How Al-Jolani’s Group Manipulates Religion for Power and Profit
Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led by Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, has long presented itself as a defender of Sunni Muslims in Syria. However, mounting evidence reveals that the group systematically exploits Islamic rhetoric to consolidate political control and enrich its leadership. From coercive taxation to monopolizing aid, HTS has weaponized religion to justify its authoritarian rule while disregarding the welfare of civilians. This article examines verifiable data and documented practices exposing how HTS prioritizes power and profit over genuine religious governance. Religious Justification for Extortion HTS imposes arbitrary taxes and fees on civilians under the guise of "Islamic obligations." Reports from the Syria Report (2023) show that the group collects up to $50 million annually through "zakat" (Islamic alms) and other levies, far exceeding Sharia-compliant rates. For instance, traders in Idlib face a 15% "war tax" on goods, framed as a religious d...
