TACKLING EXTREMISM: A MUSLIM PERSPECTIVE TAALIB ALEXANDER Director, Alhambra Educational Initiative
In The Name of Allah The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy
PRESENTATION OVERVIEW Contextualising Convert Muslim Extremism Muslim Radicalisation: The Social Context Muslim Radicalisation: The Theological Context Muslim Initiatives to Tackle Extremism: STREET Conclusion Introduction
PRESENTATION OVERVIEW Contextualising Convert Muslim Extremism Muslim Radicalisation: The Social Context Muslim Radicalisation: The Theological Context Muslim Initiatives to Tackle Extremism: STREET Conclusion Introduction
PRESENTATION OVERVIEW Contextualising Convert Muslim Extremism Muslim Radicalisation: The Social Context Muslim Radicalisation: The Theological Context Muslim Initiatives to Tackle Extremism: STREET Conclusion Introduction
PRESENTATION OVERVIEW Contextualising Convert Muslim Extremism Muslim Radicalisation: The Social Context Muslim Radicalisation: The Theological Context Muslim Initiatives to Tackle Extremism: STREET Conclusion Introduction
PRESENTATION OVERVIEW Contextualising Convert Muslim Extremism Muslim Radicalisation: The Social Context Muslim Radicalisation: The Theological Context Muslim Initiatives to Tackle Extremism: STREET Conclusion Introduction
PRESENTATION OVERVIEW Contextualising Convert Muslim Extremism Muslim Radicalisation: The Social Context Muslim Radicalisation: The Theological Context Muslim Initiatives to Tackle Extremism: STREET Conclusion Introduction
INTRODUCTION
Debates on Islam are seldom neutral Terror attacks have placed converts under the spotlight Does Conversion necessarily lead to extremism? Post Cold War, Islam is now a policy objective
INTRODUCTION Debates on Islam are seldom neutral Terror attacks have placed converts under the spotlight Does Conversion necessarily lead to extremism? Post Cold War, Islam is now a policy objective
INTRODUCTION Debates on Islam are seldom neutral Terror attacks have placed converts under the spotlight Does Conversion necessarily lead to extremism? Post Cold War, Islam is now a policy objective
INTRODUCTION Debates on Islam are seldom neutral Terror attacks have placed converts under the spotlight Does Conversion necessarily lead to extremism? Post Cold War, Islam is now a policy objective
CONTEXTUALISING CONVERT MUSLIM EXTREMISM
CONTEXTUALISING CONVERT MUSLIM EXTREMISM Conversion is a dynamic process Understanding conversion is important What is the relationship between conversion & terror Converts are steadily increasing
CONTEXTUALISING CONVERT MUSLIM EXTREMISM Conversion is a dynamic process Understanding conversion is important What is the relationship between conversion & terror Converts are steadily increasing
CONTEXTUALISING CONVERT MUSLIM EXTREMISM Conversion is a dynamic process Understanding conversion is important What is the relationship between conversion & terror Converts are steadily increasing
CONTEXTUALISING CONVERT MUSLIM EXTREMISM Conversion is a dynamic process Understanding conversion is important What is the relationship between conversion & terror Converts are steadily increasing
CONTEXTUALISING CONVERT MUSLIM EXTREMISM Founding Phase (Conversion) Youthful Phase (Formative) Adult Phase (Foundational) Mature Phase (Reflective) The Rationale for grassroots intervention initiatives: A STREET perspective THE LIFE CYCLE OF THE POST CONVERSION PROCESS
CONTEXTUALISING CONVERT MUSLIM EXTREMISM Founding Phase (Conversion) Youthful Phase (Formative) Adult Phase (Foundational) Mature Phase (Reflective) The Rationale for grassroots intervention initiatives: A STREET perspective THE LIFE CYCLE OF THE POST CONVERSION PROCESS
CONTEXTUALISING CONVERT MUSLIM EXTREMISM Founding Phase (Conversion) Youthful Phase (Formative) Adult Phase (Foundational) Mature Phase (Reflective) The Rationale for grassroots intervention initiatives: A STREET perspective THE LIFE CYCLE OF THE POST CONVERSION PROCESS
