As China continues human rights abuses against more than a million Uighur Muslims, it has become necessary to examine the country’s justification for such repression before addressing another, equally sinister,…
Usman Khan, Rehabilitation & Formers: Government Poster Boys and Prodigal Son narratives
Since 2006/7, governments and their associated agencies have eagerly embraced the idea of working with ‘formers’ – reformed extremists who had disengaged from previous extremist beliefs and rejected violence. Formers became…
A view from the inside: Brixton Mosque & shifting perceptions…
Initial publication[1] Not until the events of 7th July, has the British Muslim Convert community within the UK been under so much scrutiny, as being especially susceptible to extremist teachings…
“…a riot is the language of the unheard.” Exposing Big Brother
“…a riot is the language of the unheard.” [1] Most governments create or facilitate institutions that deliver social control strategies aimed at regulating societal behaviour within acceptable norms.[2] In other words,…
“A Man Who Stands For Nothing Will Fall For Anything” – Desolate leadership & the need for reform
“A Man Who Stands For Nothing Will Fall For Anything” [1] Boris Johnson’s recent appointment as prime minister is another reflection of the dire state of affairs across societies that have…
Islamophobia and its origins: Secularism & Islam
Definition of Islamophobia: the fear, hatred of, or prejudice against the Islamic religion or Muslims generally, especially when seen as a geopolitical force or the source of terrorism.[1] First use of the term was reportedly…
‘Jack the Lads?’ Or is there something we are choosing to ignore?
Click here to listen to podcast version Definition of ‘Jack the lad’: “A conspicuously self-assured, carefree and brash (young) man; a ‘chancer.’”[1] At this point in time, Boris Johnson appears…
Societal Serenity & Quietist Salafis: A Swedish Context
By Gibril Fodor* It's a sunny Friday afternoon. We have just completed the traditional Friday prayers in a small mosque located in the shadow of large Brutalist style housing blocks…
Sri Lanka Attacks: No end in sight
Scarcely five weeks have passed since terrorist attacks targeting Muslims rocked New Zealand and shocked the world. We are now confronted with the latest devastating attacks in Sri Lanka that…
Social Media, Self-Harm & Suicide
By Unaisa Abdul Haqq Baker,[1] A 14-year-old girl, Molly Russell, took her own life in November 2017 after prolonged exposure to images of self-harm on Instagram. “The caring soul who…