Imam Mohamed El Sadi, who is the spiritual leader of Muslims in Malta, has strongly condemned ISIS and their view of slavery.

"Slavery used to be allowed in olden times, a long time ago, however Islam moved away from this and wants to liberate all slaves and completely eliminate slavery. This is the goal of Islam".

Recently, ISIS published guidelines on a pamphlet for sexual relations with slaves. It states that having sex with non-Muslim slave women is permissible, even when these are young girls, and that one may beat them and trade in them.

According to the pamphlet, while the purchasing of captive women is permissible, there are certain limitations on the allowed "uses" of these women: for example, while the beating of a female slave is permissible, one may not torture them or hit their faces.

In response to these pamphlets, Mr El Sadi said; "slavery is a criminal act, prohibited and condemned. These people, who condone slavery, do not follow the philosophy and the noble goals of Islam. They are still living in ancient times and are thus damaging the reputation of Islam".

Earlier this week, a siege in Sydney saw an Iranian-born gunman place a flag with an Islamic symbol on the window of a café where he took several hostages. The event ended in tragedy with three people, including the gunman, killed.

The Imam argues that ISIS are causing hostility towards Islam, "fuelling Islamophobia. They are doing injustice to themselves and their religion. They are criminals and terrorists. Anyone who follows their ideology and their attitudes are criminals just like them".