The Raqqa Diaries Quotes

“He tells me that the last time he was arrested, it was because his trousers were too long. IS insists that should always be above ankle length. Anyone found breaking this rule has to undergo a week-long Sharia course.
As if such ridiculous charges were not bad enough, they deliberately make up some accusations, knowing them to be false. We've all witnessed this. Yet Islam does not allow conviction is based on suspicions alone. Any true Muslim who has seen what Daesh does knows what fakers they are. Not only I committing crimes against us, but they are also committing crimes against our beloved religion.”
― Samer, The Raqqa Diaries: Escape from Islamic State

“Having lived through many troubles in the past, does he have any advice? … He tells me, 'Live your life without considering that the present. Imagine you're walking on the road between two mountains. Present is the ground below. Walk straight ahead and focus on the crossing to the other mountain. Never look down.'
From now on, I will take his advice and try walking straight ahead till I reach the other mountain. When I get there, the present will be gone.”
― Samer, The Raqqa Diaries: Escape from Islamic State

“He begins by telling me people who here used to say that the walls have ears, but later found out that are deaf. The ears we fear belong to people among us, 'But they are just weak souls', he says.”
― Samer, The Raqqa Diaries: Escape from Islamic State

“Educated people like him scare Daesh the most. He believes that our most important role is to expose the true nature of Daesh, particularly the way they use religion to cover up their criminality, only fooling those who do not know Islam properly. The people who fall for their”
― Samer, The Raqqa Diaries: Escape from Islamic State