Islamic State's execution of Kassig 'barbaric...against Islam,' Syrian cleric tells Ind. mourners

FISHERS, Ind. (AP)

The death of an Indiana aid worker at the hands of Islamic State militants is “barbaric” and is not a true reflection of Islam, a cleric told hundreds of people who gathered Friday for the first of three memorial services honoring the slain man.

Sheikh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi, a top Syrian cleric who has been a strident critic of the Islamic State, called Peter Kassig, 26, a “great hero” during prayers at the Al Huda Foundation mosque in the Indianapolis suburb of Fishers. He said Kassig “carried in his heart the principles of Islam even before becoming Muslim.”

Kassig was captured Oct. 1, 2013, while delivering aid in Syria through a relief organization he founded. He converted to Islam during captivity and changed his first name to Abdul-Rahman.

His parents, Ed and Paula Kassig of Indianapolis, had issued numerous appeals for his release after his life was threatened in an October Islamic State video that showed the beheading of a fellow aid worker, Britain’s Alan Henning.

The Muslim community rallied around the Kassigs, participating in prayer vigils and rallies urging his captors to follow the Quran’s teachings that prohibit Muslims from killing other Muslims.

Their support continued Friday, five days after the White House confirmed Kassig’s death.

“What happened to Abdul-Rahman is beyond comprehension. It is barbaric. But it is not Islamic. It is against Islam,” al-Yaqoubi told those gathered Friday.

Kassig’s parents did not speak to the media at the service but issued a statement that was released afterward.

“We are thankful that Abdul-Rahman had his faith to sustain him and carry him through his ordeal,” they said.

Services also are planned Saturday at a gathering of the Muslim Alliance of Indiana and Sunday at Butler University in Indianapolis.