CONTEXTUALISING CONVERT MUSLIM EXTREMISM Founding Phase (Conversion) Youthful Phase (Formative) Adult Phase (Foundational) Mature Phase (Reflective) The Rationale for grassroots intervention initiatives: A STREET perspective THE LIFE CYCLE OF THE POST CONVERSION PROCESS
CONTEXTUALISING CONVERT MUSLIM EXTREMISM Founding Phase (Conversion) Youthful Phase (Formative) Adult Phase (Foundational) Mature Phase (Reflective) The Rationale for grassroots intervention initiatives: A STREET perspective THE LIFE CYCLE OF THE POST CONVERSION PROCESS
CONTEXTUALISING CONVERT MUSLIM EXTREMISM Founding Phase (Conversion) Youthful Phase (Formative) Adult Phase (Foundational) Mature Phase (Reflective) The Rationale for grassroots intervention initiatives: A STREET perspective THE LIFE CYCLE OF THE POST CONVERSION PROCESS
MUSLIM RADICALISATION: THE SOCIAL CONTEXT
MUSLIM RADICALISATION: THE SOCIAL CONTEXT Social factors are indicative not blanket indictors Social factors may be a reason for conversion Social factors are important factors for black converts Social factors play a key role in social disposition
MUSLIM RADICALISATION: THE SOCIAL CONTEXT Social factors are indicative not blanket indictors Social factors may be a reason for conversion Social factors are important factors for black converts Social factors play a key role in social disposition
MUSLIM RADICALISATION: THE SOCIAL CONTEXT Social factors are indicative not blanket indictors Social factors may be a reason for conversion Social factors are important factors for black converts Social factors play a key role in social disposition
MUSLIM RADICALISATION: THE SOCIAL CONTEXT Social factors are indicative not blanket indictors Social factors may be a reason for conversion Social factors are important factors for black converts Social factors play a key role in social disposition
MUSLIM RADICALISATION: THE SOCIAL CONTEXT Race & Ethnicity Social Class Family
MUSLIM RADICALISATION: THE THEOLOGICAL CONTEXT
MUSLIM RADICALISATION: THE THEOLOGICAL CONTEXT Three stages of radicalisation Ideology presented as theology Initiated by particular ideologues Professor al-Ruhailis heuristic model:
MUSLIM RADICALISATION: THE THEOLOGICAL CONTEXT Three stages of radicalisation Ideology presented as theology Initiated by particular ideologues Professor al-Ruhailis heuristic model:
MUSLIM RADICALISATION: THE THEOLOGICAL CONTEXT Three stages of radicalisation Ideology presented as theology Initiated by particular ideologues Professor al-Ruhailis heuristic model:
MUSLIM RADICALISATION: THE THEOLOGICAL CONTEXT Three stages of radicalisation Ideology presented as theology Initiated by particular ideologues Professor al-Ruhailis heuristic model:
THREE STAGES OF RADICALISATION Renunciation (Takfeer) Terrorism (Tafjeer) Disaffection (Tanfeer)
THREE STAGES OF RADICALISATION Four essential characteristics: I. Cultivation upon ideological texts & personalities II. Propagation of Ideological principles First stage: Disaffection - Tanfeer III. Disaffection from the orthodox Islamic scholars VI. Alienation from the general body of Muslims
THREE STAGES OF RADICALISATION Four essential characteristics: I. Cultivation upon ideological texts & personalities II. Propagation of Ideological principles First stage: Disaffection - Tanfeer III. Disaffection from the orthodox Islamic scholars VI. Alienation from the general body of Muslims
THREE STAGES OF RADICALISATION Four essential characteristics: I. Cultivation upon ideological texts & personalities II. Propagation of Ideological principles First stage: Disaffection - Tanfeer III. Disaffection from the orthodox Islamic scholars VI. Alienation from the general body of Muslims
THREE STAGES OF RADICALISATION Four essential characteristics: I. Cultivation upon ideological texts & personalities II. Propagation of Ideological principles First stage: Disaffection - Tanfeer III. Disaffection from the orthodox Islamic scholars VI. Alienation from the general body of Muslims
