The latest terrorist attacks in Brussels follow the very recent ones in Istanbul and are yet further reminders of the extent of the threat facing us. Multifarious in nature, this…
Her Master’s Voice: Lazy, misguided and reckless!
In January, the former Prime Minister, David Cameron, asserted that learning English was a solution to tackling segregation and the ‘lure’ of extremism. Focusing on the second aspect, the government…
Jihad Jane, Jihadi Brides & Jamie: Idealistic Commonalities
On 8th January 2014, Jamie Paulin-Ramirez, an American Muslim convert, was convicted for ‘providing material support to terrorists’. Her nickname, ‘Jihad Jamie’, was coined as a result of her association…
Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Emerging government policies and Islamophobic media headlines continue to target and marginalise Muslims – and let us be clear about this – socially conservative, orthodox Muslims in particular. To add…
The Flying Elephant in the Room
Daesh’s rapid expansion across swathes of Syria and Iraq caused grave concern for a considerable period of time due to the barbarity inflicted upon its enemies. Not a single country…
Better the Devil You Know?
The May 2015 election win for the Conservatives surprised many, with David Cameron emerging as the undisputed champion in the political arena.[1] The subsequent resignation from three of the leading political…
Idealism or Radicalism?
Idealism or radicalism? Understanding the reaction of some British Muslims in the context of current national and international events. Existing concerns about young British Muslims travelling to and fighting in…
A Response to Andrew Gilligan
Andrew Gilligan’s usual lack of attention to detail and his failure to conduct anything close to what can be considered research is what many have come to expect from this…
Part 1: The Roots of Extremism in Islam
Part 1: Understanding terminology Extreme beliefs and practices in the religion fall on either side of what constitutes the Straight Path (Siratul Mustaqeem) as has been confirmed in the Qur’an:[1]…
Part 2: The Roots of Extremism in Islam
Part 2: The beginnings of the Khawaarij A classic example that serves to illustrate the causes of misguidance described in Part 1 can be witnessed during the time of the…