Muslims tell ISIS they'd rather see Star Wars than fight in Syria

ISIS released a message from the terrorist organization's leader Saturday, asking Muslims to join them in Iraq and Syria. Many Muslims, however, took the opportunity to join in mocking him instead.

Twitter users ask for a raincheck, point out that they still don't know what happened to Jon Snow

CBC News Posted: Dec 28, 2015 2:32 PM EST | Last Updated: December 28, 2015

The Islamic State group has released a new message purportedly from its reclusive leader, claiming his self-styled caliphate is doing well despite an unprecedented alliance against it. (Twitter, AP Photo)

ISIS released a message it claims isfrom the terrorist organization's leader Saturday, asking Muslims to join him in Iraq and Syria. Many Muslims, however, took the opportunity to mock him on Twitter instead.

On Boxing Day, ISIS social media accounts released a 24-minute audio recording in whichAbu Bakral-Baghdadi presumablytries reassuring listeners that the organization remains strong despite losses in Iraq and Syria.

ISIS's leader's message is basically "everything is OK despite everyone ganging up on us".
—@iyad_elbaghdadi

In his first transmission since May, the leader threatens Israel before adding that since ISIS is now surrounded by enemies on all sides and thatMuslims of all stripes should join their crusade.

"We urgently call upon every Muslim to join the fight, especially those in the land of the two shrines (Saudi Arabia), rise," al-Baghdadi says in the recording.

Yet, many Muslims didn't quite see the point injoining ISIS.Instead, they respondedwith sarcasm, saying that they're simplytoo busy to head all the way down to the Middle East.

It was Boxing Day after all, and you can't miss those sales.

@iyad_elbaghdadi The Boxing Day Sales are on, don't you remember!
—@logicandmagic

... or a nice meal with your family.

@iyad_elbaghdadi Send my apologies to them leaders. My Aunty is cooking lamb stomach and intestines, a delicacy too hard to miss.
—@Janoobi_MUFC

Others hadn't seen the new Star Wars film yet, and they definitely couldn't go and join ISISbefore seeing that.

@iyad_elbaghdadi Sorry but I'm watching Star Wars, maybe tomorrow...
—@Aim_Amraam

Sorry mate, I don't want to risk dying before the next Star Wars comes out. https://t.co/vvnbXmsMfK
—@MohsinArain91

And if it wasn't Star Wars, Netflix was holding them back.

@iyad_elbaghdadi Nah, I prefer to sleep in and binge watch shows on Netflix.
—@muaijaz

People asked for a raincheck. It's still close to Christmas, so chances are thatall the flights are booked up anyway.

@iyad_elbaghdadi Sorry man, but i have to celebrate the new year with friends and busy with organising a party . Maybe later :p
—@najibsamehgmail

@iyad_elbaghdadi Sorry I have to go to the beach pic.twitter.com/EQxYDz77bL
—@MalikaMaluka

@iyad_elbaghdadi I wanna wait until April and find out what happened to Jon Snow
—@hsulaiti

A few did jokingly say yes to the invitation, although they might not be the caliber of fighter ISIS is looking for.

@iyad_elbaghdadi My dad said I have to be home by 8pm. Will we be done by then?
—@guidanceofgod

@iyad_elbaghdadi I'm not Muslim but I'm giving up drinking for January so need something to do. I'm not very outdoorsy though, is that ok?
—@tomjy85

@iyad_elbaghdadi Oh, dude, can I join? I'm actually an infidel, but I've nearly finished Fallout 4 so I'm going to have loads of time free
—@Sliceofdog

But for the most part, Twitter users came down against ISIS on moral objections.

@iyad_elbaghdadi too busy being part of a civilised and functioning society.
—@ozzypotato

... or any objectionsthat allowed for a good pun.

@iyad_elbaghdadi Sorry am in a bit of a hurry, must 'daesh'!
—@rocknroll66

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