THREE STAGES OF RADICALISATION Four essential characteristics: I. Cultivation upon ideological texts & personalities II. Propagation of Ideological principles First stage: Disaffection - Tanfeer III. Disaffection from the orthodox Islamic scholars VI. Alienation from the general body of Muslims
THREE STAGES OF RADICALISATION Four essential characteristics: I. Renunciation of the orthodox Islamic scholars II. Renunciation of Muslim governments Second stage: Renunciation - Takfeer III. Renunciation of the Muslim community VI. Violence & terror justify political goals
THREE STAGES OF RADICALISATION Four essential characteristics: I. Renunciation of the orthodox Islamic scholars II. Renunciation of Muslim governments Second stage: Renunciation - Takfeer III. Renunciation of the Muslim community VI. Violence & terror justify political goals
THREE STAGES OF RADICALISATION Four essential characteristics: I. Renunciation of the orthodox Islamic scholars II. Renunciation of Muslim governments Second stage: Renunciation - Takfeer III. Renunciation of the Muslim community VI. Violence & terror justify political goals
THREE STAGES OF RADICALISATION Four essential characteristics: I. Renunciation of the orthodox Islamic scholars II. Renunciation of Muslim governments Second stage: Renunciation - Takfeer III. Renunciation of the Muslim community VI. Violence & terror justify political goals
THREE STAGES OF RADICALISATION Four essential characteristics: I. Renunciation of the orthodox Islamic scholars II. Renunciation of Muslim governments Second stage: Renunciation - Takfeer III. Renunciation of the Muslim community VI. Violence & terror justify political goals
THREE STAGES OF RADICALISATION Three essential characteristics: I. Legality of terror for ideological means II. Muslims legitimate target of terror Second stage: Terrorism - Tafjeer III. Non-Muslims legitimate target of terror
THREE STAGES OF RADICALISATION Three essential characteristics: I. Legality of terror for ideological means II. Muslims legitimate target of terror Second stage: Terrorism - Tafjeer III. Non-Muslims legitimate target of terror
THREE STAGES OF RADICALISATION Three essential characteristics: I. Legality of terror for ideological means II. Muslims legitimate target of terror Second stage: Terrorism - Tafjeer III. Non-Muslims legitimate target of terror
THREE STAGES OF RADICALISATION Three essential characteristics: I. Legality of terror for ideological means II. Muslims legitimate target of terror Second stage: Terrorism - Tafjeer III. Non-Muslims legitimate target of terror
MUSLIM RADICALISATION: THE THEOLOGICAL CONTEXT Social Factors Theological Factors
MUSLIM RADICALISATION: THE THEOLOGICAL CONTEXT Social Factors Theological Factors
MUSLIM RADICALISATION: THE THEOLOGICAL CONTEXT Social Factors Theological Factors
CONTEXTUALISING CONVERT MUSLIM EXTREMISM Marginalisation and Muslim Converts Periphery communities Vacuum where hard to reach disenfranchised Muslim youth gravitate towards Mainstream Muslim communities Wider society, governmental and statutory bodies Adapted from: Anthony Baker, Extremists in Our Midst: Confronting Terror, Palgrave Macmillan (2011)
MUSLIM INITIATIVES TO TACKLE EXTREMISM: STREET
Stages of Development and vulnerability: vulnerability linked to lack of Religious knowledge MUSLIM INITIATIVES TO TACKLE EXTREMISM: STREET Based in south London Managed & lead largely by converts Beyond the mosque strategy Grassroots insider organisation founded in 2006 Works with vulnerable Muslim constituencies
Stages of Development and vulnerability: vulnerability linked to lack of Religious knowledge MUSLIM INITIATIVES TO TACKLE EXTREMISM: STREET Based in south London Managed & lead largely by converts Beyond the mosque strategy Grassroots insider organisation founded in 2006 Works with vulnerable Muslim constituencies
