Franklin Graham warns jihadists that there are no 70 virgins waiting for them in afterlife
Evangelist Franklin Graham has warned suicide bombers, following the terrorist attack in Manchester, England on Monday, that they will be greeted with hellfire in the afterlife rather than 70 virgins.
The Islamic State terror group has taken credit for the suicide bombing that left 22 dead and 59 injured. The blast occurred as thousands of people were leaving the Manchester Arena at around 10:30 p.m. after an Ariana Grande concert.
"One of the soldiers of the Caliphate was able to place an explosive device within a gathering of the Crusaders in the city of Manchester," a statement from ISIS said.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Graham condemned the suicide attack and urged his followers to pray for the victims and their families.
"Islam targets the weak. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the horrific carnage of Monday night's bombing in Manchester, England, targeting children, teens, and their parents who were attending a concert. They're proud of this despicable and cowardly act," the evangelist wrote.
Graham, who has been criticized in the past for denouncing the religion of Islam, did not hold back in his commentary on the terrorist attack.
The evangelist went on to describe Islam as a "threat to our very way of life" and warned that there might be more attacks in the future. He urged U.S. politicians to find ways to secure the nation's border to ensure that those who are entering the country "support the freedoms and liberties we hold dear."
The suicide bomber had been identified as 22-year-old Salman Abedi, who was born in Manchester in 1994 to parents who fled from Libya to Britain at the height of Muammar Gaddafi's regime.
The police have confirmed that a "network" of suspects are under investigation and a total of six people have already been arrested.
In a follow-up post, Graham said he agreed with U.S. President Donald Trump, who described terrorists as "evil losers."
The evangelist noted that jihadists are being taught that killing nonbelievers would get them to paradise where 70 virgins await them.
However, he warned that this is not what they will find in the afterlife. "I've got news for them — Hell awaits, with real flames and real fire," Graham wrote.
Graham stated that Heaven is also a real place, and he contended that there is only one way to reach it. He said that he is praying that Muslims around the world would "come to know the truth and put their faith in Jesus Christ and Him alone."