Ancient prophecy drives Islamic State’s battlefield choices, enslavement of women
By Mark Ellis – Senior Correspondent, ASSIST News Service
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (ANS) — In northern Syria near the Turkish border lies the relatively small, nondescript town of Dabiq, home to about 3,300 people. It came as somewhat of a surprise last August when Islamic State (IS) suddenly targeted the city, which seemed to have little strategic importance.
But some may not have realized Dabiq figures prominently in Islamic eschatology – somewhat analogous to Armageddon in the Book of Revelation. It seems the ancient Hadith, which contains the teachings and deeds of Muhammad, prophesied that in the “last hours of history” the forces of Islam will face a horde of infidels at Dabiq in a decisive battle presaging the return of their Messiah.
The importance of this prophecy to IS was revealed in the recent video released November 16th announcing the beheading of American aid worker Peter Kassig.
“Here we are, burning the first American crusader in Dabiq, eagerly waiting for the remainder of your armies to arrive,” declares an IS fighter in the video. The militant condemns U.S. involvement in Iraq and pledges to defeat “this final and last crusade.”