Stages of Development and vulnerability: vulnerability linked to lack of Religious knowledge MUSLIM INITIATIVES TO TACKLE EXTREMISM: STREET Based in south London Managed & lead largely by converts Beyond the mosque strategy Grassroots insider organisation founded in 2006 Works with vulnerable Muslim constituencies
Stages of Development and vulnerability: vulnerability linked to lack of Religious knowledge MUSLIM INITIATIVES TO TACKLE EXTREMISM: STREET Based in south London Managed & lead largely by converts Beyond the mosque strategy Grassroots insider organisation founded in 2006 Works with vulnerable Muslim constituencies
Stages of Development and vulnerability: vulnerability linked to lack of Religious knowledge MUSLIM INITIATIVES TO TACKLE EXTREMISM: STREET Based in south London Managed & lead largely by converts Beyond the mosque strategy Grassroots insider organisation founded in 2006 Works with vulnerable Muslim constituencies
Stages of Development and vulnerability: vulnerability linked to lack of Religious knowledge MUSLIM INITIATIVES TO TACKLE EXTREMISM: STREET Based in south London Managed & lead largely by converts Beyond the mosque strategy Grassroots insider organisation founded in 2006 Works with vulnerable Muslim constituencies
Stages of Development and vulnerability: vulnerability linked to lack of Religious knowledge MUSLIM INITIATIVES TO TACKLE EXTREMISM: STREET Based in south London Managed & lead largely by converts Beyond the mosque strategy Grassroots insider organisation founded in 2006 Works with vulnerable Muslim constituencies
MUSLIM INITIATIVES TO TACKLE EXTREMISM: STREET Individuals with history of association with violence Young Muslims from challenging family backgrounds Individuals with substance abuse problems Converts to Islam- vulnerable due to their conversion Works with vulnerable Muslim constituencies: Muslim extremists who advocate the use of violence
MUSLIM INITIATIVES TO TACKLE EXTREMISM: STREET Individuals with history of association with violence Young Muslims from challenging family backgrounds Individuals with substance abuse problems Converts to Islam- vulnerable due to their conversion Works with vulnerable Muslim constituencies: Muslim extremists who advocate the use of violence
MUSLIM INITIATIVES TO TACKLE EXTREMISM: STREET Individuals with history of association with violence Young Muslims from challenging family backgrounds Individuals with substance abuse problems Converts to Islam- vulnerable due to their conversion Works with vulnerable Muslim constituencies: Muslim extremists who advocate the use of violence
MUSLIM INITIATIVES TO TACKLE EXTREMISM: STREET Individuals with history of association with violence Young Muslims from challenging family backgrounds Individuals with substance abuse problems Converts to Islam- vulnerable due to their conversion Works with vulnerable Muslim constituencies: Muslim extremists who advocate the use of violence
MUSLIM INITIATIVES TO TACKLE EXTREMISM: STREET Individuals with history of association with violence Young Muslims from challenging family backgrounds Individuals with substance abuse problems Converts to Islam- vulnerable due to their conversion Works with vulnerable Muslim constituencies: Muslim extremists who advocate the use of violence
MUSLIM INITIATIVES TO TACKLE EXTREMISM: STREET Individuals with history of association with violence Young Muslims from challenging family backgrounds Individuals with substance abuse problems Converts to Islam- vulnerable due to their conversion Works with vulnerable Muslim constituencies: Muslim extremists who advocate the use of violence
STREET OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME Work stream 4: Counter propaganda Videos, i.e. You Tube, Literature, Blogs, Forums Websites Work stream 3: Counselling Deconstruct Programme, Mentoring Services, YOS/YSS Social Services referrals, Training & Development Work stream 2: 24 Hour Youth Base Workstream 1: Sporting Activities Football, boxing and other sports
