Destruction of monuments and committing aggression against human civilization which they believe in as idols and infidel things, to bring them nearer to Allah, ISIS is a case in point. They boastfully destroyed the historical monuments in Iraq and released videos on websites. They cited as evidence the Prophet's action against Al-Ka'aba idols on the Day of Opening.
We can answer them by stating that they misunderstood the guidance of Qur’an, the Sunnah and the righteous ancestors. The position of Islam on monuments in those counties that adopted Islam is crystal clear, as follows:
1- Early Muslims kept the monuments in the countries they entered during the eras of the Rightly Guided Caliphs in Egypt, under the reign of Umar; in Iraq when it all adopted Islam in the 12th year after the Hijrah of the Prophet (PBUH), in the reign of Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq – may Allah be pleased with him- the first Muslim Caliph following the Prophet Muhammad, and so was the case in Syria. These openings were led by the Companions- may Allah be pleased with them all-; the best human generation ever known.
2- Qur’an recommends people to take warning from traces of the precedents, and explains the objectives of preserving antiquities. This is actually proven by many Qur’anic verses. Allah says, "Have they not traveled through the earth and observed how was the end of those before them? They were greater than them in power, and they plowed the earth and built it up more than they have built it up, and their messengers came to them with clear evidences. And Allah would not ever have wronged them, but they were wronging themselves" (Q 30:9). He, the Almighty, says, "Have you not considered how your Lord dealt with 'Aad - [With] Iram- who had lofty pillars, the likes of whom had never been created in the land?" (Q 6:10). He, the Almighty, also says, "So today We will save you in body that you may be to those who succeed you a sign. And indeed, many among the people, of Our signs, are heedless." (Q 10:92)
3- Moreover, people who believe in the destruction and demolishment of antiquities should destroy the sun, moon, cows and trees which some people worship besides Allah up till now.
4- There is a big difference between antiquities and idols. There is also a divine separation between prohibition of worshipping the different forms of idols and the religious stance regarding the worshipped things. The destruction of idols in Ibrahim's story was to make a debate with his people. One day, people worshipped the planets, sun and the moon; creatures which Allah subjected to people’s service. Is it conceivable now that we shall take a negative position against these creatures just because some people worship them thinking that they are drawing them near to Allah! Allah says, "And of His signs are the night and day and the sun and moon. Do not prostrate to the sun or to the moon, but prostate to Allah, who created them, if it should be Him that you worship." (Q 41:37)
Ibrahim (PBUH)’s story delivers a great lesson: he destroyed the idols because they were worshiped by his people, not because they are simply statues, and to have a debate with his people. If he had destroyed them for the fact that they were statues, he would not have left their master, but he keep it to argue with them that these idols did not speak, eat, or even defend themselves. In addition, they could not do anything. The Qur’an tells us about the story of Ibrahim with his people. Allah says, "And We had certainly given Abraham his sound judgment before, and We were of him well-Knowing (51) When he said to his father and his people, "What are these statues to which you are devoted?" (52) They said, "We found our fathers worshippers of them." (53) He said, "You were certainly, you and your fathers, in manifest error." (54) They said, "Have you come to us with truth, or are you of those who jest?" (55) He said, "[No], rather, your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth who created them, and I, to that, am of those who testify. (56) And [I swear] by Allah, I will surely plan against your idols after you have turned and gone away." (57) So he made them into fragments, except a large one among them, that they might return to it [and question]. (58) They said, "Who has done this to our gods? Indeed, he is of the wrongdoers." (59) They said, "We heard a young man mention them who is called Abraham." (60) They said, "Then bring him before the eyes of the people that they may testify." (61) They said, "Have you done this to our gods, O Abraham?" (62) He said, "Rather, this - the largest of them - did it, so ask them, if they should [be able to] speak." (63) So they returned to [blaming] themselves and said [to each other], "Indeed, you are the wrongdoers." (64) Then they reversed themselves, [saying], "You have already known that these do not speak!" (65) He said, "Then do you worship instead of Allah that which does not benefit you at all or harm you? (66) Uff to you and to what you worship instead of Allah. Then will you not use reason?" (67) They said, "Burn him and support your gods - if you are to act." (68) Allah said, "O fire, be coolness and safety upon Abraham." (69) And they intended for him harm, but We made them the greatest losers) (Q 51:70)
5- It is narrated in Sunnah that prophet Muhammad passed through "Madaa’in Saleh" in the Battle of Tabuk and did not command to destroy any monument. Is it conceivable that the Prophet forgot to tell his Companions to destroy these monuments which still exist up till now!