A Thematic Analysis of Vocal Hymns (Nasheeds) by the So-Called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)

This paper deals with jihadist nasheeds of the group that was previously known as the so-called Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) and is presently known as the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). This paper seeks to scrutinize common themes of IS/ ISIS nasheeds before and after the Syrian civil war. The Syrian civil war is considered a turning point for this group which enabled it to extend its activity from Iraq into Syria and announce the so-called “Islamic Caliphate” on the lands of both countries. The research question, therefore, is: what were/are the common themes in IS (ISIS) songs before and after the Syrian civil war?