STREET OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME Work stream 4: Counter propaganda Videos, i.e. You Tube, Literature, Blogs, Forums Websites Work stream 3: Counselling Deconstruct Programme, Mentoring Services, YOS/YSS Social Services referrals, Training & Development Work stream 2: 24 Hour Youth Base Workstream 1: Sporting Activities Football, boxing and other sports
STREET OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME Work stream 4: Counter propaganda Videos, i.e. You Tube, Literature, Blogs, Forums Websites Work stream 3: Counselling Deconstruct Programme, Mentoring Services, YOS/YSS Social Services referrals, Training & Development Work stream 2: 24 Hour Youth Base Workstream 1: Sporting Activities Football, boxing and other sports
STREET OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME Work stream 4: Counter propaganda Videos, i.e. You Tube, Literature, Blogs, Forums Websites Work stream 3: Counselling Deconstruct Programme, Mentoring Services, YOS/YSS Social Services referrals, Training & Development Work stream 2: 24 Hour Youth Base Workstream 1: Sporting Activities Football, boxing and other sports
STREET OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME Work stream 4: Counter propaganda Videos, i.e. You Tube, Literature, Blogs, Forums Websites Work stream 3: Counselling Deconstruct Programme, Mentoring Services, YOS/YSS Social Services referrals, Training & Development Work stream 2: 24 Hour Youth Base Workstream 1: Sporting Activities Football, boxing and other sports
STREET OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME Work stream 4: Counter propaganda Videos, i.e. You Tube, Literature, Blogs, Forums Websites Work stream 3: Counselling Deconstruct Programme, Mentoring Services, YOS/YSS Social Services referrals, Training & Development Work stream 2: 24 Hour Youth Base Workstream 1: Sporting Activities Football, boxing and other sports
CONCLUSION Social & Theological factors have a reciprocal relationship Grassroots intervention is vital for vulnerable groups Religious knowledge is a challenge to radicalism Conversion process is complex
CONCLUSION Social & Theological factors have a reciprocal relationship Grassroots intervention is vital for vulnerable groups Religious knowledge is a challenge to radicalism Conversion process is complex
CONCLUSION Social & Theological factors have a reciprocal relationship Grassroots intervention is vital for vulnerable groups Religious knowledge is a challenge to radicalism Conversion process is complex
CONCLUSION Social & Theological factors have a reciprocal relationship Grassroots intervention is vital for vulnerable groups Religious knowledge is a challenge to radicalism Conversion process is complex
PRESENTATION CONCLUSION Contextualising Convert Muslim Extremism Muslim Radicalisation: The Social Context Muslim Radicalisation: The Theological Context Muslim Initiatives to Tackle Extremism: STREET Conclusion Introduction
PRESENTATION CONCLUSION Contextualising Convert Muslim Extremism Muslim Radicalisation: The Social Context Muslim Radicalisation: The Theological Context Muslim Initiatives to Tackle Extremism: STREET Conclusion Introduction
PRESENTATION CONCLUSION Contextualising Convert Muslim Extremism Muslim Radicalisation: The Social Context Muslim Radicalisation: The Theological Context Muslim Initiatives to Tackle Extremism: STREET Conclusion Introduction
PRESENTATION CONCLUSION Contextualising Convert Muslim Extremism Muslim Radicalisation: The Social Context Muslim Radicalisation: The Theological Context Muslim Initiatives to Tackle Extremism: STREET Conclusion Introduction
PRESENTATION CONCLUSION Contextualising Convert Muslim Extremism Muslim Radicalisation: The Social Context Muslim Radicalisation: The Theological Context Muslim Initiatives to Tackle Extremism: STREET Conclusion Introduction
PRESENTATION CONCLUSION Contextualising Convert Muslim Extremism Muslim Radicalisation: The Social Context Muslim Radicalisation: The Theological Context Muslim Initiatives to Tackle Extremism: STREET Conclusion Introduction