Rise Up pastor calls Islam a 'death cult'

Rise Up Australia Party leader Daniel Nalliah has described Islam as a "death cult".

"Tony Abbott, our prime minister, called the ISIS group in Iraq and Syria a death cult," Mr Nalliah told about 80 people at the party's Victorian election campaign launch on Monday.

"I go one step further. I call Islam the death cult."

Mr Nalliah said he loved Muslims but not the religion, like he loved Germans but hated Nazi philosophy.

He said the Koran told its followers not to integrate and to kill infidels if at war.

Mr Nalliah also said there were many Muslims who came to Australia to flee sharia law, but were concerned the government was not doing enough to stop it coming here.

"There are many Muslims who don't want to live the lifestyle of the teachings of the prophet Mohammed to the letter," he said.

Mr Nalliah's comments came after the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) denounced Islamic State (IS, also known as ISIS and ISIL), saying there is nothing Islamic about the militant group's murderous actions.

"Since the ISIS group was established, we have been very clear about denouncing their lies and betrayal of our faith," the Grand Mufti of Australia, Ibrahim Abu Mohammad, said in a statement on Monday.

"These criminals are committing crimes against humanity and sins against God. Forced eviction, threats of execution and burning of places of worship including churches have no place in any faith."

The ANIC also wants the term "Islamic" not used when referring to IS, saying it serves only to give credence to the group's illegitimate claims of religious authority.