belong to other religions. Are you supporting these barbarians by criticizing and mentioning the right criticism of hindus?
For your information, I am a Pakistan Muslim
Islam is believing in oneness of God, Allah, and asking Him for all the needs. There is no significance of shrines and they are not holy. Shrines attract weak-faith muslims who start believing its the person beneath the grave who could help. May Allah guide us to believe in Him, and only Him.
Now, tell me about all the self-righteous indignation about the demolition of the Babri structure. It wasn't even a mosque when demolished and that too was one built over the foundations of a hindu temple!
Do Pakistanis want to raise the issue of the abandoned, decrepit Babri mosque demolition here? I am sure they will because the blinkers are still firmly in place.
@Syed Jalal Kashmiri: Actions of some rebels? I think you need to read the history of islam again, specially in sub continent. The people , similar to there rebels were the one who helped spreading islam by sword.
These are the worst enemies of Islam. I'd actually support Israel if it ever went head-to-head with these loonies
@Tahir: Shame on you. Next you will try/advocate martyring The Prophet's Mosque.
I don't know why these people feel threatened by the grave of Prophets and Aulia Allah. If praying there is a problem then they can simply ask people not to pray there. If they fear that people will engage in Shirk at the shrine they can resort to educating the people. And.... if they are against graves and shrines in general, then they can start with blowing up the graves of their own ancestors first.
What a despicable act, people not willing to educate the masses but wanting to lead the way by explosions and terror. What could be a bigger sign of ignorance.
@Syed Jalal Kashmiri:
Dear Syed Jalal Karachi...
Why dont u ask Pakistan to get back the donated territory back from China,withdraw all the troops from POK,remove all those Punjabis who were forced to settle during 1950s to 1960s and then make a way for Kashmiri Pandits to return home and then we can exercise the right of Kashmiri people....
The group aims to create an approximation of society as it was in the early days of Islam, which was founded in the 7th century.... if it was jsut that it would be nice but it will not be so.The caliph needs his Rolex and Omega watches and all the comforts,conveniences and facilities of 21 century western science.They would be welcome to go back to their days of camels and bows and arrows with maybe a sword or two.
these extremist shia or Iraq and Syria under guidance from terrorist regime of Iran was raping little sunni girls killing sunni muslims keeping them under worst torture in prisons, now Allah give them IS, what goes around comes around
ISIS is a rogue state which lacks legitimacy. Hindus, please stop demeaning Islam for the actions of some rebels in Iraq. Why don't you ask Kashmiris what we want here in Kashmir? You have been denying our rights for 66 years. I am glad for my Pakistani Muslim brothers and sisters for always supporting and loving Kashmiri people. They are the true example of Muslim hospitality to me.
They will destroy each and every thing they can not build only destroy.
@tahir Shrines were never an innovation, and its really shocking how one can destroy ones own religious places, such people can never ever be called as muslims, but can b called the brothers of the yahoods.
ET, please censor abuse of Islam and Muslims by Hindu extremists on your website. ISIS or any other fringe group do not represent the majority of Muslims.
Should Hindus really say anything when they destroyed Babri masjid and murdered Muslims in Gujurat afterwards?
While the whole world is condemning Israel's inhumane activities, the 'very islamic' ISIS is busy killing muslims and damaging their religious sites. Are you guys really that naive to think they are muslims? Really!
Destroying the Holy shrines and killing muslims can never be an example f early days if Islam. I think that these are the signs of the day of Justice!
Destroying the Holy places and killing Muslims can never be an example if early Islam.. these are just the signs of the day of Justice.!
@Tahir Are you interested in Building Temples too, which were destroyed in last 1400 years ?
I am surprised that so many people are surprised. These fanatic terrorists are already blowing up shrines in Pakistan and Afghanistan for years. The believers of this twisted ideology have been targeting Shia, Ahmedi, and all others who do not surrender to their terror. Very soon there would not remain a single historic and religious site under these terrorists. They are only going to get bolder with time and power.
I have heard that the same group has promised to destroy all Islamic sites and shrines including Ka'ba and ( I have no courage to mention it. I would like to die before it happens). After this distruction I am sure they will do.
@csmann: Did you actually said that this is an example of Early Islam? lol have you ever read history?
@Tahir: The Internet too is an innovation. Stop using innovative things! I suggest you buy a stone tablet and a chisel instead.
This issue does not concern the so called left wing liberal 'non-practicing' Pakistani Muslims so they do not have the right to make comments on it. Devout practicing Muslims of the Shia denomination whose mosques have been destroyed in Mousel, lets build ten of your mosques here in Pakistan for every one they have destroyed there. As for the destruction of the shrines of the prophets, our beloved prophets are 'shaeed' and by definition not dead. Shrines built for those Allah says live was an innovation and now that innovation has been reduced to rubble. these prophets led by example and we need to follow that example to live our lives which does not require going to shrines.
People calling them yahodi agents, if you just scroll down these comments you'll see a lot of muslim brothers of yours appreciating this attack. Are they paid by jews too? About time you stop living in denial and do something about the cancer that resides within us.
Do they really need to be violent to other denominations of Islam? Aren't they afraid of their God? They only worship one God, right?
Barbarians.
They are ,Founders of MBrotherhood defined this peace as the peace which comes after making the whole world shariatic.
Religion of peace followers are very peaceful. Arent they.
These people don't deserve to call themselves Muslims.
The group aims to create an approximation of society as it was in the early days of Islam,
By destroying Muslims and mosques.Nice example of early Islam!!!
Extremely shocked!!!!