this is getting way off topic, but can you tell me what makes an isis salute raised finger different from any other use of the pointer?
The raised finger is a symbol of the unity of Islam - it is not specific to ISIS and relates to the concept that all Jihad serves Allah.
{The reason we raise the index finger, when saying the kalima in Thasahud is to constantly remind ourselves of the principle understanding of Tawheed. Because , it was the failure to understand and adhere to the principles of Tawheed that caused the fall and destruction of many generations before, as well as the existances of many other religions that gave its own interpretations like the Trinity, that is God is One but Three, and principles like God is One but Omnipresent (God is One but present in all things) which resulted in idol worship.
“It is harder on the Shaytaan than iron,” , the verses in the hadith that was cited by UMM kulTHUM above, refers to the strength, or the effect of hearing the kalima said by a muslim, which causes shaytan to loose all hopes of misguiding the worshipper of Allah and depart. }
Ramadan Why do we raise our index finger whilst reciting Tashahhud Yahoo Answers
The raised finger in Islam is similar to the cross gesture for Catholics.