Definition of extremism

Transcription

1 Definition of extremism Vocal or active opposition to fundamental British Values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual tolerance and respect of different faiths and beliefs

2 Table 2. 8 Reasons for joining a racist group ideology and politics Provocation and anger Protection from perceived and real enemies Drifting - individuals experiment to see what it is like to be in a racist group. Thrill seeking -- psychological need for excitement Violence, weapons and uniforms -- physical attraction to violence is developed. Search for substitute families esp those estranged from families; seeking a father figure. Search for friends and community looking for acceptance

3 Table 3. What prompted you to join radical groups? Radical alternative to traditional Islam of parents / 5 Tangible goals: Khilafa / 4 Challenging the West / 4 Disillusionment with moderate Islam / 3 Jama a & da wa obligations / 7 Openness of discussions / 1 Islamic activism/ unique / 6 Charismatic leaders/ uncompromising stances / 4

4 Table 4. Reasons for defecting Appeal of other groups / 3 World complex than radicals make out / 4 Rhetoric only/ contradictions and reality / 6 Media notoriety = Islam demonised / 6 Too time consuming / family impact / 3 Lack of balance & sound knowledge / intolerance / 4 Deviation from aims / methods / 3 Hizbiya / lack of unity / 3

5 Muslim groups and approaches to extremism

6 Group 1. Overly critical of Muslim inaction Why? What ought to be done? Orgs / individuals Not doing enough to tackle the problem Doubletalk / tuqya Not loyal citizens interests and concerns abroad Backward and scared No leadership Strongly and regularly condemn extremism Work with gov esp Prevent fully the only solution Reform / scrap Islamic concepts and practices Shari a, Hijab/Niqab, slaughter, etc. Impose gov approved syllabus for mosques Appoint gov approved Imams and teachers Ban foreign imams. Islamist organisations (incl moderates) are extreme and a conveyor belt for terrorism Muhammad Tahir al-qadri, Minhajul Qur an Quilliam Foundation Aspire Majid Nawaz Ed Hussain Cllr Khalid Mahmud Fiyaz Mughal, TelMama Usaamah Hassan

7 Group 2. Rejectionists / Anti-establishment / Indifferent Why? What ought to be done? Orgs / individuals Terrorism / extremism does not exist, or it s highly inflated Be firm in Islam and Islamic principles Reject terms extremism Cage (partly) HT Al-Muhajiroun Gov /Western plot to target Muslims Salafist groups Condemning Muslim terrorists is wrong; why not condemn others? Not engage with terms such as extremism -- don t fit Islamic framework Expose gov tactics attacking Islam Freedom to express so long as it not criminal Address structural forms of Islamophobia Exaggerate anti-muslim hysteria; promote us and them Foreign policy is a cause Gov waging war on Muslims (eg mass surveillance) leading to extremist reaction Address causes of extremism Change in the law to protect Muslims Reject Prevent Reject gov-led initiatives eg Prevent Extremist thoughts and ideas don t necessarily translate to violence

8 Group 3. Mainstream Why? What ought to be done? Orgs / individuals Recognise extremism and radicalisation exists Islamophobia is increasing Negative elements in the gov and media Muslim reaction could be better Not fall for the condemnation game Is there a need for Prevent since there are adequate laws already? Lack of education Foreign policy Address causes of extremism Empower Muslim communities / institutions Better gov engagement Give space Reject/review Prevent Education Better role of scholars Building community capacity Building bridges MCB East London Mosque Muslim Association of Britain Finsbury Park Mosque The Cordoba Foundation Mend (partly) Dr AnasAltikriti Imam Ajmal Masroor Imam Fadel Soliman

9 Categories not scientific but follow general trends in the community Based on observations of groups and their organisational stances/statements Issues and concerns overlap 3 rd group is broadly the strategy to effectively preventing extremism