1. TACKLING EXTREMISM: A MUSLIM PERSPECTIVE TAALIB ALEXANDER Director, Alhambra Educational Initiative

2. In The Name of Allah The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy

3. PRESENTATION OVERVIEW Contextualising Convert Muslim Extremism Muslim Radicalisation: The Social Context Muslim Radicalisation: The Theological Context Muslim Initiatives to Tackle Extremism: STREET Conclusion Introduction

4. PRESENTATION OVERVIEW Contextualising Convert Muslim Extremism Muslim Radicalisation: The Social Context Muslim Radicalisation: The Theological Context Muslim Initiatives to Tackle Extremism: STREET Conclusion Introduction

5. PRESENTATION OVERVIEW Contextualising Convert Muslim Extremism Muslim Radicalisation: The Social Context Muslim Radicalisation: The Theological Context Muslim Initiatives to Tackle Extremism: STREET Conclusion Introduction

6. PRESENTATION OVERVIEW Contextualising Convert Muslim Extremism Muslim Radicalisation: The Social Context Muslim Radicalisation: The Theological Context Muslim Initiatives to Tackle Extremism: STREET Conclusion Introduction

7. PRESENTATION OVERVIEW Contextualising Convert Muslim Extremism Muslim Radicalisation: The Social Context Muslim Radicalisation: The Theological Context Muslim Initiatives to Tackle Extremism: STREET Conclusion Introduction

8. PRESENTATION OVERVIEW Contextualising Convert Muslim Extremism Muslim Radicalisation: The Social Context Muslim Radicalisation: The Theological Context Muslim Initiatives to Tackle Extremism: STREET Conclusion Introduction

9. INTRODUCTION

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. CONTEXTUALISING CONVERT MUSLIM EXTREMISM

15. CONTEXTUALISING CONVERT MUSLIM EXTREMISM Conversion is a dynamic process Understanding conversion is important What is the relationship between conversion & terror Converts are steadily increasing

16. CONTEXTUALISING CONVERT MUSLIM EXTREMISM Conversion is a dynamic process Understanding conversion is important What is the relationship between conversion & terror Converts are steadily increasing

17. CONTEXTUALISING CONVERT MUSLIM EXTREMISM Conversion is a dynamic process Understanding conversion is important What is the relationship between conversion & terror Converts are steadily increasing

18. CONTEXTUALISING CONVERT MUSLIM EXTREMISM Conversion is a dynamic process Understanding conversion is important What is the relationship between conversion & terror Converts are steadily increasing

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. MUSLIM RADICALISATION: THE SOCIAL CONTEXT

26. 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

27. 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

28. 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

29. 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

30. MUSLIM RADICALISATION: THE SOCIAL CONTEXT Race & Ethnicity Social Class Family

31. MUSLIM RADICALISATION: THE THEOLOGICAL CONTEXT

32. MUSLIM RADICALISATION: THE THEOLOGICAL CONTEXT Three stages of radicalisation Ideology presented as theology Initiated by particular ideologues Professor al-Ruhailis heuristic model:

33. MUSLIM RADICALISATION: THE THEOLOGICAL CONTEXT Three stages of radicalisation Ideology presented as theology Initiated by particular ideologues Professor al-Ruhailis heuristic model:

34. MUSLIM RADICALISATION: THE THEOLOGICAL CONTEXT Three stages of radicalisation Ideology presented as theology Initiated by particular ideologues Professor al-Ruhailis heuristic model:

35. MUSLIM RADICALISATION: THE THEOLOGICAL CONTEXT Three stages of radicalisation Ideology presented as theology Initiated by particular ideologues Professor al-Ruhailis heuristic model:

36. THREE STAGES OF RADICALISATION Renunciation (Takfeer) Terrorism (Tafjeer) Disaffection (Tanfeer)

37. 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

38. 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

39. 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

40. 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

41. 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

42. 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

43. 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

44. 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

45. 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

46. 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

47. 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

48. 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

49. 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

50. 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

51. MUSLIM RADICALISATION: THE THEOLOGICAL CONTEXT Social Factors Theological Factors

52. MUSLIM RADICALISATION: THE THEOLOGICAL CONTEXT Social Factors Theological Factors

53. MUSLIM RADICALISATION: THE THEOLOGICAL CONTEXT Social Factors Theological Factors

54. 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)

55. MUSLIM INITIATIVES TO TACKLE EXTREMISM: STREET

57. 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

58. 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

59. 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

60. 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

61. 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

62. 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

63. 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

64. 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

65. 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

66. 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

67. 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

68. 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

69. 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

70. 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

71. 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

72. 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

73. 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

74. 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

75. 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

76. 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

77. 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

78. 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

79. 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

80. PRESENTATION CONCLUSION Contextualising Convert Muslim Extremism Muslim Radicalisation: The Social Context Muslim Radicalisation: The Theological Context Muslim Initiatives to Tackle Extremism: STREET Conclusion Introduction

81. PRESENTATION CONCLUSION Contextualising Convert Muslim Extremism Muslim Radicalisation: The Social Context Muslim Radicalisation: The Theological Context Muslim Initiatives to Tackle Extremism: STREET Conclusion Introduction

82. PRESENTATION CONCLUSION Contextualising Convert Muslim Extremism Muslim Radicalisation: The Social Context Muslim Radicalisation: The Theological Context Muslim Initiatives to Tackle Extremism: STREET Conclusion Introduction

83. PRESENTATION CONCLUSION Contextualising Convert Muslim Extremism Muslim Radicalisation: The Social Context Muslim Radicalisation: The Theological Context Muslim Initiatives to Tackle Extremism: STREET Conclusion Introduction

84. PRESENTATION CONCLUSION Contextualising Convert Muslim Extremism Muslim Radicalisation: The Social Context Muslim Radicalisation: The Theological Context Muslim Initiatives to Tackle Extremism: STREET Conclusion Introduction

85. PRESENTATION CONCLUSION Contextualising Convert Muslim Extremism Muslim Radicalisation: The Social Context Muslim Radicalisation: The Theological Context Muslim Initiatives to Tackle Extremism: STREET Conclusion Introduction